THE Iloilo City Government recognized an Ilonggo recipient of Ginebra Ako para sa Kabataan award during City Hall’s flag ceremony last Monday, January 21.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III gave the certificate of recognition to Mark Espesor, a person with disability (PWD), who was given honor in the first-ever Ginebra Awards at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Dec. 18, 2018.

Espesor was one of four Filipinos awarded for showing commitment in their communities and chosen fields.

“Until now I could not believe that my efforts in helping PWDs in our society were recognized. I do not consider this as my obligation but rather as my passion and at the same time enjoying what I am doing,” Espesor said.

He is the president of Iloilo City’s Federation of Person's with Disability Associations, Inc.

Espesor started his advocacy in empowering PWDs after undergoing the Duskin Leadership Training in Japan in 2006.

“One of my hopes is there will be no more PWDs in the society because we are already part of society. Meaning to say, the community will not see us as burden, and that we are self-reliant people. I also push that all barangays here will organize their PWD group,” Espesor stressed.

He said the support of PWDs’ parents play an important role in the success of their children.

“Parents should accept the status of their children because when you accept it, you can produce a great person who can bring change in the society,” he added.

Espesor teaches fellow PWDs at Breaking Barriers for Young Adults with Disability Training Center in Molo district. (PR)