Tandag City pays tribute to learners with disability
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) — For 91 learners with disabilities in Tandag City, July 16 was more than a celebration, it was a day of empowerment, visibility, and hope.
Marking the 47th National Disability Rights Week, the local government unit (LGU) of Tandag City, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), led a heartfelt program that celebrated the talents, rights, and dignity of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The event gathered learners, their families, city social workers, and key local leaders under one message: persons with disabilities are not defined by their limitations, but by their capabilities and potential.
Investing in dreams through education
In a moving show of support, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel led the ceremonial awarding of P276,000 worth of educational assistance to 91 learners with disabilities, a testament to her administration’s steadfast commitment to inclusive and rights-based governance.
Each beneficiary received financial aid calibrated to their academic level:
– College students
received P5,000;
– Senior high school
learners got P4,000;
– Junior high school
students were granted P3,000;
– Elementary pupils
received P2,000.
The provision of assistance, beyond easing the burden of educational expenses, served as a symbol of empowerment and encouragement for learners often faced with added challenges.
“This is about recognizing capabilities, not limitations,” said Baltazar Quijada, CSWDO chief. “The city adopts a rights-based approach, treating disability not as a burden, but as a natural part of human diversity.”
A voice of gratitude
Among the recipients was Fierce G. Tabuena, a senior high school student living with a physical disability. With deep emotion, he said, “Dako kaayo ang akong pasalamat isip usa ka recipient sa maong programa. Dili lang kini kwarta, kundi inspirasyon na ipadayon ang among mga damgo ug paningkamot sa eskwela.”
(I am very thankful as one of the recipients of this program. This is not just money, it is an inspiration for us to keep chasing our dreams and striving hard in school).
Beyond aid: Inclusion in action
The celebration extended beyond financial aid. The city also distributed school supplies, bags, and held a raffle draw of essential grocery items, bringing joy and practical support to participating families.
More significantly, the city provided assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and walkers, representing more than just physical support; they signified dignity, access, and mobility for learners striving to participate fully in society.
A proactive stand for disability rights
The city of Tandag’s early observance of National Disability Rights Week, traditionally held every third week of July in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 597, demonstrated its proactive and compassionate approach to disability inclusion.
It served as a reminder that education, participation, and access to support services are rights, not privileges, and every child, regardless of ability deserves the opportunity to thrive.
A message that echoes beyond the celebration
Behind every envelope of assistance, every backpack handed out, and every assistive device given, the message was clear and powerful: You belong. You are seen. You are capable. You matter.
Through this initiative, Tandag City not only celebrated disability rights, it affirmed its role as an inclusive community where every learner is given a chance to shine. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)