Church Hosts Wheelchair Assessment Training and Distribution in Cebu, Strengthening Local Rehabilitation Network

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted a Basic Wheelchair Assessment Training and Provisioning initiative at the Kamputhaw Meetinghouse in Cebu City, from January 20-22, 2026, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to the Savior by providing humanitarian service and accessible healthcare.

The three-day activity was led by Elder Emelito Reymund Orencia and Sister Lilybeth T. Orencia, Wheelchair Technical Specialists for the Church, in partnership with the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI).

The initiative focused not only on distributing mobility devices but also on building local capacity by training healthcare professionals and assessors to provide proper wheelchair assessment, fitting and follow-up care.

Strengthening Local Partnerships

The VSMMC Rehabilitation Department, represented by Mr. Hentze Losenara, Chief Occupational Therapist, has maintained an ongoing collaboration with the Church to enhance rehabilitation services in the region. RAFI, represented by Ms. Trisha Akjul, Program Manager, and Ms. Janine Hernandez, Project Specialist, continues to implement programs aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments across Cebu province.

This joint effort reflects a shared commitment to sustainable service — combining training, technical expertise and community-based support.

President Julian Sy, First Counselor of the Cebu City Philippines Stake, opened the event by emphasizing the principle of service. Citing Mosiah 2:17, he reminded participants that service to others is central to Christian discipleship.

Building Skills for Sustainable Care

Expert trainers from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Mr. Aldwin Alinsub and Ms. Marjorie Baltonado, conducted intensive sessions for therapists and prospective wheelchair assessors.

The training prepared new providers who will serve Cebu City and the municipalities of Alcantara, Boljoon, Cordova, Minglanilla and Oslob. These trained assessors will augment RAFI’s existing provincial network and help ensure proper evaluation and long-term support for mobility device recipients.

Participants received instruction in:

• Patient assessment and appropriate device selection
• Custom fitting and user training
• Proper distribution of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and canes

By strengthening technical competencies, organizers aim to ensure that mobility devices are not only distributed but properly fitted and sustainably maintained.

Mobility and Dignity Restored

On the final day of the initiative, more than 50 patients received mobility devices tailored to their needs. Service missionaries assisted with distribution and patient support throughout the activity.

Among the recipients was Carlo, whose first wheelchair significantly improved his independence and daily mobility. His experience illustrated the broader purpose of the initiative: restoring dignity, expanding opportunity and improving quality of life for individuals with limited mobility.

Elder and Sister Orencia expressed appreciation for the strong partnership among Church representatives, medical professionals and civic organizations. They emphasized that ongoing collaboration with VSMMC and RAFI will allow the program to reach more individuals in need.