Assistive devices given anew to PWDs in Leyte

By Provincial Media Relations Center
July 31, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  More than 50 persons with disabilities were given new comforts by the provincial government of Leyte through some new assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes distributed personally by Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla during the culmination program of the Leyte Provincial Persons With Disabilities Consciousness Week.

The province, as has become a tradition, provided assistive devices to identified beneficiaries, all suffering from physical disabilities.

Twenty-three adult wheelchairs, five pedia wheelchairs including ordinary canes, crutches, folding canes for the blinds as well as a walker were among those assistive devices provided for this year’s PWD-beneficiaries through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Federation of Disabled Persons of Leyte Inc. (FEDPELI).

The provincial government has been consistent in providing assistance for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) both for physical comfort and some livelihood training.

“There’s no reason why they should be treated differently. We should treat them as equals. That’s why, whenever there is an opportunity for them to excel and give their best, we help in providing for such opportunity,” Gov. Petilla said.

The governor likewise awarded winners of the PWD Got Talent Search held at the Robinsons Place where contestants showed off their talents in singing and dancing despite having physical disabilities.

Medalists in the Sports Olympics for PWDs held in Cebu were likewise given incentives by the governor.

The month of July has been declared by the province of Leyte as Persons with Disability (PWDs) Consciousness Month, which was authored by then Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu.