SMPI, Tahanang Walang Hagdan win at Apolinario Mabini Awards
MORE than 30 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and PWD-friendly organizations were recognized at the 2018 Apolinario Mabini Awards led by Hans Sy of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and Joselyn Rosemarie Cris CevallosGarcia, EVP and Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Tahanang Walang Hagdan. The prestigious ceremony was held last Dec. 3 at Club Filipino in San Juan City.
Mr. Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., took home the Mabini Presidential Recognition Award for his “dedication and passion to promote awareness and inclusion of PWDs” by encouraging PWD organizations to hold their programs and activities in SM establishments across the country.
Ms. Garcia received the Mabini Presidential Award for her invaluable contributions to the various initiatives aimed toward improving the quality of life for PWDs as a key member of various PWD-oriented organizations, including Women with Disabilities LEAP to Social and Economic Progress, Inc. and the Philippine Coalition and Workability Asia of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the United Nations.
The Mabini Presidential Award is the highest recognition given by the Apolinario Mabini Awards to individuals. “Every year, the PFRD officiates this awarding ceremony in recognition of the valuable contributions of individuals, groups, and organizations to the causes of the PWD community. It rightfully brings into the limelight the dedication of men and women in their quest for protection, equality, and inclusivity of all persons with disabilities in every decision-making and development efforts affecting them,” said Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Aimee Neri, who delivered a speech on behalf of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista. “It proves that every PWD, if given the chance to improve further, could also be productive members of society.”
The Mabini Awards is a biennial ceremony that recognizes PWDs who have excelled in their chosen fields, as well as individuals and organizations who have helped alleviate the lives of PWDs through sustainable programs and initiatives. The ceremony was launched in 1974 by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) and is named after Apolinario Mabini, a Filipino revolutionary who fulfilled his role as the brain of the revolution despite his disabilities.