Dubai, UAE – August 4, 2024: The Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) in Dubai, a nonprofit, nonreligious, and nonpartisan civic organization licensed by the Community Development Authority (CDA) of the Dubai Government, proudly hosted its inaugural Filipino People of Determination (POD) Day today. This significant event brought together members of the Filipino community with special needs, particularly neurodivergent children from the AUsome Family Journey (AFJ) and members of the Dubai Filipino Deaf Society.

 

The afternoon was a celebration of resilience and community spirit, featuring inspiring messages, heartfelt gift-giving, and moving presentations from the POD participants. Their performances and stories touched the hearts of all attendees, highlighting the extraordinary talents and abilities within the Filipino community.

 

FilSoc President Ericson Reyes shared, “Today marks just the beginning of many more inclusive social events. We are committed to creating a community where every member, regardless of their abilities, feels valued and celebrated.”

 

The event was also graced by the presence of Consul General Marford Angeles and Vice Consul Jim Jimeno of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; including other Filipino Community Leaders, whose support and encouragement underscored the significance of this event.

 

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the global population experience a significant disability. Besides having equal opportunities for health care access to people of determination, empowerment, and inclusion is also a priority for them in the society.

 

“This special day also provided an opportunity for FilSoc to express its gratitude to the Dubai government for granting us the license that made it possible for our club to reach out and embrace our POD members. This support has been instrumental in enabling us to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all Filipinos in Dubai.” President Reyes added.

 

The UAE government has been at the forefront of championing the rights and inclusion of People of Determination (PODs) through comprehensive legislation and initiatives. Their commitment to creating an inclusive society is evident in their policies that ensure PODs have access to quality education, tailored rehabilitation programs, equitable job opportunities across all sectors, and comprehensive healthcare and social services. These efforts have significantly enhanced the quality of life for PODs in the country, where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the community.

 

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone from the Filipino Community – our volunteers’ commitment and our sponsors’ contributions which made today truly memorable for our POD community. Together, we have set a foundation for many more inclusive and inspiring events in the future.” Said Mr. Christian Belleza, FilSoc Secretary and Head Organizer of the POD Day.

 

“FilSoc is dedicated to continuing our mission of inclusivity and support. And we would like to invite everyone to join us in future events and initiatives as we work to build a stronger, and a more united Filipino community.”, Mr. Belleza stated.

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