NO ONE LEFT BEHIND Sen. Migz Zubiri and Apolinario Mabini Awards chairperson Audrey Tan-Zubiri pose with some of the awardees and their families

The 30th Apolinario Mabini Awards (AMA), a prestigious event that recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people with disabilities, took place on July 18, 2023, at the historic Heroes Hall at Malacañan Palace. This year’s ceremony was graced by the presence of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, standing in as the guest of honor on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Alongside the board and their guest of honor, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and his wife, Audrey Tan-Zubiri, graciously presented the awards. Tan-Zubiri, the chairperson of the AMA, later expressed her hope that the exemplary lives of the awardees would serve as an inspiration to all, just like Mabini’s, after whom the award is named.

Established in 1974 by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD), the AMA have stood the test of time, becoming an integral part of advocating for inclusivity in the disability sector. Now on its 49th year, the awards celebrate the efforts of individuals, groups, and organizations that demonstrate excellence in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Antonio Llanes Jr. received the prestigious Life Achievement Award for his unwavering dedication to promoting full inclusion for the visually impaired. Over 29 years, he pioneered computer-assisted training and co-founded Adaptive Technology for the Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired, empowering blind individuals to contribute effectively to society through IT-enabled training programs.

Among the recipients of this year's awards was SM, represented by its president, Steven Tan, who emphasized the importance of setting an example for other corporations to follow in championing inclusivity. He highlighted SM Supermalls’ commitment to making their spaces accessible and welcoming to people from all walks of life. With ramps and facilities designed for persons with disabilities, SM continues to lead the way in creating a more inclusive society. “Like the ramps, we make sure that those are all maintained well and repainted—all these things. This has already been part and parcel of our development or when we’re opening a mall. We already have that in mind. It’s not an afterthought.”

PFRD board member Marides Almendras also shared how instrumental the foundation has been in improving the lives of people with disabilities in the Philippines. With a board that includes individuals with disabilities, PFRD’s programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of the community they serve. Almendras expressed their dedication to helping society become more inclusive and compassionate.

“We’re working for a very important sector—the disability sector that constitutes about 10 to 15 percent of our population,” added PFRD president Edgardo Garcia. “We want them to become independent, self-reliant, and productive members of society. So our assists have been focused on education, employment, and provision of opportunities for them to be able to fulfill their full potential, assess and live the same happy lives.” While progress has been made, Garcia acknowledged that there is still a long way to go in fully realizing the rights and opportunities of PWDs, as outlined in the UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of PWDs).

They address this through awareness and programs, such as the one led by PFRD Vice President Dr. Irma Coronel. She focuses on psychological training for parents of children with disabilities, passionately highlighting the critical role parents play in their children’s care. The program equips parents, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, with coping mechanisms to navigate the challenges of raising children with special needs. Dr. Coronel also expressed hope for the successful passing of the Inclusive Education Bill, which aims to make special education available in public schools, fostering a more inclusive environment for children with disabilities.

The AMA continues to shine a spotlight on the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations that champion inclusivity and empower PWDs. With their unwavering dedication, they are helping to build a more compassionate and equitable society for all.

Vive la France!

Torrential rains couldn’t stop Manila from celebrating Bastille Day on July 14. Despite a venue change the night before, from the ambassador’s official residence to the Fairmont Hotel, guests made sure to come, celebrate, and give Ambassador Michèle Boccoz their well-wishes. It’s her last Bastille Day in Manila as she concludes her distinguished term as France’s envoy to the Philippines.

BASTILLE DAY From left: Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, DFA Usec. Gary Domingo, French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz, and Charles Brown, dean of a diplomatic corps (French Embassy photo)

Boccoz reflected on her two-and-a-half years in Manila. How her tenure began amid the Covid crisis and restrictions, but thanks to her dedicated team, she spearheaded efforts to reinvigorate the bilateral relationship between France and the Philippines. She also emphasized the shared values between the two nations—France as an Indo-Pacific nation with two million inhabitants in the region, closely aligned geographically and in their commitment to democracy, a rules-based international order, and diplomacy.

A QUICK CHANGE Bastille is usually celebrated at the French Ambassador's residence but torrential rains wouldn't allow it. This year, it was held at the Fairmont with Sofitel catering the event

Drawing inspiration from great French diplomat Romain Gary, Boccoz encouraged all present to embrace imagination and ambition to propel the Franco-Philippine relationship to greater heights. In a moving gesture, Ambassador Boccoz spoke of taking a piece of the Philippines with her as she bids farewell, with the warmth, humor, and generosity of the Filipinos etched in her heart forever.
Fete du Canada!

The Embassy of Canada in the Philippines recently hosted a joyous gathering to celebrate the enduring relationship between Canada and the Philippines. Addressing attendees, Ambassador David Hartman emphasized that the Canada-Philippines relationship is soaring to new heights, experiencing an upward trajectory like never before. The continuous and active engagement between the two countries has been evident, with four Canadian ministerial visits to the Philippines since August 2022, demonstrating their mutual commitment to strengthening ties.

CANADA DAY! DFA Usec. Jesus Gary Domingo, and Canadian Ambassador David Hartman

Notable milestones included the inauguration of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office and the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada’s new global application processing center in Manila. Additionally, the arrival of new federal police, defence liaison, political, and development officers showcased the deepening cooperation and collaboration.

DFA undersecretary Jesus Domingo conveyed a message echoing the sentiments of the upward trajectory in the Canada-Philippines relationship. He impressed the guests with a heartfelt rendition of a Canadian song, symbolizing the harmonious cultural exchange between the two nations.

The guests were treated to an exquisite array of Canadian-inspired cuisine, featuring delicacies such as seafood chowder, poutine, and more. All were complemented by an assortment of Canadian wines, whiskey, gin, and ciders.

Koro Universidad de Dagupan gave a soulful performance, featuring a delightful mix of Canadian, Filipino, and other North American songs, uniting the diverse cultures present at the event.