Persons with disabilities

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy has authored an ordinance designating the month of July as “Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Awareness Month.” The month-long observance takes effect this year, with its formal launch on July 4 attended by both Cebu Vice-Governor Agnes Magpale and Board Member Sitoy.

“PWDs have the soul, the competence, and the drive to be responsible citizens of the country,” Sitoy, himself a PWD, said in a speech, explaining why he created the PWD ordinance. The PWDs in attendance were proof that, indeed, having a disability doesn’t make a person totally disabled or useless. In fact, the launch was a showcase of the various talents of some PWDs.

This whole month of July packs different activities to show the many things PWDs are actually capable of, including photo and art exhibits, jobs fair, fun run, parenting talk, a talent show “PWD Got Talent,” and the PWD summit. National speakers have been scheduled to share inspiring stories of struggles and triumphs of PWDs. Stories abound of a person with disability living life to the fullest and even making a bigger contribution to society than his regularly-able friends and neighbors.

On July 24, at the Ayala Center Cebu, individuals and organizations who have committed their support for the cause of the PWD community are to be recognized during the PWD Awards Night.

Sitoy concluded his speech by saying, “PWD’S have a right to live the same way as any other human being. Their disability is not a hindrance to a fruitful and fulfilling life.”