Bulacan highlights inclusivity with “Basta Bulakenyo Kahit May ‘K’ OK!” celebration

VOICES OF INCLUSION. The winners of the National Disability Rights Week Singing Contest including (bottom row, from left) 1st Runner-Up Nestor Rellama of the Municipality of Bustos, Grand Winner Angela Marie Cabela of the Municipality of Balagtas, and 2nd Runner-Up Marck Jocel Tolo of the City of San Jose del Monte during the “Basta Bulakenyo Kahit May ‘K’ OK!” held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan on July 22. Also in the photo are (back row, from left) Persons with Disability Affairs Office staff and judge Cristina Alvarado, Personal Collection Manager and judge Mary Grace Laude, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Department Head Rowena J. Tiongson, San Rafael Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office Disability Affairs Officer I Lavinia G. Sto. Tomas, and PWD Provincial President Arturo Mendoza.

CITY OF MALOLOS – In line with the celebration of the National Disability Rights Week 2026, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Bulacan conducted “Basta Bulakenyo Kahit May ‘K’ OK!” on July 22 at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium.

Anchored on this year’s theme “Rights First, Legislation Forward – Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development”, the activity brought together Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from various cities and municipalities across the province for a day of recognition, empowerment, and talent showcase.

Among the highlights of the celebration was a singing competition featuring 20 participants representing their respective local government units. Three contestants were recognized for their outstanding performances and received cash prizes and commemorative sashes.

Marck Jocel Tolo of the City of San Jose del Monte was named Second Runner-up and received Php 2,000, Nestor Rellama of the Municipality of Bustos was awarded First Runner-up and received Php 3,000, while Angela Marie Cabela of the Municipality of Balagtas emerged as the Grand Winner, taking home a cash prize of Php 5,000.

This reaffirms the Provincial Government of Bulacan’s commitment to promoting the rights, welfare, and inclusion of PWDs in the province.

Meanwhile, Governor Daniel R. Fernando emphasized that Bulacan remains committed to building an inclusive province where no one is left behind and there is no room for discrimination.

“Hindi lang po ito basta selebrasyon, ito po ay paalala na ang bawat tao ay may pantay pantay na Karapatan at pantay na pagkakataong mabuhay na ginagagalang, may pag-asa at walang diskriminasyon. Patuloy nating palalakasin ang mga programang nagbibigay ng oportunidad at nagtataguyod ng kanilang kapakanan upang makabuo tayo ng isang lipunang tunay na inklusibo, patas, at may malasakit para sa lahat,” Fernando said.