CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Serving as a culminating activity to the observance of the 48th National Disability Rights Week, assistive devices were distributed by the Provincial Government of Pampanga at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here on July 31.
Themed “Rights First, Legislation Forward – Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development,” the celebration highlighted the province’s continuing efforts to promote equal opportunities, accessible services, and inclusive governance for PWDs.
Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda led the event alongside Department of Health Secretary Dr. Jose S. Pujalte Jr., Nanay Partylist Rep. Florabel C. Yatco, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Monina Josefina H. Romualdez, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital medical chief Dr. Monserrat S. Chichioco, members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, and other officials.
A major highlight of the event was the ceremonial awarding of 40 prosthetic limbs and food packs to beneficiaries under the Prostheses Program, a collaborative initiative of the Provincial Government of Pampanga, JBLMGH, and the Mediwalk Foundation. The recipients are part of the first batch of 100 qualified patients who received free prosthetic devices. The initiative aims to restore mobility, boost confidence, and provide beneficiaries with renewed hope for a better future. JBLMGH said the program also includes physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions conducted by the hospital’s licensed physical therapists. These sessions help beneficiaries adapt to their prosthetic limbs while also equipping their families with the knowledge and skills needed to support their recovery and rehabilitation.
“Sobra po akong na-o-overwhelm kasi ito po ang first time na makakatanggap po ako ng tulong. Malaki pong adjustment kasi nawawalan ka ng confidence sa sarili mo, anxiety, ngayon po ang laki pong pag-asa na naibibigay sa amin,” said Wilma Mascareñas, who received a P130,000-worth prosthetic limb through the program.
Twenty wheelchairs donated through the Nanay Partylist and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office were also distributed during the event. In addition, 2,067 PWD beneficiaries received P3,000 each under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program of the DSWD. The same beneficiaries also received half a sack of rice through the Rice Assistance Program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., implemented in partnership with the Provincial Government of Pampanga.
Apart from the distribution held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, a total of 3,099 PWDs in Pampanga’s 2nd District also received the same assistance during separate distribution activities conducted at the Lubao Gym and Sta. Rita Gym. “Umpisa pa lamang ito, noon ko pa pangarap iyan kasama ang Nanay Partylist. Sabi ko ito ay tuloy-tuloy. Nag-commit naman ang DSWD ng support, alam ko pati PhilHealth, DOH, marami tayong magagamit na pera para dito. Sabi ko ilan libo pa iyan, lahat ng walang paa at kamay papagawan natin ng paa at kamay at saka bibigyan natin sila ng livelihood para maka-move on sila at para meron silang pagkakakitaan sa pamilya nila,” Gov. Pineda said.
Beyond the distribution of assistance, the event served as a reminder that every person with disability deserves equal opportunities, dignity, and the chance to actively participate in community development. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Daniel Ombina
