By Amal-Ryan B. Rinabor
Davao Today Intern
DAVAO CITY – A Jesuit University here helped distribute wheelchairs for the second time to indigent persons with disability with the help of American aid organizations.
The College of Nursing (CON), Department of Social Work, and the Community Extension and Advocacy Council (Uceac) of the Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) in partnership with the American Wheelchair Mission (AWM) distributed for free 280 wheelchairs Monday at the University’s Finster Auditorium.
The program, funded by Lewis Greenwood Foundation and the Knights of Columbus, also tapped Addu last year to distribute more than 300 wheelchairs and other orthopaedic devices at no cost.
“Ang intension ng American Wheelchair Mission ay paratingin ang mga wheelchairs doon sa mga nanga-ngailangan na hindi makayanan bumili at para matulungan silang maging mobile (The AWM’s intention is to reach out to those indigent disabled persons and help them attain mobility).” Said Dr. Patria Manalaysay, Dean of College of Nursing.
Addu provided application forms which the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) then distributed to Barangay Health Centers within the City’s three congressional districts.
“Ang application ay ni-launch sa Uceac office at pinuntahan ng mga nursing at social work students ng university at cheni-check kung totoo bang mga indigent disabled persons ang mga nag-apply at saka sila ili-lista (The application was launched in the office of UCEA, then nursing and social work students visited the applicants’ places to check if they are really indigent persons with disability then we’ll have the list of their names).” Dr. Melba Manapol said, Chairperson of Social Work department.
A 40-year old patient who suffers from polio felt so “blessed and grateful” for her free wheelchair.
“Happy kaayo ko kay dili man afford sa ako mama mag-palit wheelchair, nice pa gyud siya, dili gani mi maka-afford ug TV wheelchair pa nuon, pasalamat kayo ko sa organization nga nag provide ani (I am so happy for having this free wheelchair since my mom cannot afford to buy me one, we cannot even afford to buy television so is wheelchair, I extend my gratitude to the organization who provide us this nice wheelchair).”
Atty. Romeo Cabarde Jr, chairperson of Uceac, said last year’s program has more orthopaedic devices given because “aside from wheelchairs the sponsors provided walkers and canes, however the wheelchairs this year has its modern design.”
Cabarde hints that there will be another round of the same activity next years a AWM was “glad for the result of last year’s program and they want to have a long term partnership with Ateneo de Davao that is why they have the same program this year.” (davaotoday.com)
