The City Government of Isabela under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (CPDAO), headed by Gemma Paculio, continues to advance inclusive governance by strengthening livelihood, mobility, and accessibility opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) through the “Ligìd Padulung Kalampusan” (Wheels Towards Success) Livelihood Assistance Program, held on September 8 at the CPDAO Lounge.
The initiative brought together city officials, PWD beneficiaries, PWD organizations, and community partners in a shared effort to promote economic empowerment, mobility, self-reliance, and meaningful participation of PWDs in the local community.
Among those who joined the activity were City Administrator Pedrito Eisma and GAD Focal Person and City Information Officer Mendry-Ann Lim, who expressed their support for programs that create concrete and sustainable opportunities for PWDs.
A key highlight of the activity was the turnover of livelihood assistance to selected PWD beneficiaries and PWD organizations, including support for food production and other income-generating activities. The assistance is intended to help beneficiaries establish or strengthen sustainable sources of income while enhancing their skills, capacities, and opportunities for greater economic independence.
The activity also featured the distribution of electric wheelchairs to qualified PWD beneficiaries, providing them with greater mobility and independence in their daily activities. Beyond addressing mobility needs, the assistance seeks to help PWDs participate more actively in their families, communities, and livelihood activities.
Adding another dimension to the program’s commitment to collective empowerment was the provision of cash assistance to the PWD Federation of Isabela City for the purchase of a Piaggio vehicle, which will be utilized by its members. The vehicle is envisioned to provide practical transportation support to the Federation and its members, helping improve their mobility and access to activities, services, livelihood opportunities, and community engagements.
In his message, City Administrator Eisma emphasized that empowerment begins with recognizing the abilities, potential, and determination of persons with disabilities. He underscored the City Government’s commitment to sustaining programs that provide meaningful opportunities for PWDs and ensuring that the gains of good governance are accessible to every sector of the community.
Meanwhile, GAD Focal Person Mendry-Ann Lim congratulated the beneficiaries and commended their efforts toward building more sustainable livelihoods. She also emphasized the importance of sustaining and institutionalizing PWD-focused programs, particularly through the continued support of the Gender and Development (GAD) Program, to ensure that assistance translates into long-term opportunities, greater independence, and lasting impact.
More than the distribution of assistance, the activity highlighted the importance of creating the conditions that allow PWDs to move, participate, work, and contribute. Through collaboration among the local government, PWD organizations, community stakeholders, and partner institutions, the program strengthens an inclusive local economy where persons with disabilities are given meaningful opportunities to thrive.
Through Ligìd Padulung Kalampusan, the City Government of Isabela continues to work toward a city where persons with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of development, but active partners and contributors to the community’s progress.
From livelihood assistance, to mobility support, to strengthening the transportation capacity of the PWD Federation, every intervention carries the same message: when barriers are removed and opportunities are made accessible, PWDs can move forward with greater dignity, independence, and confidence.
Walang iwanan sa Isabela City. Every individual deserves the opportunity to move forward, build a better livelihood, live with dignity, participate fully in community life, and enjoy the full benefits of responsive and inclusive governance.
