Francis Galang of barangay Sta. Rita in Macabebe town was only an infant when he was afflicted with meningitis and for ten years now has been confined in their house, unable to play with other children or go to other places.
Similarly, Carlo Talimacu of barangay Dolores in the City of San Fernando has been physically disabled since his birth 13 years ago.
Now, Galang and Talimacu could experience the joy of being able to move around and go to other places, thanks to the wheelchairs provided them by the Pampanga provincial government.
These two children with disabilities were among the 14 recipients of brand new wheelchairs from the provincial government, according to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Elizabeth Baybayan.
Aside from the wheelchairs, other assistive devices such as crutches and walkers were also awarded to target persons with disabilities from various municipalities of the province.
Governor Lilia G. Pineda led the awarding ceremonies held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in the City of San Fernando together with Provincial Board Members Monina Laus, Trina Dizon, Fritzie David-Dizon, Nestor Tolentino, Ric Yabut, Tars Halili and Cris Garbo.
Baybayan said that free medical examinations, screening for prosthetic devices, food and non-food items were also provided by the provincial government to some 600 PWDs in the province.
Anti-measles vaccine for children with disabilities aged eight to 14 years were also administered, she added.
The event served as the highlight for this year’s observance of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week in the province which has for its theme “Making Rights Real for Filipinos with Disability”.
Baybayan explained that the free medical services is not merely a one-day affair but would be a continuing program of their office as the results of the health check-up will be summarized and considered for further appropriate actions.
The medical team of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) headed by Dr. Antonio Aquino together with the chiefs and health personnel of district hospitals provided the necessary services and assistance to the PWDs.
“We have 4,277 persons with different disabilities listed in the province and the governor is serious in her commitment to provide the needed medical interventions and other necessary assistance,” Baybayan said.
Board Member Halili said that Governor Pineda’s administration has lined-up various plans designed to promote and protect the welfare of PWDs and other target sectors like the senior citizens.
He also assured the PWDs and their families of the provincial board members’ commitment to serve the entire populace of the province, not just the constituents in their respective districts.
Meanwhile, Fourth District Board Member Nestor Tolentino enjoined his fellow provincial legislators to continue working together for the benefit of the public. (Pampanga PIO)
