Some 3,384 people with disabilities (PWDs) enrolled in elementary and secondary schools received cash assistance from the provincial government in ceremonies held on Monday, April 24, at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda led the distribution of assistance to beneficiaries with a total amount of P 8.46 million. Each beneficiary received checks worth P 2,500 and food packs.
Aside from the annual assistance given to the PWD students from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PWSDO), the governor also guaranteed additional help to support their education up to college.
“Ikayung PWD, open la reng program ning Kapitolyu kekayu. Lumapit kayu mu pu, definitely sopan na kayu ning Kapitolyu. Eda kayu pu paburen. Ikaming Nanay at Board Members yu, mag-allot kami pu parating pondu para kekayu. Hanggang mayari kayu, eko migaganaka, kayabe yu kami,” the governor added.
Vice Governor Nanay also thanked the parents and guardians of the PWDs for their sacrifices and continuous care of their children despite their challenges and struggles.
According to the PWSDO, each PWD student receives annual assistance from the provincial government since the administration of former Governor Nanay.
“Simula pagkapanganak, na-diagnose na yung anak ko ng osteogenesis imperfecta, ngayong 10 years old na siya kailangan niya pa rin mag-diaper sa school. Ang ayudang binigay niyo sa amin malaki na pong tulong lalo na sa pag-aaral ng bunso ko,” said Leny Salalila, mother of a PWD beneficiary.
Also, Present during the distribution were Board Members Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, Sajid Eusoof, Fritzie David-Dizon, Cherry Manalo, Gabby Mutuc, Pol Balingit, Nelson Calara, Provincial Library OIC Jasmine Carla Cordero, Special Assistant to the Governor and PDRRM Officer Angelina Blanco, PSWDO Head Elizabeth Baybayan, and Persons with Disability Affairs Officer Mary Ann Zamora.