PWD week celebrated with talent showcase

CEBU, Philippines - Persons with disabilities in Cebu City gathered yesterday to showcase their talents as part of the annual celebration of PWD Week.

The event was organized by the Cebu City Youth Development Commission headed by Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales with the theme “Health and Wellness Opportunities for PWD towards an Inclusive Development for All.”  The PWD Week was celebrated with a series of fun yet convenient activities for the members, such as an opening parade and cooking and drawing contests.

The first PWD Got Talent was open to all PWDs in all 80 barangays in the city but only 10 took part in the activity. The participants came from barangays Luz, Tisa, Ermita, Basak, Mabolo, Basak San Nicolas and Cogon, Pardo.

According to Lilian Sanopao, secretary of the Cebu City Federation of PWD, only a few joined the contest because some of them are shy to perform in front of people.

“Wala mangapil ang uban kay mauwaw daw, pero sige lang kay first pa man sad ni so hopefully next year daghan na,” said Sanopao.

The representatives of Barangay Basak, Pardo, who were mostly deaf, presented an interpretative dance. They bagged the grand prize and took home P10,000.

According to Jeaux Clifford Plando, instructor of the PWD Dancers of Basak, Pardo, it was a great achievement for them since it was their first time to join a contest and it will also serve as their motivation to try other competitions.

Plando said their win has also taught them not to lose hope despite their physical incapacities. “Amo jud na sila i-encourage pirmi nga bisa’g in-ana sila, dili nila dapat i-down ilang self,” Plando added.

One of the dancers, Laurentiano Alberca Jr., who has a locomotor disability, said that for him, the event was more than just a competition. He said it will prove to the people that they deserve equal treatment in society and that despite disabilities, they can still give joy and honor to the people around them.

The second and third place went to barangays Cogon, Pardo and Basak, San Nicolas, respectively.

The Himig Stars, a group of PWDs and also a member of the Cebu City PWD Federation, performed a song number during the program. — Charlyne J. Calisang, USJ-R Intern/ATO (FREEMAN)