The Marcos administration has guaranteed the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

During the 30th Apolinario Mabini Awards ceremony on Tuesday at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang Palace in Manila, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. urged the various government agencies to solve the current difficulties faced by the PWDs.

He underlined the importance of building "bridges of opportunity, empathy, and understanding" for people with disabilities with the goal of a "new Philippines that will leave no one behind.

In his speech, read by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Marcos stated that the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, our local government units, and all of their partner agencies must continue to strengthen programs and services that encourage people with disabilities to participate in nation-building.

He stated that the agencies will continue their varied advocacy efforts to combat prejudice and promote acceptance and empowerment of people with disabilities in order to remove stigma, discrimination, and exclusion.

He also urged the private sector to build inclusive workplaces that promote diversity and equality for people with disabilities and provide them with equitable employment opportunities.

The Apolinario Mabini Awards, established in 1974 by the Philippine Foundation for Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD), recognize people, groups, and agencies that have made remarkable contributions to PWDs.

The President praised the PFRD for advancing disability protection and rehabilitation initiatives, as well as for advocating for equitable opportunities for PWDs.

Marcos also praised the recipients for their commitment to advocating for PWDs and establishing a society in which disability is not viewed as an impediment.