PWDs set White Cane Day musical competition

By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY --- The Philippine Chamber of Massage Industry of Visually Impaired Individuals, Incorporated and the Regional Federation of PWDs in Bicol Region, in collaboration with the city government’s Resource Center for the Blind and Persons with Disability Affairs Office raised the curtain here today for the Himig Tanglaw (Season 2), a musical competition for visually challenged individuals. The competition is anchored on Presidential Proclamation 688 which underscores the national government’s agenda on the inclusion of the PWD sector in the achievement of inclusive growth thru the implementation of various programs that will enable them to develop their skills and talents and help them to become more productive. Over 3.1 million Filipino PWDs in the country are expected to benefit from the presidential proclamation, which was signed by former President Benigno S. Aquino III on November 30, 2013. The measure declares the period of 2013-2022 as the Philippine Decade of “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities which is in support of the 3rd Asian-Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities. Christopher S. Molin, PDAO officer-in-charge, said that Himig Tanglaw Season 2 in Ilocos Region was already conducted last July 31, this year, in Calasiao, Pangasinan. The activity registered more than 500 visually impaired persons who have witnessed the performance of 26 contestants for solo category, 2 for musical band and 2 for choral group competition. “At the end of the contest, 3 regional finalists for solo category were named, 2 for musical band, and another 2 for choral group category. These finalists will vie for the regional finals along with other regional finalists from the Cordillera Autonomous Region and Regions I, II, and III,” he said. In this city, Himig Tanglaw Season 2 performers will come from the 6 provinces and 7 cities in the Bicol Region to vie in the aforementioned categories. It will be held at the Robinsons Place Naga today at 1:00 p.m.