LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Province of Pangasinan was recently adjudged by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-1) as the “Most Disability-Inclusive Province” in the entire region.
Pangasinan bested La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte. The presentation of the award was one of the highlights of the National Disability Rights (NDR) Post-Celebration in Region 1 on August 22.
The award, according to Jennifer V. Garcia, Disability Officer IV of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), is a recognition accorded to the province for its “exceptional efforts in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully integrated into the community.”
“The DSWD Region 1 lauded Pangasinan for its leadership in setting a regional example in disability inclusivity and encouraging other provinces to adopt similar initiatives,” Garcia said.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III undertook a comprehensive initiative to render various programs and services that aimed not just to address the specific needs of PWDs but likewise to empower and uplift their lives.
As an assurance, Gov. Guico vowed to champion the cause of PWDs in the province by giving them equal access to government programs and services.
The provincial government, through the PSWDO led by Anabel Roque, has continuously implemented programs and projects that will redound to the benefit of the sector.
To reinforce the province’s dedication to empowering the sector, the Pangasinan Federation of PWD Incorporated was established, and the creation of 44 out of 47 local government units (LGUs) was facilitated by PSWDO PDAO.
Aside from the province, the main awardees in the regional search for the most disability-inclusive communities are as follows: Local Government Unit (LGU) of Asingan—Most Inclusive Municipality; LGU Alaminos City—Most Inclusive City; Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City—Most Inclusive Barangay. Runners-up, on the other hand, include LGU Mangatarem, 1st Runner-Up (Most Inclusive Municipality); Brgy. Poblacion Malasiqui, Pangasinan-1st Runner Up (Most Inclusive Barangay); Brgy. Tangcarang, Alaminos City, 2nd Runner Up (Most Inclusive Barangay). In the PWD Got Talent competition, Christian Joel Duenas from Zone 6 Campo, Bayambang Town, was adjudged the 2nd runner-up.
Based on the record, there are about 58,813 individuals with disabilities in Pangasinan.
(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
