BUTUAN CITY — For Rosalie Gesta, the joy was immeasurable when her eight-year-old son Kent Francis received a new wheelchair through the City Government of Butuan's Assistive Devices Program. Kent, who has not been able to walk since contracting meningitis at the age of three, now has a reliable means of mobility. "We are very grateful because my son's old wheelchair was already worn out and had no wheels. This is a huge help for us," Rosalie shared. Her story is just one of many as the city government continues to reach out to persons with disabilities and senior citizens in need.
A Lifeline for Mobility and Independence
The distribution event, held as part of the National Disability Rights Week celebration, provided assistive devices to qualified beneficiaries. These included 43 wheelchairs, 53 canes, 30 quad canes, 24 crutches, five walkers, four commode chairs, three white canes, and five hearing aids. The program is implemented by the City Social Welfare and Development Department through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office and the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs. Beneficiaries were selected through social work assessment and case management to ensure that each individual received the device best suited to their condition and needs.
Empowerment Through Accessibility
Mayor Law Fortun emphasized that assistive devices should not be seen as limitations but as opportunities for greater mobility and participation. "We do not see the limitations of our PWDs when we look at these devices, but rather the possibilities of what they can achieve when they have them," he said. The initiative is part of the city's observance of National Disability Rights Week and the implementation of Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities. Through this program, the City Government of Butuan continues to provide support and services that improve the daily lives of PWDs and senior citizens, reinforcing its commitment to an inclusive and caring community.
