Persons with disabilities now enjoy a friendlier and more welcoming environment in many workplaces in the country, according to the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Atty. Walter Jason Alava, NCDA spokesperson and concurrent regional programs coordinator, on Sunday said the improving attitude toward inclusivity is a promising indication that long-standing barriers against the sector are gradually easing across society.

“With respect to the Philippine setting, as of the moment there are changes already with respect to discrimination, parang nagle-lessen na siya. Ang important na factor doon is nakikita na [ang mga persons with disabilities] every day,” Alava said. (“With respect to the Philippine setting, at the moment there are already changes with respect to discrimination, which seems to be lessening. The important factor is that persons with disabilities are now being seen every day.”)

He added that the DSWD and NCDA will be holding an activity in celebration of the sector on Wednesday (03 December) in observance of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The annual celebration reaffirms the government’s commitment to strengthening disability rights and promoting equal opportunities for all Filipinos, especially those who continue to face discrimination, mobility gaps, or limited access to employment.

“It is an international day to celebrate persons with disabilities, every December 3. It is a reaffirmation of the Philippines na kasali tayo sa convention. Nagbibigay tayo ng respeto sa Magna Carta of persons with disabilities as accorded by Republic Act 7277,” the NCDA spokesperson said. (“It is an international day to celebrate persons with disabilities every December 3. It is a reaffirmation that the Philippines is part of the convention. We give respect to the Magna Carta of persons with disabilities as accorded by Republic Act 7277.”)

In recent years, many companies across the Philippines have taken significant steps to create more accessible, respectful, and welcoming work environments for persons with disabilities.

The shift, according to Alava, is supported by increased advocacy efforts, stronger implementation of national disability laws, and growing visibility of professional persons with disabilities in various fields.

Many organizations, such as the Project Inclusion Network (PIN), also observe the importance of persons with disabilities in the workplace, he noted.

Kevin Hombrebueno, public sector partnership associate of PIN, pointed out that inclusive workplaces uplift employees with disabilities, strengthen empathy, and improve overall work culture and productivity.

“May change of atmosphere sa workplace. Not because of charity, but because nababago yung pagtingin nila. Tumataas yung dignidad nung mga persons with disabilities na may kakayahan. May disability pala ito pero they can do so much more,” Hombrebueno said. (“There is a change in the atmosphere in the workplace. Not because of charity, but because perspectives are changing. The dignity of persons with disabilities who have capabilities is rising. They may have a disability, but they can do so much more.”)

As part of the IPDP observance, the DSWD, the NCDA, PIN, and the Philippine Business & Disabilities Network (PBDN) will lead the Philippine Disability Expo 2025 from 02 to 04 December at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Now on its second year, the national expo will serve as a comprehensive platform for information, services, and opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The three-day expo will feature learning sessions on disability rights, government services such as employment facilitation, and private sector initiatives promoting an inclusive society. It will also include a film showing of “Firefly” with audio captioning for individuals with visual impairments. The film showcases accessibility initiatives such as ramps, mobility support, and other devices.

Representatives from national government agencies, non-profit groups, educational institutions, and businesses will likewise join the expo.

The DSWD encourages the public to join the Philippine Disability Expo 2025, take part in the IPDP observance, and continue supporting the advocacy for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.