THE launching of PWD (persons with disability) Month was held at the Ayala Center Cebu last Friday.
It was attended by government officials and members of the PWD community led by Provincial Board (PB) Member Arleigh Sitoy and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.
The theme of the month-long activity is “Breaking, barriers, Opening doors.”
Sitoy drafted an ordinance declaring July 4 as start of PWD Month. He said one of the challenges that PWDs face today is getting support from the law.
Ordinances
Republic Act 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, states that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure a barrier-free environment for PWDs.
As a result, lanes, elevators and ramps have been built for their comfort.
Sitoy, who has a disability, said he dreams of PWDs being treated like normal people and not to be pitied upon.
Magpale, for her part, drafted the Barrier-free Tourism ordinance, which was passed last year.
It orders all resorts in the province to be PWD-friendly. Activities lined up for PWD Month include a job fair on July 12 at the Active Zone, a fun run on July 19 and a talent show.
A photo exhibit and several booths that offer products made by different federations of PWDs in Cebu Province can be found on level 3.
For sale are tagakan (broomstick baskets), artificial flower ornaments, paintings, perfumes, broom-sticks, feather duster, belts, net brush, paper-made bags, vases and purses, among others.
Ma. Jocelyn Tabilino, 50, has been making tagakan before she got married. Tabilino, who is a member of the Carcar PWD Association Inc., is orthopedically-handicapped and she has difficulty walking.
Other participants
“Mao sad ni ang nakapaskwela nako ug sa akong bata (I was able to send myself and my children to school making broomstick baskets),” she said.
Chito Belmonte, 46, was born with polio.
He supports his six children making bonsai artificial flowers. He learned the skill from his parents.
“Binibili koy yong bulaklak sa Cebu. Tapos eto yung mga sanga, nakukuha ko sa lupa ng asawa ko sa Aloguinsan (I get the flowers in Cebu City while the branches are from wife’s land in Aloguinsan),” he said.
Aside from Carcar, PWD groups from the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, Bogo and the town of Cordova, Talisay and Bogo are also selling their products at the “Hand Made” booths located outside the Maze. (Franz Correa and Andrea Denise H. Chua, USJ-R Mass Com interns)