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To promote inclusivity and raise awareness of the daily challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWD), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints contributed 17 wheelchairs in support of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.
Iloilo Governor Arthur "Toto" Defensor Jr. and Ms. Rara Ganzon of the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office led the handover ceremony at the Provincial Capitol last July 17, 2023.
Gov. Defensor praised the long-standing partnership between the Province of Iloilo and the Church in humanitarian efforts. To lift the spirits of the PWD attendees, he encouraged the public to “let them live normally with us.”
Elder Emelito and Sister Lilybeth Orencia, Wheelchair Technical Specialist Service Missionaries of the Church, empowered the recipients by reminding them that they are known and loved by a loving God. “You are special sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. Think of your strengths and achieve your dreams,” they said.
Elder and Sister Gonzaga, humanitarian missionaries of the Church, helped distribute the wheelchairs to recipients who were selected based on their specific mobility needs. The recipients expressed gratitude for the new opportunities the wheelchairs would provide them.
Other officials representing various government agencies also presented their programs and services for PWDs during the event.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes that over 20 million disabled people need wheelchairs but cannot obtain one.
As part of its global humanitarian efforts, the Church provides wheelchairs and walking aids worldwide for those in need and cannot afford one to greatly increase the recipient’s mobility, employability, and independence.