Tokyo PE Promotes Welfare of Persons with Disabilities through 2020 Japan Barrier Free

From: https://tokyo.philembassy.net/
Photo Credits: Mr. Bengt Yamada

Photo Caption: Ambassador Jose C. Laurel, DCM Robespierre L. Bolivar and Embassy staff and officials join Ms. Reina Kondo, her parents, Mr. Yamada and representatives from Altech Co.

The Philippine Embassy co-organized a briefing on the 2020 Japan Barrier Free Project last 4February 2020 which aimed at raising awareness in creating a more inclusive society for personswith disabilities. The project, with the support of Japan’s Cabinet Office and Agency for CulturalAffairs, was launched in the lead up to the 2020 Paralympic Games in September 2020.

During the briefing and interview, Ambassador Laurel shared how it is crucial for persons withdisabilities to have access to social services and economic opportunities, and more importantlyto be able to live normal and meaningful lives with full integration in society. Ambassador Laurel also shared the efforts being undertaken by the Philippine government to promote the rights andwelfare of persons with disabilities in the Philippines.

After a brief video message by Mr. Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, theaudience was inspired by the heartwarming story of Ms. Rena Kondo, a 20-year old who issuffering from cerebritis contracted while she was a baby. The love and determination of herparents for her to experience life to its fullest touched those in attendance, especially in theiradvocacy to create a more inclusive society not only for their child but also for others who aresimilarly-situated.

A barrier free-friendly company, Altech Co., also gave abriefing on its efforts to promote the welfare of persons with disabilities through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives inline with its efforts to contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). Altech Co. also plans to further its partnerships in the Philippines.The 2020 Japan Barrier Free Project was initiated by Mr. Bengt Yamada, President of Body andBrain Ltd., to promote barrier-free concept through visits by 150 disabled children to variousembassies and prefectures all over Japan. A movie and book will be produced and published asculmination to the project.