TABUK CITY, Kalinga – In honor of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), which was observed today in the city gymnasium, local authorities have pledged to continue meeting PWDs’ developmental needs.
Acting City Vice Mayor Lucrentina Sarol, the primary author of the ordinance providing registered PWDs with a quarterly social pension, stressed in a message that programs and services must be strengthened and expedited because PWDs have historically been marginalized and are frequently among those left behind.
Sarol encourages parents of children with special needs to support their children’s growth by helping them identify their abilities and develop self-confidence, in addition to the extra social support she plans to offer at the council.
Oliver Mendoza, the representative of acting City Mayor Dick Bal-o, emphasized the need for an extensive social assistance program for PWDs, one of the most disadvantaged groups in society.
“PWDs need love, care, attention, so they could live happier and more meaningful life in spite of their limitations. Parents should understand their situation, and extend their patience and tolerance,” he said.
Esteban Bangayan, a PWD participant from Brgy. San Julian, bought along his 13-year-old grandson Robert who is suffering from cerebral palsy to give him the opportunity to interact with others who share his condition.
The event, which brought PWDs together, was hosted by the City Special Concerns and Coordinating Office, and participants enjoyed games, dancing, and lantern-making.
The theme for this year’s occasion is “United in action to rescue and achieve Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by Persons with Disabilities”. By Darwin S. Serion