City Officials Show Support for PWDs

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, and Councilor Margot Osmeña were united for a common advocacy for individuals with disabilities during the grand opening of the exhibit “Rare Moments at SM Storyland” held last September 2, 2013, at SM City Cebu.

Mayor Rama has said that this is a gathering to recollect that we have our responsibility to do, to care for the persons with disabilities citing the lyrics of the song, “The Greatest Love of All” which goes, “I believe the children are our future, Teach them well, And let them lead the way, Show them all the beauty they possess inside and Give them a sense of pride.”

The Mayor, whose heart is close to the children, also extended his congratulations to the organizers for having this kind of event that will remind every able persons to increase awareness and advocacy for the disabled.

Vice Mayor Labella also assured everyone for the avenues of support from the local government in this kind of endeavor.

“We will always help in this advocacy,” the Vice Mayor enthuses.

For her part, Councilor Osmeña also urged everyone to care for the orphans and children with disorders.

Meanwhile, the exhibit featuring pictures taken from the SM Storyland held last June 30, 2013 is open for everyone and will run from September 2-8.

The exhibit which was first conducted in SM Consolacion last August 24-31 was organized by the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD), Incorporated with the aim to increase public awareness about rare disorders in the Philippines.

The group also wanted to uphold the primary concerns and welfare of individuals with rare disorders by directly addressing, supporting and protecting their health and general well-being.

Ma. Josephine Bullo, the Project Coordinator of PSOD has said that they wanted to conduct the exhibit annually here since they also do it in Manila.

Bullo further shared that their next activity will be the Christmas Party for individuals with disabilities comes month of December.

In addition, based from the PSOD 2012 Registry and the definition of rare disease in the Philippines, 1 in every 20,000 are the odds of a person being born with an orphan disorder which is a rare condition.

The event was supported by SM City Cebu, PSOD Parent Support Group in Visayas area, and various advocates from the different sectors, among others. (By: Greggy Jiggs P. Senados, PIO Staff)