Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) as provided for under Executive Order No. 123 and attached to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. The State’s paramount concern for the welfare of the disabled persons as embodied in several provisions of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines is hereby affirmed. SECTION 3. Objectives of the Council. The National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons hereinafter referred to as the “Council” shall have the following objectives: 1. To develop an integrated and comprehensive long-term National Plan for the prevention of disabilities, rehabilitation, full participation and equalization of opportunities of disabled persons. 3. To provide and maintain necessary steps to ensure the rights and benefits of disabled persons at all levels to achieve fuller participation and equalization of opportunities. 4. To advocate new policies and legislations or amendments relating to disability prevention, rehabilitation, full participation and equaliation of opportunities. 5. To act as a consultative forum, advisory and coordinating body to rationalize the functions and activities of agencies involved in disability prevention, rehabilitation, full participation and equalization of opportunities of disabled persons. 6. To establish, maintain and expand contact with national and international organizations concerned with persons with disabilities, and to keep abreast with international standards and the latest developments in disability prevention, rehabilitation and equalization of opportunities. 7. To raise the level of public awareness on disability provention, rehabilitation, full participation and equalization of opportunities of disabled persons through systematic information program. 8. To develop and maintain a data banking and referral system on disability prevention, rehabilitation, full participation and equalization of opportunities. SECTION 4. Powers and Functions of the Council. The Council shall have the following powers and functions: 1. Formulate policies on disability prevention and rehabilitation for the welfare of disabled persons. 2. Formulate research and development policies on health, education, labor and social welfare of disabled persons. 3. Undertake continuing researches and related studies on various topics pertaining to disability prevention, rehabilitation and equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities. 4. Formulate integrated and comprehensive long and medium term national plans on the welfare of disabled persons. 5. Establish and maintain linkages and networking with local and international organizations, including organizations of and for disabled persons. 6. Conduct program evaluation and monitoring, consultative meetings and symposia on issues related to disability prevention and rehabilitation.

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