CARMONA CITY, Cavite – The local government unit (LGU) here was among the awardees at the 30th Apolinario Mabini Awards held in Malacañang on Tuesday, July 18.

Apolinario Mabini Awards is given by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. to groups and individuals who promote measures to protect, rehabilitate, and equalize opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWD).

Photo courtesy of Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola (MANILA BULLETIN)

Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola received the award for the LGU’s “inclusive programs, projects, and activities ensuring that PWDs are respected, included, and capacitated to become self-reliant and contributing members of the community,” as stipulated in the plaque.

In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Head Rosebelle Ligaya Mercurio said they are happy to receive their fifth national award.

The recent recognition is their third Apolinario Mabini Award, while they received their second Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in March.

Photo courtesy of Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola (MANILA BULLETIN)

When asked how Carmona’s recent conversion into a city would affect the work that they do, Mercurio said they are geared to be more responsive to the needs of PWDs, provide quality education, strengthen community work with systematic data, and offer innovative programs.