MEET THE INSPIRING WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES-

As a part of the Women With Disability celebration program held at the SM City SKYDOME last March 25, 2011, eight women with disabilities and 2 groups of women with disabilities were given recognition for their inspiring works and achievement in their fields. Most of them are leaders in their communities and actively participating in different activities empowering people with disabilities. The recognition was given by the Inter-agency Network on Women With Disabilities chaired by Carmen Zubiaga, President of WOWLEAP (Women With Disabilities Leap to Social Progress), Architect Rizal Morales, representative of Department of Transport and Communication as Co-Chair. Here are some brief backgrounds of their inspiring lives: 

DR. JEANA LACSAMANA MANALAYSAY

For her achievement in re-integrating herself in professional practice, Doc Jeana's experience is an inspiration for those who got their disabilities later in life. Her disability did not stop her to continue practicing her profession as a dentist and upgrading her knowledge to be more competitive in her field. Living with disability and the barriers she faces everyday developed her as an advocate for accessible environment for PWDs. In spite of her busy clinic schedules, she attended seminars, forums and training for PWDS in advocacy. She is one of the founding members of the Las Pinas Federation of Persons with Disabilities and together with other PWDs from different barangays, lobbied to be recognized by their local government. 

She also share her expertise and free service with her fellow PWDS in Las Pinas by organizing medical and dental mission and advocating for accessibility and 20% discount for PWDs. No doubt, she's really PWEDE!!!

MARIA VICTORIA MANRIQUE 

1.   For her commitment in promoting the interest and concerns of persons with disabilities sector in legislative agenda, the PWD sector welcomed this recognition for Avic. The respect that she gets from the sector was borne out of more than 20 years of serving the House of Representative as Secretary of the Committee on Social Services. Through the years of her representation with the NCDA Working Group, she listened to the needs of the sector and quietly pushed for the development of legislation for their benefit. She also supported most of the inter-agency activities such as the NDPR Week, CPAP Week, Women WIth Disability Day among others. 

    Ms. Manrique’s battle with chronic illness made her one with the sector and did not stop her to incessantly work with commitment. She continuously shares her time and expertise in every undertaking where she is needed. What is remarkable about her is the relationship she developed with each PWDs who knew her.She is one of the few government employees who really serve the sector given to her. AVIC is another PWEDE!

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