PCDA, LDS award mobility devices

BALANGA City, Bataan – With the end goal of encouraging persons with disabilities (PWDs) to become part of our barrier-free society, the Provincial Council on Disability Affairs (PCDA) together the Latter Day Saints (LDS) Charities, awarded 26 intermediate wheelchairs and 5 other devices for the new batch of 31 children with cerebral palsy, held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this City, June 17.

“Regardless of religion and races, pwede po kayong maka-avail ng mga ibinibigay namin na mobility devices. Nakahanda po kaming tumulong at pinasasalamatan po namin ang lahat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo po kami ng opportunity na makapagbahagi sa inyo,” said Sister Lya Lucila, Service Missionary of LDS Charities, in her greetings.

A lecture on cerebral palsy, its treatment and management was given by Dr. Ferdeliza Garcia, Licensed Intermediate Wheelchair Assessor.

Dr. Garcia also dealt with enhancing possibilities of the differently-abled focusing on therapy as an enabling strategy. She then discussed the situation of Filipinos with disabilities, the roles of primary health care providers and social workers in community-based rehabilitation, difference between physical and occupational therapy, wheelchair service steps, and the benefits of having an appropriate wheelchair.

According to her, some benefits of having an appropriate wheelchair include giving the patient independence; improved posture and balance, comfort and confidence, and the ability to do something.

“Ginagawa natin ito dahil naniniwala tayo na ang mga may kapansanan ay mayroon ding karapatan na makilahok sa mga gawain ng lipunan,” she said.

“We are also doing this to increase awareness about appropriate wheelchair service and to provide access to children with disability to appropriate wheelchair so they will have higher chance of participation,” she added.

Moreover, a brief orientation on the care and maintenance of intermediate wheelchairs was done by Mr. Rogelio Flores, Wheelchair Technician, KASAMAKA-CBR Foundation.

A total of 25 parents, 14 focal persons and PWD presidents coming from Dinalupihan, Orani, Abucay, Balanga, Pilar, Orion, Limay, Bagac and Morong attended the whole-day event. Members of the PCDA particularly Ms. Leah Martin from the Department of Health and Engr. Cecille Baltazar of the Department of Public Works and Highways 2^nd DEO were also present.

“Napakaganda ng programang ito dahil nararamdaman ng mga PWD na nililingon sila ng ating gobyerno. Malaki rin ang pasasalamat namin sa LDS Charities sa pag-i-sponsor ng mga wheelchairs, malaking tulong ito para sa mga batang may kapansanan,” said Mr. Rolando Soliman, Dinalupihan PWD President.

According to Sister Lucila, this undertaking started last April 2014 wherein Hon. Albert Garcia, provincial governor, Ms. Marilyn Tigas, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Head, and LDS Welfare Service Missionaries signed the Memorandum of Agreement indicating the tie-up of the Provincial Government of Bataan and LDS Charities in this endeavor.