PWDs Showcase Talents in 3rd Int’l PWD Day Celebs

By: Cristine Republica, ASP Trainee

One of the highlights of the 3^rd International Day for Persons with Disabilities held at Skydome SM City North EDSA Last December 3, 2010, was the PWD Talent Competition, with 10 contestants from different PWD organizations and LGUs from Luzon, rendering song and dance interpretations.

To kick off the event, former radio broadcaster, Engr. Emer Rojas, President of NVAP (New Vois Association Philippines) gave the opening remarks. The national anthem was led by the Rondalla on Wheels, with sign-language interpretation from the MCCID (Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf). The invocation was led by children from PAVIC (Parent Advocates for the Visually-Impaired Children), Tanya Fernandez, Joshua and Jerome Nelmida.

Different PWD leaders of Groups and Institutions, Government and Private Sector
were all united for the welfare of every Person with Disability in the Philippines.

Ms. Eden Garde, National Coordinator of UN Habitat read the keynote inspirational speech on behalf of Dr. Jacqueline Badcock, UNDP (United Nations Development Program) Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator.

Mr. Noli Agcaoili, Chairman- AKAP Pinoy, representing the PWD Sector; Dr. Minda Marie Cabrera, President- PARM (Philippine Academy of Rehab Medicine), representing the Civil Society and Hon. Alfred Vargas, Councilor of District 2, Quezon City, representing the Local Government also boosted the morale of contestants with inspirational words.

PWD Winners

For the 3^rd place, PWD Dancers of Mandaluyong, 2^nd place Jackylyn Penazo, a 17 year old Grade 4 student in PNSB and for the 1^st place, Mhar Jason Palmeda, a 10 year old Grade 1 student of GS Option House and his winning piece "You'll never walk alone" by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

Composed of 10 members, PWD Dancers of Mandaluyong bagged the 3rd Place

From Left, NVAP Pres. Emer Rojas awarded the trophy to Jackylyn Penazo, the 2nd Prized winner from Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children. (PAVIC)

From Left , ASP VP Peng So, beside Mommy Jasmine Palmeda, Coach Jenzen Turica, Teacher Ging Viado

and Jayson Palmeda, our 2010 PWD Talent big winner.

The Panel of Judges was composed of Ms. Carmel Almendrala (ASP Trustee), Mr. Armando Cos, Arch. Rizal Morales of DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications), and Mr. Prime Bonife of DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources). Mr. Oscar Taleon, President and CEO of AKAP-Pinoy, Mr. Mateo Lee, NCDA-OIC, and Engr. Emer Rojas, President of NVAP, announced the winners.

The afternoon’s ceremonies were hosted by Ms. Carmen Reyes Zubiaga of WOWLEAP (Women with Disabilities LEAP to Social and Economic Progress Inc) and Mr. Ming Barapantao of The House of Representatives. Ramil Haictin serenaded the audience with “Tagumpay ng may Kapansanan, Tagumpay ng Bayan”.

Differently-abled kids were also treated to freebies like balloon twisting and face painting. Other highlights included the screening of a documentary film about the struggles and strengths of persons with disabilities.

Click here to read highlights of the event.