The Podium awarded as disabled-friendly establishment

The Podium, the upscale mall in Ortigas Center, was recently honored as a disabled-friendly establishment during the recent Apolinario Mabini Awards on the occasion of its anniversary in Malacañang Palace.

The mall, which is a joint venture between the SM Group and the Keppel Group of Singapore, was cited for being responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities by providing them with disabled-friendly facilities and services. These include ramps, rest room cubicles, and disabled parking slots, which can make their access to, exit out, and stay in the establishment more pleasant and convenient. Another SM Mall, SM City Dasmariñas, was also awarded as a disabled-friendly establishment during the said event.

President Arroyo herself handed the award to representatives from The Podium: Keppel Properties VP for Development Ng Chin Fei, SM Supermalls AVP Liza Silerio, and Podium Mall Manager Christian Mathay. Also present during the awarding were Kate Gordon, Philippine Foundation of the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Manuel Agcaoili, and Representative Amelita Villarosa.

Launched by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD) in 1974, the annual awards were named after national hero Apolinario Mabini. Known as the Sublime Paryltic, he did not make his disability a hindrance to the creative genius he contributed to the Philippine revolution.

The Apolinario Mabini Awards were established with the aim of recognizing individuals, groups and agencies that have made outstanding contributions in the field of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, and promoting the wider recognition of persons as self respecting and self reliant citizens.

Other Award categories include Disabled Filipino of the Year, Disabled Group of the Year, Employer of the Year, Local Government Unit of the Year, Rehabilitation Volunteer of the Year, and the Mabini Presidential Award.