Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan has expressed full support and provided assistance to the city resident who will participate in the 2023 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Para Games which will be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in June.
The city government, through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), provided a new wheelchair to Rodrigo Podiotan, of Barangay 178, Caloocan, to help him in his journey. He is set to compete in the 100-meter dash event (Men’s Category) in the sports competition.
The mayor also lend financial support for his training and other expenses for the games.
“Buo po ang ating pagsuporta. Hinahangaan ko po ang iyong pagsisikap at dedikasyon sa larangan ng palakasan sa kabila ng inyong kapansanan. Good luck and make us proud, Batang Kankaloo! (We fully support you. I admire your effort and dedication in the field of sports despite your disability. Good luck and make us proud, Batang Kankaloo!),” the mayor told Podiotan
Podiotan bagged the silver medal in the 100-meter dash event in the same sports competition last year.
He was also recognized as a special awardee of the Outstanding Citizens Award, the most prestigious recognition from the local government for his contributions in the field of sports and for being an inspiration to all persons with disability.
The ASEAN Para Games is a multi-sports event that showcases the skills in various sports of persons with disabilities from different countries in Southeast Asia.