The Philippine Embassy in Laos, led by Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Rapunzel A. Acop, visited the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Center (LDWDC) on 23 July 2021 in observance of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, which takes place on the third week of July each year and which culminates on July 23 in honor of Apolinario Mabini.

During the visit, a baci ceremony was held to welcome CDA Acop and Attaché Rey Mark Galiza, both of whom recently arrived in Laos. A baci ceremony, also known as su kwan (“calling of soul”), is a well-wishing ritual that is held to commemorate important events, such as birth and marriage, as well as to welcome guests.

The LDWDC was established in 1990 with the aim of advocating the rights, recognition, and equal opportunity of women with disabilities. The Center partners with the Lao government, embassies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to achieve its goal of providing vocational and life skills training. As of July 2021, the Center has 60 trainees and staff, with Madame Chanhpheng Sivila serving as its Director.