LGU, Church strengthen ties to help PWDs

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The provincial government of Bataan and the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (LDS) continue to strengthen ties to further help the persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the province.

In a meeting here on Tuesday, Bataan Governor Albert Garcia and LDS Charities Executive Director Steve Peterson agreed to forge stronger ties in assisting (PWDs). The governor is the chairman of the Provincial Council on Disability Affairs (PCDA). Peterson is in charge of the LDS program aiming to help the handicapped worldwide.

In a video presentation, PCDA showed to LDS contingent its accomplishments in reaching out to thousands of PWDs though providing mobility and assistive of devices, skills trainings, enhancement of employment opportunities, and improvement of the physical environment.

Last week, the LDS in Balanga City donated mobility and assistive devices to handicapped local folks here. Distributed devices included crutches, wheelchairs, quad canes, and walkers.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Head Marilyn Tigas said the stronger tie between the provincial government and LDS is a boost to the genuine initiative of the province to turn the PWDs into productive citizens.

The PCDA has been lining up numerous trainings and skills competitions to heighten public awareness on the rights and skills of PWDs. Gov. Garcia has been generously providing assistance to PWDs for years.