The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through the Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service (DENR-SCIS), conducted a virtual art workshop for persons with disabilities (PWDs) on July 23, in observance of the 43rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu emphasized that “PWDs who use art as a medium of expression would have a more positive outlook while honing their skills in drawing to better appreciate the environment despite the pandemic.”

“The art workshop also serves as an eye-opener for the PWDs about the current state of our environment, and how they can contribute to protect the natural resources,” Cimatu added.

A total of 59 participants took part in the virtual art workshop, dubbed “Angels of Art: Colors of the Environment,” which was led by special education professor Ernyros Manlangit.

For his part, National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Emerito Roxas said children with a disability could “express their innermost thoughts and feelings through visual arts.”

“Art, therefore, may be a form of therapy that nurtures and develops their mind and body,” Roxas said in his welcome message.

The 43rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week is celebrated every July 17-23, 2021 pursuant to the Proclamation No. 1870 series of 1970 and as amended by Proclamation No. 361 and Administrative Order No. 35, both in 2002.

It is commemorated annually to enhance public awareness on issues and problems involving disability, thereby encouraging every citizen of the country to take active responsibility in uplifting the economic and social conditions of all PWDs in society.

The theme for this year is “Kalusugan at Kaunlaran ng Pilipinong May Kapansanan, Isulong sa Gitna ng Pandemya,” which focuses on the health and economic empowerment of PWDs during this time of the pandemic. ###