It’s another feather in the province’s cap under the stewardship of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III as two Pangasinense Youth With Disabilities (YWD) finally captured the GOOD AWARD (2nd Place) in the Global IT Challenge (GITC) held in Dubai, UAE, on October 24-29, 2023.
Dave P. Soriano and Mark John Reynoso bagged the Good Award (2nd Place) for e-Content/Video Making (Group Category) and e-Smart Car (Group Category), respectively.
This great feat was commended by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, in its regular session held on October 6 at the SP Hall.
The two became members of the Philippine Team for the GITC competition in Abu Dhabi,UAE, and bested the other 481 participants, representing 18 countries from Asia and the Pacific.
It was a big day for the entire Philippine Team and especially for Pangasinan since Soriano and Reynoso were both products of the first-ever Pangasinan IT Challenge held last June 21.
The program is in line with the governor’s vision and was initiated by PDAO Head Jennifer V. Garcia under the supervision of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Annabel Terrado Roque .
This aimed to bridge the gap in the digital divide and enhance the information and communication technology capabilities of young individuals with disabilities.
Prior to the GITC, Soriano and Reynoso competed against 30 YWDs representing 16 LGUs and passed the 2023 National IT Challenge qualifying rounds held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila on June 26 and 27.
Soriano, whose both arms are underdeveloped,hails from the City of Alaminos and is a Grade 12 student at the Alaminos City National High School (ACNHS).
Meanwhile, Reynoso, whose left foot is amputated, comes from the town of Bayambang and is also a Grade 12 major in ICT student at the Bayambang National High School (BNHS).
Their physical disabilities, however, didn’t hinder them from reaching their dreams.
Soriano and Reynoso were accompanied by PSWDO Head Annabel T. Roque and PESO Head Richelle Raguindin, along with their coaches Rafael Carungay (BNHS Teacher), Danny Cabusao (ACNHS Teacher) and Jodel Villasenor, PDAO Head, CSWDO Alaminos City.
(Chona C. Bugayong / Pangasinan PIMRO)
