CEBU CITY — The Philippine Accessible Disability Services (Pads) Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team will be among the honorees during the celebration of National Heroes Day here Monday.
Michael Braga of the Cultural and Historical Affairs Office (CHAO) said Friday the Cebu City government will confer this year’s Modern-Day Hero Award to the Pads Dragon Boat Team in a ceremony to be held at the Cebu City Hall.
The Pads team was chosen as this year’s recipient of the award based on the recommendation of the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission following the Cebuano dragon boat paddlers’ successful campaign in the 2018 China Construction Bank Hongkong International Dragon Boat Races last June 24.
Composed of physically-challenged paddlers, the Pads team defended its title by finishing the race in 1:33.9, seven seconds ahead of host Golden Eagle squad and 13 seconds earlier than the Top Brilliance team of Taiwan.
The Pads team is under the mentorship of pioneering Philippine Dragon Boat Team member Ailene Padrones and Christian Ian Sy.
Pads is a non-profit, non-governmental organization working to enable persons with disabilities (PWDs) to become independent, integrated, and empowered citizens of society.
Meanwhile, the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries will also conduct a “Pusang Pinoy Day” at Robinsons Galleria on Monday.
Various activities exclusive for cats have been lined up for the event, including free anti-rabies vaccination, deworming, consultation, photo contest, and a fashion show for felines.
The event, held in coordination with the Island Rescue Organization, also aims to encourage the public to stop neglecting stray cats. (Luel Galarpe/PNA)
