Greetings!

As a state party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Philippines expresses its support to the needs of children / persons with developmental delays and disabilities.

With the recent passage of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Act in the Philippines, we want to express our appreciation to the organizers of this event and share with their goal of creating awareness among health advocates and champions to promote inclusiveness of efforts aimed at addressing the general and disability-specific needs of children / persons with developmental disabilities.   This initiative is in line with the commitment of the global health community of “leaving no one behind” and “reaching the unreached”.

Moreover, the advocacy of this event is also consistent with the goals of the national programs of the Philippine Department of Health such as: 1) Health and Wellness Program for Persons with Disabilities and 2) Child Development, Injury and Disability Prevention Program for all children, including children with disabilities and their families to have full access to inclusive health and rehabilitation services.

The Philippines is striving to implement these programs through a whole-of-system, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach with emphasis on a people-centered delivery of health services.

Therefore, we look forward to collaborating with all of you in ensuring that the health of persons with disabilities will not be left behind.

Thank you.