FLORA, Apayao – “Naawanan namnama, depressed, hopeless.”
These were the words of Summer Lyn Ogalino, standing before her peers at the San Isidro Sur Gymnasium on March 31.
What was once a community celebration became something more personal as Summer, now a staff member of the Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in Flora, took the mic and laid it all bare.
A motor accident in 2014 left her immobile for over a year. “Through the help and encouragement of our pastor, everyday Bible study… iti ammuk nga maysa plano na ket agbalin nga maysa nga leader iti adda kapansanan na,” she said, reflecting on how she transformed from a forgotten name into one of the most visible advocates for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in her town. “Maysa pay, kayat ko nga ibaga kanyayu na nu man pay ada disability yu haan kayo maawanan iti namnama,” she added.
Nearby, Mildred Digma sat quietly, listening. A certified acupuncturist from Luna, her story did not begin with an accident but a reaction to medication that altered her life. “Cheer up tayo nu ibaga tayo nga PWD tayo,” she told the crowd. “Hindi in born, disgrasya and side effects ng gamot kung bakit ako naging PWD. Lahat ng nangyayari sa atin ay may reason. Imbes na magmukmok ako sa bahay, marami akong natulungan na sa pamamagitan ng acupuncture.”
These were just two of the voices at the 21st women with disabilities day, an event organized by the provincial government in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Provincial Health Office (PHO), and district hospitals. The activity reinforced that inclusion must be designed into the system and not treated as an afterthought.
Of the 103 PWDs who attended, 99 received PhP5,000 each under DSWD-SWAD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation.
Medical services were also rolled out such as eye checks, dental care, lab work, and consultations, all prioritized for PWDs. “Adda kami dituy nga mangipaay iti health services, dagituy nga services ket PWD priority,” said Dr. Mary Eliza Galleon of the Amma Jadsac District Hospital.
Meanwhile, the PHO and provincial office of the Department of Health facilitated an IEC session under the “Puro Kalusugan” banner, covering immunization and nutrition.
Moreover, Social Welfare and Development Team Leader Geraldine Toyoken offered a moment of reflection. “Uray nu PWDs kayo, it doesn’t mean nga awan iti batang tayo iti biyag,” she said. “I hope starting today, haan u nga kitkitaen ti bagi yu nga nababa.”
Before the event wrapped up, Provincial Disability Affairs Officer Gretchen Garcia urged PWDs not just to be recipients of services but also to become participants in planning. “Maki cooperate tayo iti planning tapnu matugunan dagijay kailangan yu,” she said. By Loremia Pareja
