Makati, Carmona, Nueva Vizcaya top Mabini Awards

MANILA, Philippines – Three local government units (LGUs) topped the list of winners in the 2008 Apolinario Mabini Awards for their outstanding contributions in the rehabilitation of disabled persons.

The Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD) announced yesterday that the city of Makati, the municipality of Carmona in Cavite, and the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya were given top awards for their significant contributions to the welfare of disabled persons in their respective jurisdictions.

Launched in 1974 by the PFRD, the Apolinario Mabini Awards, named after the “Sublime Paralytic” and the “Brains of the Philippine Revolution,” aims to promote wide recognition of disabled persons as self-respecting and self-reliant citizens.

The Philippine Sports Association for the Disabled-National Paralympic Committee of the Philippines (PHILSPADA-NPC Phils) and the Davao Women of Different Abilities Association (DAWDA) also won awards for the Disabled Group category.

The PFRD said the PHILSPADA-NPC Phils. has enabled Filipino athletes with disabilities to achieve sporting excellence in an optimum environment and bring honor and glory to the country.

On the other hand, the DAWDA has succeeded significantly in encouraging other persons with disabilities in Davao City and its neighboring areas to come out into the open, exercise their right to live, grow and be part of the community.

Teletech, a fast-growing BPO company which employs 27 persons with disabilities, was adjudged as Employer of the Year.

Dong-In Tulay Center in Mariveles, Bataan and Abelardo Apollo David Jr., bagged the Rehabilitation Volunteer of the Year awards for groups and individuals, respectively.

Rodolfo Mendoza, president of the Nueva Ecija Association of Persons with Disability and Central Luzon Federation of Persons with Disability, was chosen as this year’s recipient of the Disabled Filipino of the Year Award.

Mendoza was chosen for his strong advocacy efforts towards the empowerment of his fellow persons with disabilities in Region 3 through skills development programs.

Other winners under the same category were Johnny Lantion (Luzon), Reynaldo Merida (Visayas) and Noel Manabe (Mindanao).

The PFRD also gave special citation to Catalina Fermin, former executive director of the National Council on Disability Affairs, for being an outstanding social worker.

The Cebu City government official website was awarded as the most Disabled-Friendly Website, while the SM Supermalls Accessibility and Safety Committee-Shopping Center Management Corp. was also recognized for its efforts in promoting accessibility to PWDs.

Other winners were Adela Avila Kono and Rex Bernardo who were given the Outstanding Woman with Disability Award and the Mabini Presidential Award, respectively. – Helen Flores