About the Asia Pacific Regional Centre

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The Asia Pacific Regional Office is located in Bangkok, Thailand, within the Disabled Peoples' International Asia Pacific Region (DPI/AP) organization. The Asia Pacific regional partner, Disabled Peoples International / Asia-Pacific Region (DPI/AP), is a world cross-disability, self-help, human rights organizations of persons with disabilities established in 1981. Disabled People´s International Asia-Pacific Region has been playing an important role in the disability movement of Asia-Pacific Region. We have been promoting full-participation and equalization of opportunity of persons with disabilities by delivering "A voice of our own." We hold special consultative status for the United Nations and have collaborated with many other international agencies as well.  Regional Development Office was moved to Metropolitan Bangkok in 1999 to further promote disability movement in the Asia-Pacific Region. There are DRPI projects in the following countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Nepal, Philippines, and Thailand.

Currently the Asia Pacific Regional Office is focusing on planning the regional training which will take place in Thailand in 2011.

Meet the Regional Officer: Chona Sabo

Chona Sabo

We can only get those things for which we are willing to sacrifice. Nothing in this world is easy and there is no shortcut. I tend to search for the easy way, wishing I could hide myself in public to avoid the pain and save my heart from closing. But I always end up feeling empty and wondering. I am searching, longing for a complete change, an inclusive society where I can move and live freely. Then, I finally found what I was searching for - I became part of the disability movement.

I am Chona Magadan Sabo and am 23 years old. I was born on October 08, 1987 in Ubay, Bohol, but I grew up in Opol, Misamis Oriental in the Philippines. I was born with physical impairments (incomplete fingers and a right club foot). While I was growing, I could not hide from prejudices and exclusions. Criticisms are everywhere. Only tears can explain how hard all these are for me, but I never gave up. I pursued my studies despite the unreasonable treatment I received from society. I had a dream. I wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve it someday. I graduated from Opol Community College (OCC) last April 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education majoring in English. I also passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) last October 2009. After, I became an active member of our organization - Opol Differently Abled Persons (ODAP). Under the Non-Handicapping Environment Project of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and in cooperation with National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and our Local Government Unit of Opol in the Philippines, I learned that I can live a happy life if I stand for my rights. I became an active advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. I participated in access audits, raising awareness and campaigns reinforcing that people with disabilities are human, living and holding the same human rights as others.

Life is in favor of my journey. A blessing came this January when I was hired on as a Regional Officer for Disability Rights Promotion International-Asia Pacific (DRPI-AP) in collaboration with Disabled Peoples’ International-Asia Pacific (DPI/AP). Last February 07, 2011, I moved to Bangkok, Thailand to work for DRPI at the DPI/AP Regional Office and to serve as the focal point for countries within Asia Pacific. My current work involves planning and coordinating a Regional Disability Rights Monitoring Training, planning and supervising Country Monitoring Training Projects, seeking funding opportunities for disability rights monitoring activities in Asia pacific region and assisting local and national organizations of people with disabilities to apply for and secure funding to engage in disability rights monitoring. It also includes offering support to regional monitoring activities, developing and fostering partnerships between and among disability rights and human rights organizations within Asia Pacific region, as well as raising awareness of disability rights monitoring training activities taking place within our region.

Today, I am still working towards my dream of an inclusive society through Disability Rights Promotion International. The fight is not yet over, but I am confident now to fight with my head held high because I understand my Human Rights. It is my undisputed weapon and a true companion along my quest in fighting and promoting disability rights. “Making a special dream come true is only the beginning of success, dreaming new and greater dreams is the next step”.

Contact Information

Chona Sabo at DPI-AP

Address: 92 Phaholyothin 5 Road, Samsennai, Phayathai Bangkok 10400 THAILAND
Telephone: 66 (0)2 271-2123
Fax: 66 (0)2 271-2124
Email: chona_drpi@dpiap.org