New York City: The Philippines is advocating for stronger and more inclusive development investments for persons with disabilities (PWD) to fully realize their rights and dismantle societal barriers they encounter daily. This call to action was made by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna during the high-level segment of the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18-CRPD) at the United Nations (UN) headquarters.

According to Philippines News Agency, Fallarcuna emphasized that development must be inclusive, sustainable, and equitable, anchored in the full realization of the rights of PWD. She stated that the Philippines views inclusive development as essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In her speech, Fallarcuna highlighted the country's initiatives, such as aligning public financing with inclusive priorities, strengthening data systems for vulnerable sectors, and expanding access to assistive technologies and services.

She further stressed the need for global cooperation and partnerships that respect national contexts and prioritize the leadership of persons with disabilities. In addition to public financing, Fallarcuna noted that under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippine government continues to promote policies rooted in the CRPD. These policies focus on inclusive education, accessible health care, decent work, and social protection to enable PWD to lead fuller and more productive lives.

The COSP18-CRPD, which concludes on June 12, is organized by the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and girls, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities.