On July 25, 2023, the Cavite persons with disabilities sector continued to captivate the audiences with their talents and intelligence in the culmination phase of 45th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week at Fora Mall, Tagaytay City.
Ms. Karla Morada, Operation Manager of Fora Mall, conveyed that their organization believes in the importance of sustainability and accessibility for PWDs. On top of that, she was proud and pleased to witness an activity that empowers differently-abled individuals, as she, herself, is a PWD.
Tagaytay City Councilor Joel Tibayan, applauded the people who are directly involved in advocating and institutionalizing PWD rights. Hon. Tibayan, also conveyed their gratitude on behalf of Mayor Abraham Tolentino and the rest of Tagaytay City officials.
Eighth District Board Members, Hon. Reynier Ambion and Hon. Irene Bencito, also graced the event. They were joined by Ms. Marife Bautista, representative of 1st District Board Member Romel Enriquez, and Ms. Marinel Juanco of DILG-Cavite.
BM Ambion, stressed that they are strengthening the rights of PWDs in all means possible, and making things better for the welfare of the sector. He, then, congratulated everyone, as the culminating activity was a resounding success. Likewise, BM Bencito, delivered a heartily greeting, saying that she doesn’t believe that PWDs can’t be successful, nor can’t contribute to the success of the economy. In fact, they are an inspiration to many.
In the Grand Finals of the Singing Competition, the Top 10 Finalists awed the crowd as they performed their winning pieces, stunning the viewers and mall-goers with their mesmerizing voices. Truly, the contest showed that talents have no boundaries. The top three (3) contenders were hailed victors – Ms. Jackielyn Pinazo from Dasmariñas City, was named the 2nd runner up, Ms. Charla Jane De Jesus from the Municipality of Silang, secured 1st runner up position, and Ms. Mariel Torres, pride of Tagaytay City, was crowned as the Champion.
Subsequently, the 2nd Knowledge Bowl Competition was nothing short of extraordinary. The Cavite State University–Gender and Development Research Center team comprised of Dr. Susan Tan, Ms. Raecel Estebat, and Ms. Maria Czarina Sioco served as the Quiz Masters of the competition. Ten (10) teams of senior high school students with disabilities enthusiastically displayed their intellectual prowess but only 3 groups were able to bring home the bacon. They were from the City of Carmona, consisting of Gil Jorald Escoto and Christian Xemenez Cisneros, securing the 2nd runner up position; Municipality of Amadeo, comprising of Jana Alexa Sarmiento and Renn James Cabrera, achieved the 1st runner up position; and City of Dasmariñas, represented by Janet Maria Nessa De Alba and Angel Floyd Imbig, was hailed the Champion.
Cavite Local Government Units were awarded and recognized for their result during the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and PWD Focal Persons Functionality Assessment for the year 2022.
As the program came to end, Tagaytay Person with Disability Federation, the host federation headed by Ms. Elma Patawe, led the ceremonial turnover activity by handing over the key of responsibility to the Cavite City Federation for the 46th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week Celebration.
The National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week Celebration exemplified the spirit of unity and reinforced the belief that every person, regardless of their ability and disability, can make a difference and sustain a future where no one is left behind. (OPIO)