PWD Couple Wins Exemplary Family Search

The family of Patricio and Arlene Coral recently won this year’s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya Siquijor Provincial Search.

The Corals are among the 3,851 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program household grantees of the province.

Patricio was born with physical deformities in his hands and feet while Arlene was a polio victim. They are presently residing at Barangay Cangomantong, Lazi, Siquijor.

The couple had a child named Carylle who is now 14 years old and is presently enrolled in Leon Parami High School.

They will represent the Province of Siquijor for the regional search on July 8, 2016 at Golden Valley Hotel, Cebu City.

Phoebe Jen Indino, Pantawid Pamilya Information Officer bared that the couple won because of their dedication to live a normal life despite their disabilities.

“As Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Patricio and Arlene’s physical deformities have not stopped them from working their way to survive the family especially that their only child is already in school,” Indino said.

Patricio, 39, presently works as a utility man and a messenger at the provincial office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 in Siquijor.

Les Dela Peña, DPWH-7 Admin. Officer of DPWH-7 Siquijor described Patricio as a diligent worker, “He works as if he does not have a disability.”

Arlene,44, for her part offers manicure and pedicure services to augment his husbands income.

The couple met at the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II located at Barangay Labangon, Cebu City. AVRC is a training facility for the PWD established by the Department of Social Welfare and Development as provided for by Republic Act 2615 in 1959.

Meanwhile, the criteria for judging during the search include the family’s involvement in community activities, values and the determination to improve the living condition amidst difficult situation.

Photo caption:

(From Left to Right) Carylle, Arlene and Patricio, the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya of Siquijor.