LAGAWE, IFUGAO – -The recent program for persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the Lagawe Central School Gymnasium looks good enough to be replicated in many other Ifugao towns. There were interesting sidelights. It puts a big smile on one’s face. It’s a time for jubilation, admiration and inspiration.
It’s also a time to know about their future. If we fail to remember we are all made in the image of God, then why all this suffering of the PWDs? The irony is only compounded by “stark realities” in many communities as they interact in the world of tomorrow.
Yet, we often hear from those who walk in the corridors of power “of empowering” them. Would this be another classic case of “lip service”? The idea that this can be done at all, much less effortlessly, explains the word “naive.”
Many of them are poor and jobless. When hundreds of PWDs at the said venue share this passion about the future we shall have a society far better tuned up to need the impact of change. That’s another point. Even now, most of them are expressing desperation on the high cost of living.
At any rate, as expected, some assistance is being infused by certain quarters. For one, Mayor Lesli Roy Nahayangan donated 11 wheelchairs and other devices to needy individuals. It serves a purpose: providing life-saving aid.
And executive assistant Lee Byron Nahayangan also took part when these items were handed down to the beneficiaries. Likewise, Board Member Pedro Mayam-o, Vice Mayor Gregorio Dangayo, Councilor Jansen Roldan, Ifugao Transportation Services Cooperative Chairman Johnny Yogyog and Kagawad and Lagawe Persons with Disabilities Federation Organization President Ariel Sumeg-ang also participated.
Indeed, by the time the crowd started hearing the message of the guest speaker Atty. Hearthy Kaye Buyuccan, it prompted this scribe to note in contrast to many of the officialdom’s faltering assertions, it is the likes of Atty Buyuccan, who resonates with the people. Proclaiming the truth with great boldness, as she did, cannot help but change the world.
This activity, therefore, is a perfect time to raise awareness on the importance of crafting measures to help PWDs overcome extreme poverty. Consequently, in another activity, Mr. Araos raised the challenge to senators, district and party-list representatives and local government posts officials to do something meaningful to address the problem. It could be the most important and life-changing step they will ever take. And its surely not too late in the day for them to do so!
“I figure my only chance to convince doubting Thomases is to advance a four-point strategy. First, provision of social pension for PWDs. Second, strengthening of their PhilHealth coverage. Third, require local governments to allocate 5 percent of the local income for PWD concerns. Finally, a Registry for PWDs is necessary in order to account for them in the times of calamities and for the government to provide them appropriate support. This will not go unnoticed in the national government since each PWD voice is highly valued,” he said.
“I hope that more people in Ifugao will believe in this thought and become engaged. The private sector has been partnering with the public sector to pursue initiatives that fulfill the mission of accelerating the PWD agenda. Also, make private and public sector leaders aware of the opportunities and responsibilities that as stewards for the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of PWDs,” he added. **By Anthony A. Araos
