In the spirit of joy, kindness, and love, the MJB Cares Foundation merrily celebrates this season as we carry out another gift giving project for the PWD Federation of Barangay Gama, Santa Cruz, Zambales, on December 18, 2022.
It has been an everyday battle for all the 1.44 million people in the Philippines who belong to this category to make life worth living—people with conditions such as blindness, deafness, locomotor disability, psychosocial disability, mental impairment, muscular dystrophy, and the like. They have a hard time attending to their daily medical needs, finding a job, and doing everyday functions. But despite all that, the PWDs in Gama, Santa Cruz Zambales started to mobilize as one to establish their Federation with hopes that they might be able to tip the scales and make the odds in their favor.
The Persons with Disability Federation of Gama, Santa Cruz, Zambales is a union of hardworking, passionate individuals who wish to make sustainable projects targeted at the needs of their community. It advocates for creating a safer space, looking for opportunities, and lobbying for the rights of PWDs.
“Ang organisasyon na ito ay pagdamay sa kapwa nating may kapansanan. Tayong mga PWD ay mag kaisa para tayo ay sabay sabay na sumulong.”
-Ms. Pacita Misola President, PWDF-Gama, SCZ
The union of all the PWD in their area goes beyond making projects for their constituents. It is also a manifestation that they all found strength in each other. Engraving the idea that no one is alone in this lifelong battle. They make it a point that PWDs shall withstand anything that challenges their being.
“Kami po ay naantig sa motto ng MJB Cares Foundation na leaving a legacy by touching the lives of people. Kase ganon din po kami dito sa barangay, andito lang, handing tumulong. Nag dadamayan, kasanga ang bawat isa. Salamat po sainyo at naway mag patuloy lang tayong gumawa ng proyekto para sa mga PWD.”
-Mr. Rolando Espano Barangay Captain of Gama, Santa Cruz, Zambales
All members of their federation received a noche buena package which they shall enjoy this Christmas with their family and loved ones.
We also gave hearing aid to Mr. Carlito Ecalnir and a nebulizer to Mrs. Cerelina Mana. Both residents of Santa Cruz, Zambales.
There is a passage in the holy book which says, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We, the people from the MJB Cares Foundation, will always be driven by the spirit of giving and kindness, as it is in our core to be the body of light and hope to those in need.
As one of the revisions to Republic Act 9442 in Republic Act 7277 or Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, the change in name from “Disabled Persons” to “Persons with Disability” is a promulgation that we shall all see them as a person first before their disability. We shall all treat them with common decency, respect, and dignity. It takes no cent to empathize or to love.
We pray that we may reach a wider group of people to inspire and instill in their hearts the joy of giving. The Foundation is beyond grateful that we were able to spread love this season. We wish you all good tidings and prosperous holidays!