Extraordinary in ability, united by respect and inclusivity: Celebrating the NCDA Biennial Recognition Awards 2026

By Rhea B. Peñaflor

The NCDA Biennial Recognition Awards 2026 was more than a ceremony honoring outstanding persons with disabilities – it was a celebration of excellence, perseverance, leadership, and the inherent dignity of every individual. Organized by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) as part of its foundation anniversary celebration, the biennial awards recognize individuals, local government units, and institutions that have made exceptional contributions to advancing the rights, welfare, and participation of persons with disabilities in Philippine society. The Biennial Recognition Program was institutionalized to strengthen the recognition of disability champions and achievers across the country and is now held every two years in conjunction with the NCDA foundation anniversary.

This year’s awards highlighted remarkable Filipinos who have excelled in entrepreneurship, sports, youth leadership, and professional achievement, proving that disability is never a barrier to success. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that talent, determination, and purpose transcend physical limitations.

NCDA Biennial Recognition Awards 2026 winners

The following individuals were recognized as winners in their respective categories:

Entrepreneur with Disability
Darlito S. Palermo

Youth with Disability
Ymari Kristia C. Pascua

Athlete with Disability
Agustina M. Bantillo

Woman with Disability
Amie M. Dava

Their accomplishments exemplify resilience, excellence, and service, inspiring fellow Filipinos with disabilities to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.

Awardees and finalists

Alongside the winners, outstanding finalists were also recognized by the NCDA for their exceptional achievements and contributions.

Entrepreneur with Disability
• Naprey V. Almario
• James Bryan B. Camacho
• Darlito S. Palermo (Winner)

Youth with Disability
• Julian Job C. Castro
• Psyche Desiree Een E. Castillo
• Ymari Kristia C. Pascua (Winner)

Athlete with Disability
• Agustina M. Bantillo (Winner)
• Kim Daniel M. Barrion
• Andrea Estrella

Woman with Disability
• Jennifer S. Anacio
• Amie M. Dava (Winner)
• Rhea B. Penaflor

We are all winners

As one of the awardees recognized in the Woman with Disability category, I accepted the recognition with deep gratitude and humility. While each category identified a winner, the spirit of the awards transcended competition.

Every person recognized on that stage represented a journey marked by courage, perseverance, and unwavering determination. Every finalist had already overcome barriers, challenged stereotypes, and demonstrated that persons with disabilities can thrive as leaders, professionals, athletes, entrepreneurs, and agents of change.

In that sense, we are all winners.

The occasion was a celebration not only of individual achievements but also of the progress being made toward a more equitable and accessible Philippines — one where persons with disabilities are valued for their abilities, contributions, and aspirations.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s culture of respect

The recognition also shines a light on the values that enable persons with disabilities (PWDs) to flourish in the workplace and in society.

At Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the organization’s core values is Respect — treating all employees, partners, and customers with fairness, dignity, acceptance, and inclusivity while recognizing that diversity, including disability, enriches the organization and empowers everyone to contribute, belong, and succeed.

This culture of respect is championed from the top. As Cebuana Lhuillier employees, we are often reminded by our president and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier, that “Our diversity makes us stronger.” For me, those words carry special meaning. As a person with a disability and a recipient of this recognition, I have experienced how respect creates opportunities and enables people to thrive. Cebuana Lhuillier recognizes employees not for their limitations but for their potential, contributions, and commitment to excellence. This belief has empowered many of us to grow professionally, take on leadership roles, and make meaningful contributions to the organization and the communities we serve. Through a culture rooted in fairness, dignity, and respect, Cebuana Lhuillier affirms that every employee has value and that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed.

This commitment to respect is reflected in the company’s practice of providing meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities and fostering a workplace culture where people are valued for their capabilities and character. More than creating employment opportunities, Cebuana Lhuillier cultivates an environment where every employee is treated with dignity, given equitable opportunities to grow, and empowered to reach their full potential.

As an employee and awardee, I have personally witnessed how respect creates opportunities. Respect removes barriers. Respect opens doors. Respect recognizes that every individual deserves the chance to contribute and succeed, regardless of disability.

This culture aligns with the broader vision of the NCDA, which continues to champion the rights, participation, and welfare of persons with disabilities through policies, programs, and advocacy initiatives nationwide.

Advancing disability rights through recognition

The NCDA Biennial Recognition Awards demonstrate that recognition has a purpose beyond celebrating achievement. It raises awareness, inspires communities, and encourages institutions to become stronger partners in advancing disability rights and equal opportunities.

By honoring individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields, the NCDA reinforces an important message: Persons with disabilities are active contributors to national development. Their achievements deserve visibility, appreciation, and support.

As the ceremony concluded, one message stood above all others — that a truly progressive society is one that recognizes the worth of every individual and treats all people with dignity and respect.

The plaques and certificates may have gone to specific individuals, but the victory belongs to everyone who continues to break barriers, challenge limitations, and champion the rights of persons with disabilities.

For me, this recognition is not merely a personal milestone. It is a tribute to every person with a disability who perseveres despite obstacles, to every organization that chooses respect over prejudice, and to leaders who understand that human dignity is the foundation of progress.

At the NCDA Biennial Recognition Awards 2026, the winners were celebrated. But more importantly, respect was celebrated. And in a society where every person’s dignity is honored, we all emerge victorious.

Congratulations to the entire NCDA family on the successful conduct of the Biennial Recognition Awards Program, one of the highlights of the annual National Disability Rights Week, celebrated every July 17–23. Special recognition goes to the NCDA leadership, headed by Executive Director Glenda Relova, for spearheading this meaningful event that honors outstanding contributions to advancing the rights, welfare, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

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(The author is a Woman with Disability Awardee of the NCDA Biennial Recognition Awards 2026)