Tinga gets Mabini award

The municipal government of Taguig received the prestigious Apolinario Mabini Award as local government unit of the year for championing the cause of the disabled.

Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga received the award from President Arroyo in ceremonies held at Malacañang Palace.

Tinga’s administration was cited for providing valuable assistance to Goodwill Industry of the Philippines, an organization for the disabled and disadvantaged in the municipality.

The award was given to the Taguig local government for helping the handicapped face the world with dignity and for providing assistance through skills training, job placement and other rehabilitation services. The Taguig LGU was also lauded for providing "goodwill" with doctors and dentists for medical services.

Since he assumed office, Tinga has given over 20 wheelchairs in his regular "Dalaw Barangay" in Upper Bicutan, Bagong Tanyag, Signal Village, Ibayo-Tipas, Western Bicutan and Maharlika Village. Further concern for the disabled prompted Tiñga to donate a walker to a resident of North Daang Hari.

The Taguig Office of Special Projects Coordinators said the local government has initiated at least five cleft palate operations. About 183 patients benefited from "Operation Smile’ and underwent chielomplasty operations to repair harelip conditions for free.

Aside from Taguig, Dagupan, Isabela, Peñablanca, Occidental Mindoro and Cagayan were given the Mabini award.

The Apolinario Mabini Award was launched in 1974 by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc., and named after national hero Apolinario Mabini.