By Manny Balbin/PNA
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — The provincial government of Bulacan on Monday gave an early Christmas treat to some 600 persons with disabilities (PWDs) here.
The move is also in line with the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disability.
Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado led the distribution of bags of groceries to PWDs at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in the city.
Alvarado said at present, there are 22,000 PWDs in Bulacan who are being monitored and empowered by the province through different programs tailored for them.
“Kinikilala namin ang inyong karapatang mabuhay ng may pantay na pagturing katulad ng pagturing sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan (We recognize your right to live with an equal treatment similar to the ordinary citizens),” he said.
The governor also said that there are some projects from which the PWDs can benefit that include assistive devices distribution, scholarship grants to them and to their children, and livelihood assistance.
During the event, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office conducted an orientation /forum on how to empower PWDs.
Likewise, Vice Governor Daniel R. Fernando recognized the importance of PWDs in the community as they serve as an inspiration to many.
“Kayo po ang patunay na hindi balakid ang karamdaman o kapansanan sa pagpanday ng maayos na kinabukasan at pag-abot sa mga pangarap. Kayo po ang sagisag ng lakas sa likod ng kahinaan, at ng pag-asa sa kabila ng matinding pagsubok. Nagpapasalamat kami sa inyo na sa kabila ng kapansanan ay patuloy na naglilingkod, namumuhay ng may dangal at nagsisilbing inspirasyon (You are the proof that sickness and impairment are not hindrance toward a better future and to reach dreams. You are the symbol of strength behind weakness and hope beyond tremendous trials. We thank you that despite the disability, you continue to serve, live with dignity and act as inspiration),” Fernando said.
The event also served as a venue to showcase the talents of the PWDs.
