TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The City Special Concerns and Coordinating Office gave away five new and customized wheelchairs to identified persons with disabilities who are suffering from orthopedic disability.
Milagros Gonzalo, a resident of barangay San Juan and 73-year-old stroke victim, who suffered a stroke on March 26, 2024, lost her movement and is now confined to a wheelchair, was the first recipient.
Mateo Sicuat, a Senior citizen from barangay Calanan aged 74, had his right leg amputated fifteen years ago due to a diabetic condition. Despite having prosthetics, he decided to take it off last year because of balance and gait problems. He now requires constant assistance due to his frequent falls and dependence on his wheelchair.
Barangay Bantay resident, Perfecto Paulino, 98 years of age received a brand-new wheelchair today. Born on February 26, 1926, he is now unable to walk and requires assistance from his son, a PWD himself with an orthopedic handicap.
The 51-year-old Jerry Lingbawan, a former jeepney driver, also lost his mobility after sustaining a spinal cord injury when he was twenty years old, and that, according to him, is when his suffering began. After being in and out of the hospital, he had surgery in 2016, but the procedure’s failed attempts left him paralyzed from the waist down. As a result, he will need to live the rest of his life in a wheelchair that was custom-made for him.
The final recipient of the wheelchairs distributed today is a resident of Brgy Lucog, Petronilia Lambinisio, 74 years of age. She stated in the interview that she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, which was made worse by problems with her spinal cord, completely impairing her movement. Lambinisio, who was born on June 29, 1949, requires ongoing assistance. She expressed her happiness at having the new wheelchair.
Glen Wansi, the City Special Concerns and Coordinating Officer, was present during the wheelchair distribution and stated that the city government’s initiative to provide PWDs with new wheelchairs will allow them to operate normally and perform everyday activities with the least amount of limitation.
He stated that there is, albeit a small, fund available for the acquisition of these assistive devices.
He reminded PWDs that in order to be considered for inclusion in the upcoming distribution cycle, his office needs a letter from the supposed beneficiaries themselves stating their special needs i.e. if they have lost mobility due to an illness, injury, or accident.
According to Marydhel Lattot, Social Welfare Officer IV, the city government is making every effort to improve the welfare of PWDs and ensure that no one is left behind. By Darwin S. Serion
