LAOAG CITY - In line with the 38th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week, the Laoag City Social Welfare and Development Office conducted a skills training activity in making handicraft products for students with disabilities, specifically deaf and mute students last Monday.

The students actively participated with the hands-on activity. They were taught how to make handicraft wall and center piece decors using indigenous and recycled materials.

Aside from being able to showcase their artistry, organizers said that such activity was a good avenue for the participants in preparing themselves to become more productive in the future, especially when they want to enter the handicraft business.

Part of the weeklong celebration, the search for Mister and Miss Batang May K or Kapansanan 2016 was also conducted. More than 20 physically and mentally challenged children amazingly showcased their various talents, such as singing, dancing, and painting.

Initiated by A.P Santos Elementary School-SPED Center, in collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the search for Mister and Miss Batang May K aimed to inspire and prove to others that even they have disabilities, they can excel and can do what other physically- and mentally-abled people can do, if not better.

With the theme "Karapatan ng may kapansanan, isakatuparan...now na!", this year's NDPR week celebration focuses on the realization of the fundamental freedom and rights of persons with disabilities as provided in existing international mandates and national laws.