The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) joined the commemoration of the National Disability Rights Week (NDRW) by hosting the Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble—a group of artists including persons with disabilities (PWDs), recognized as UNESCO Artists for Peace, led by their founder Cecile Guidote-Alvarez—during its flag-raising ceremony on July 21, 2025, at the DBM Boncodin Hall.
DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, with the Department’s senior officials, personally welcomed the Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble, who rendered performances honoring and advocating for PWDs, including songs such as “Don’t Laugh at Me,” “God Loves the Outcast,” and “Child of God,” where they called for an end to the discrimination and hate faced by PWDs. They also performed a salute to Apolinario Mabini, a PWD who became a Filipino hero.
With the theme “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,” #NDRWeek2025 urges everyone to find innovative ways to make our communities more inclusive, in line with Proclamation No. 597, s. 2024.
The Earthsavers Development, Rehabilitation, and Environmental education through Arts, Media, and Science (DREAMS) Ensemble is composed of artists, educators, and civic leaders who use performing arts to advocate for the disabled and call to end violence and war.
Secretary Pangandaman hopes to inspire other agencies to join in the promotion of NDRW and help empower PWDs: “Let us empower our PWDs. We rise by lifting others.”
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