A total of 86 wheelchairs and 16 crutches were donated by Pamayanang Handa Community Advocates for Resilient, Empowerment and Services (PH-Cares) and Rotary Club of Pasay Cyber City to the local government of Catigbian, Bohol on Saturday, January 23.
The donation was part of the Medical Mission and Wheelchair Distribution Program held at the barangay Baang covered court, which also coincided with the birthday of former Cooperative Development Administrator (CDA) and Catigbian native Benjie Oliva, who supported and promoted the event.
Oliva, who is also the president of the Rotary Club of Pasay Cyber City, said he wanted to give back to his hometown and share his blessings with his fellow Catigbianons, especially those who belong to the parish of Baang.
PH-Cares chairman Elmer Francis “Jun” Passion led the distribution of the wheelchairs and crutches to the persons with disabilities (PWDs) from 14 barangays in Catigbian. He said the donation was part of their advocacy to empower and serve the marginalized sectors of the society.
The beneficiaries came from barangays Mahayag Norte, Liboron, Cambailan, Cang-iras, Maitum, Mahayag Sur, Baang, Bagtic, Hagbuaya, Alegria, Rizal, Triple Union, Causwagan Norte, and Mantacida.
The event was also attended by Catigbian Mayor Elizabeth Mandin-Pace, Board Member Aldner Damalerio, who represented 1st District Congressman Edgar Chatto, Governor Aris Aumentado, and barangay captains of the recipient barangays.
Mayor Mandin-Pace and the barangay captains expressed their gratitude to PH-Cares and Rotary Club for their generosity and compassion. They said the wheelchairs and crutches would greatly improve the lives of the PWDs and their families in their communities.
Aside from the wheelchair and crutch distribution, PH-Cares and Rotary Club also sponsored a medical mission that benefited about 500 residents from the barangays of Baang and Santo Niño. The medical mission offered free consultations, check-ups, and medicines to the patients.
The Medical Mission and Wheelchair Distribution Program was a joint initiative of PH-Cares, Rotary Club of Pasay Cyber City, and the local government of Catigbian, in partnership with the Department of Health, Philippine National Red Cross, and Senyor Santo Niño Parish.