EN 
ES 
The activity facilitated a space for dialogue and exchange of ideas on topics of public interest, promoting participation and mutual understanding among the participants.
In an effort to promote participation and social inclusion and to highlight progress, challenges and budget allocations for people with disabilities, the General Directorate of Budget (DIGEPRES) and the National Disability Council (CONADIS) They held a Citizen Meeting aimed at organizations that address the issue in the country.
The meeting was led by Rafael Jovine, Director of Economic Studies and Financial Budget Monitoring; Benny Metz, President of the National Council for Disability (CONADIS); Alexis Alcántara, Executive Director of CONADIS; Patricia Castillo, Head of the Planning and Development Department; and Airon Fernández, Specialist in Economic Studies and Financial Budget Monitoring. Representatives from 53 non-profit organizations, such as the Circle of Women with Disabilities, also attended. (CIMUDIS)Cimientos Foundation (FUNDCI), Association of People with Physical Motor Disabilities, Inc., in addition, technical team and those in charge of Budget areas and divisions.
The welcoming remarks for the meeting were given by Patricia Castillo, who explained that the activity is the first of 2025, and the 59th in the series of Citizen Meetings that Digepres has been carrying out with the aim of bringing the public budget closer to the people.
“Citizen Meetings are spaces for dialogue between civil society and the General Directorate of Budget (DIGEPRES)They are carried out to promote social participation in the budget cycle.Castillo stated in his address.
For his part, Benny Metz, from CONADIS He commended Digepres' initiative while declaring the importance of a more inclusive budget to ensure that people with disabilities have access to all aspects of social and working life. He also emphasized the challenges that remain and the need to strengthen public policies, improve urban infrastructure, and raise public awareness of the issue. The director of CONADIS Alexis Alcántara shared the actions they have been developing in favor of people with disabilities and called for unity within the sector to work in a coordinated manner.
The content of the Citizen Meeting was presented by Rafael Jovine and Airon Fernández. Rafael Jovine explained that the 2025 Budget has been named “The People’s Budget,” emphasizing that the disability sector is a fundamental component of this policy. Jovine detailed the distribution of resources in priority areas such as education, health, social protection, security, transportation, and other essential services for the well-being of the population. He also highlighted the work that Digepres (the General Directorate of Budget and Public Finance) has been carrying out in the field with institutions and municipalities to optimize the budget and improve people's quality of life. Airon Fernández, in his presentation, highlighted the increase in the disability budget from 2019 to 2025, noting that the largest increase is reflected this year.
During the meeting, a question-and-answer session was held where participating non-profit organizations shared their opinions and suggestions, generating a constructive debate on the challenges and opportunities in the disability sector. The representatives agreed on the importance of continuing these dialogues to strengthen equity and social inclusion.
Digepres in favor of inclusion
DIGEPRES DIGEPRES has been promoting various initiatives to foster accessibility and inclusion. Among these actions, the implementation of accessibility tools on its institutional website stands out, aimed at improving the browsing experience for all users. In line with the policies of the Ministry of Labor, DIGEPRES has promoted workplace inclusion, recognizing the value of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Accessible communication materials have also been developed, incorporating sign language, reflecting DIGEPRES' commitment to a more inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
As part of its Strategic Plan, one of DIGEPRES's fundamental pillars is transparency, budget education, and social oversight, reaffirming its commitment to citizen participation and guaranteeing equitable access to public information. These actions demonstrate the institution's ongoing commitment to transparency and inclusion.
