Search on for 'most PWD friendly' establishment in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City has started the search for the “most person with disability (PWD) friendly tourist establishment” as it also recognized the top three winners of this year’s search.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said the top three winners of this year’s search were: 29-year old Lester Lagos of Barangay La Paz who was born deaf, first place, followed by Zenaida Barquera of Brgy. Pinagkaisahan, 58, with speech impairment, and at third place, 46-year old leg amputee Alfredo Fernandez of Brgy. Tejeros.

Binay said the search for the model PWD was done in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati Poblacion. The top three model PWDs of Makati this year each received a trophy and cash prize of P7,000 for the first place winner, P4,000 for second place, and P3,000 for third place.

The multi-talented Lagos is a Yoga instructor, a national athlete in swimming who has won a number of medals for the country, and works as an in-house artist of Maynilad.  He earned a standing ovation after making this statement:  “When people do not like you or respect you for who you are, it is their loss.  Never be discouraged.”

Barquera, president of the PWD chapter of Barangay Pinagkaisahan and an active community leader, works as a beautician doing home service and also runs a sari-sari store at home.  Her children are all college graduates.

A running and hiking enthusiast who loves joining competitions, Fernandez is a staunch advocate of the rights of PWD. Known for being a good provider to his family, he also currently serves as president of the PWD chapter in Barangay Tejeros.

The other five finalists of the search, now on its third year, were named by MSWD as follows:  Annaliza Abella, 43, from Bgy Pembo; Danvic Magbalot, 26, from Pinagkaisahan;  Teresita Reyes, 46, from Guadalupe Viejo; Teresita Naypes; 49 from San Antonio; and Rommel Roa, 49, from Bangkal.

The candidates were adjudged based on their personalities and their contributions and influence on the community despite their respective disabilities.

According to Binay, simultaneous with the awarding rites last Monday, the city government also announced the first-ever search for the ‘PWD-Friendly Tourist Establishments of Makati.’ The search will be in partnership with the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), and the winners will be proclaimed in 2014.
Renowned architect Jaime Silva, UAP president, presented an overview of the qualities of PWD-friendly places and gave inspiring words of wisdom at the launching at City Hall.  Silva, who is visually impaired, cited Greenbelt 4, the cinemas in Rockwell and The Link Makati building for their accessibility to PWD clients, allowing them to enjoy leisurely time with their loved ones.

Makati PWDs enjoy the unique privilege of watching movies for free in the city’s upscale cinemas. Free mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and crutches are also given to the less privileged PWD, while the deaf and mute of working age are being assisted by the city Public Employment Services Office through its Job Placement Program.

They are also given priority in parking areas and store lanes, discounts in food outlets, drugstores and other establishments, and fare discounts on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), provincial buses and local transport groups.