Facility for infants, toddlers, women, persons with disabilities inaugurated

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes yesterday inaugurated the P2.3-million facility for infants and toddlers, women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the compound of the city social welfare and development office.

Fr. Johndy Enanoria of the National Shrine of St. Joseph officiated yesterday's blessings of the newly inaugurated facility.

The mayor, during a brief ceremony, commended the 2,000 strong-Mandaue City Federation of PWDs headed by their president Michael Pielago for rising above their disabilities.

Just recently, the city also released P500 in assistance to all registered PWDs and the printing of purchase booklets which will entitle them to a 20-percent discount in the purchase of medicines and groceries.

The mayor's wife, Sarah Cortes, chair of Mandaue City Council for the Protection of the Children, said with the completion of the project after three years, working mothers can now leave their infants and toddlers at the" Child minding center."

Women, on the other hand, would use their specific area as a venue where they can learn how to make a living.

Violeta Cavada, head of City Social Welfare and Services said the minding center will cater to infants and toddlers of working city hall employees.

Depending on the availability of personnel and space they may also cater to the needs of other mothers with a minimal fee for maintenance.

The two-story building project was left unfinished by the previous administration and only finished now.

Located in the ground floor of the building are the "child-minding center" and the PWD Center while the second floor will be occupied by the women's group.

Pielago said that with the facility given to the PWD, the members of his group now intend to set up a cell repair shop training and other livelihood programs for the PWDs.

Alice Cabatingan, president of Mandaue Women's Federation, which is composed of 128 barangay-based women's organizations said their federation will transfer their livelihood equipment as soon as the windows are installed.

Architect Delia Rodrigo of the Mayor's Management Team said another P1million will be appropriated for the installation of sliding windows of the second floor and furniture of the three centers.