Based on historical accounts the government’s concern for the disabled persons began as early as 1917 and the national concern for rehabilitation was manifested by non-government organizations as well. On January 16-20, 1978, the country hosted the Second International Conference on Legislation Concerning the Disabled organized by the Rehabilitation International’s national affiliate, the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation for Disabled Persons (PFRD). During the said conference, President Marcos signed P.D. No. 1509 creating the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons (NCCDP). NCCDP was tasked to prepare and adopt an integrated and comprehensive long-term National Rehabilitation Plan (NRP).

From the time of its inception in 1978, the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) served as the Commission’s Secretariat to assist the NCCDP Board in the implementation of its objectives and functions. This arrangement stayed in effect until P.D. 1509 was amended by P.D. 1761 on January 4, 1981.

With the success of the important work began during the International Year of Disabled Persons, the Decade of Disabled Persons (1981-1991) was proclaimed for nationwide observance on December 17, 1981 with NCCDP as lead agency.

Mission Organization and Staffing

At the apex of the NCCDP organizational structure is a Board of Commissioners presided by a Chairman. Pursuant to Sec. 5 of P.D. 1509, as amended by P.D. 1761, The “Board” shall be composed of the Chairman and the following as Members:

Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority
Minister of Health
Minister of Labor and Employment
Minister of Social Services and Development
Minister of National Defense
Minister of Education, Culture and SPORTS
The Presidential Assistant on Legal Affairs
President of the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Inc.
President of Veterans Federation of the Philippines