BAGUIO CITY – Disability is not a distraction to a real hard working father. Father knows best. They are our hero that we look up to. A bread winner who provides our wants and needs.
Jerry Lingaling is a resident of Purok 11 Phase 2. Born in Sagpat, Kibungan, Benguet, he is the fifth among seven children and finished Grade 1 at Sagpat Kibungan Elementary School with the help of his father and older brothers.
Life was difficult because of his disability. Jerry Lingaling aquired poliomyelitis which made it difficult to have a normal school experience such that there were times he had to crawl a kilometer just to get to school.
At the age of nine, he dreamed of becoming a priest. When he became older Jerry realized that nothing is imposible when it comes to ambition.
For the past two years, Jerry attended skills training on chroming, waste management and jade stone which he now imparts to other persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Furthermore, he helped other associations and organizations by making proposals. He made a proposal for a metal bender for a certain cooperative from the Department of Labor and Employment and a cargo truck from foreign sponsors.
Jerry was also invited as a resource speaker for PWD Sensitivity and Accessibility Module during a training of trainers. He too attended a Gender Sensitivity Training.
He is also advocated for the ramps of PWD’s in Baguio City.
At present, he is a board of director and vice chairman of FARAD Multi-Purpose Cooperative and at the same time, he continues working as a watch repairman for additional income. With him are his younger brother and niece whom he also sends to school.
Despite his situation, Jerry is able to send his children to school and provide their basic needs. Jerry Lingaling continuously guides his children to grow with good values with the help of his wife who is also a PWD. His daughter Angel became an advocate for peace and unity in her school.
All these have shown that Jerry Lingaling is a good role model and an inspiration not only to his children but also to other people. Lingaling is competent in improving his life, that of his family, and other people.
By Mico Bendo
