On the National Day of Persons with Disabilities,
announced on Wednesday that next year's budget for the "Contigo" social program will be increased, with the aim of incorporating 100,000 more persons with disabilities.
The announcement was made during the "Unlimited Talent: Recognition of Leadership and Achievement" ceremony, where the President honored persons with disabilities for their leadership, talent, and contributions to society.
The Head of State was accompanied by Cabinet Chief Luis Galarreta, Ministers Maria Seminario (Women and Vulnerable Populations), Guillermo Shinno (Energy and Mines), and National Council for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (CONADIS) Chairwoman Olga Villalobos.
"The Minister of Women, Ms. Seminario, has asked me to announce that coordination has taken place with the Minister of Economy and Finance to increase next year's budget," Fujimori said.
"This will allow the Contigo benefit to be provided to 100,000 more people," she added.
The top official paid tribute to the families of persons with disabilities for their role in supporting personal growth, noting that their support has been essential to achieving their accomplishments.
"Today, I want to pay tribute to your families, whose love and affection have helped and guided you to improve yourselves every day," she said, reaffirming the Peruvian State's commitment to building a more inclusive country.
The President highlighted that the life stories of the honorees embody values such as perseverance, effort, and tenacity.
Likewise, she stated that the recognition celebrates not only individual achievements but also their contributions to society and the path they pave for others.
Inclusive educational materials
The President said that this morning, during the distribution of educational materials for 2027, she had the opportunity to inspect the Braille materials aimed at students with disabilities.
"Early this morning, I had the opportunity to see the educational materials produced in Braille," Fujimori recalled.
"Together with the Minister of Education, we were already sending out all the school textbooks before the rains associated with El Niño begin, along with other resources that will help improve the quality of education for children and adolescents with disabilities," she indicated.
In this regard, the top official stressed that the Peruvian State must continue working to ensure better living conditions and inclusive education.
Removing barriers and expanding opportunities
The President emphasized that disability does not determine a person's potential or future.
She added that the main challenge is to remove the obstacles that limit their full participation in society.
"You are proof that disability does not define a person or determine how far they can go. What we must change are the barriers that still prevent true equality and ensure equal opportunities," Fujimori stated.
On the National Day of Persons with Disabilities, the top official expressed her appreciation for the honorees' contributions to the country.
"I extend my most sincere recognition and congratulations to you," Fujimori said.
Commitment to inclusion
In turn, Prime Minister Luis Galarreta stressed the importance of building a more inclusive society.
The Cabinet chief said a nation's development cannot be measured solely by economic indicators, but also by how it treats its most vulnerable populations.
The high-ranking official highlighted the life stories of persons with disabilities as he stressed that disability does not define a person or limit their development.
"Disability does not have to influence who you are as a person. It is a characteristic that adds to your personality," Galarreta indicated.
In this context, he mentioned an episode from his adolescence to underscore the importance of perseverance.
Galarreta recalled that, at age 15, he insisted on completing military service despite attempts to exempt him because of his disability.
"I refused to be exempted from military service because I wanted to serve," he said, encouraging persons with disabilities not to give up in the face of difficulties and to continue facing every challenge with determination.
Likewise, Galarreta underscored that the State is responsible for creating the necessary conditions for every citizen to fully develop their abilities.
"The Government and the authorities, under the mandate entrusted to us by President Keiko Fujimori through our Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations, Maria Seminario, must create alternatives, because just as each of us has a disability, each of us also has significant potential," he stated.
In this regard, the Prime Minister emphasized that public policy should focus on removing barriers that limit the participation of persons with disabilities in society.
"What is needed is not merely a handout from the State, because that is not the vision of President Keiko Fujimori's Government, but rather the removal of barriers and the creation of opportunities," Galarreta explained.
"We are going to make this Government a turning point. I hope everyone will be able to see the difference along the way, because it is not just about opening up quotas; it is about ensuring equal opportunities and, above all, including people," he emphasized.
More opportunities
Women and Vulnerable Populations Minister Maria Seminario stressed the importance of ensuring opportunities, promoting independence, and strengthening the participation of persons with disabilities in building the nation.
During the ceremony, the Cabinet member noted the importance of making the contributions of persons with disabilities visible and recognizing their role in Peru's development.
"This home, which represents all Peruvians, must also be a place where the voices of persons with disabilities are heard. These voices have much to say about the country we are and, above all, the country we can become," Seminario stated.
"Today, we celebrate their talent, work, leadership, and contributions to our society," she added.
Moreover, the Minister reaffirmed her sector's commitment to addressing cases of violence affecting children and adolescents.
Publicado: 14/10/2026