LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Gov. Ramon V. Guico III assured that persons with disabilities (PWDs) get equal access to the provincial government’s programs and services.
Recognizing the challenges faced by PWDs, the provincial government undertook a comprehensive initiative to render programs and services that aimed not only to address their specific needs but also to empower and uplift their lives.
Some ten persons with disabilities (PWDs) from various towns and cities received wheelchairs and other assistive devices from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), such as quad canes, single-tip canes, and walkers, in January this year.
The identified beneficiaries were from the towns of Bani, San Fabian, Mangatarem, Sta. Maria, Lingayen,Bolinao, Alcala, and Urdaneta City.
Disability was never a hindrance to reaching their dreams or to their contribution as productive members of society.
In fact, Dave Peralta Soriano, who hails from the City of Alaminos and was born without arms and hands, was among those who won the Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2023.
“Super proud po ako na makasama sa international at makapunta sa ibang bansa, nag training po ako ng mabuti para makasali po,” Soriano said.
A total of 169 units of mobility assistive devices were given to PWDs in Pangasinan, while 73 prosthesis amounting to P3,285,000.00 were likewise awarded in partnership with the Kapampangan Development Cooperative, Inc., in 2023.
Apart from these, some 252 PWDs received financial assistance amounting to P849,000.00.
Moreover, the province, in partnership with Perdis Enterprises, conducted a hearing test for 60 people and conducted a wheelchair assessment in partnership with the Ilocos Training and Rehabilitation Medical Center in San Fernando, La Union.
All these underscore the province’s dedication to building a Pangasinan where opportunities are abundant and every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to the greater welfare of the community.
As of December 31, 2023, there were a total of 40,544 PWDs registered at the Philippine Registry of PWDs. (Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Kristine Joy V. Flores /PIMRO)
