Advocates for the advancement of the rights of persons with disability (PWDs) will build a haven for the handicapped, cancer patients, and the elderly in Antipolo City in Rizal.
Eljoy Lagan, leader of the Antipolo-based cooperative for the PWDs, said the home seeks to provide shelter for the less fortunate co-members of his sector, particularly those who were abandoned or neglected by their relatives.
The haven will be called the “PWD Home Antipolo.”
Lagan, who has been blind since his early childhood, told the Manila Bulletin that the shelter will also be a home not only for the differently-abled, but also to cancer patients and survivors and even the elderly.
Several non-governmental organizations and co-advocates of the rights of the PWDs have initially shared their talents, skills, and resources as a starting point for the project that is scheduled to be built on a 500-square meter lot inside Duque Homes which was donated by Nancy and Angel Duque of NCD Integrated School Incorporated.
(Photo from Nancy Duque)
The property, which is located in Buliran Road, Barangay San Isidro in Antipolo City, is surrounded by trees and other vegetation.
The initial donors included RCC Antipolo, Kiwanis Hiyas Antipolo, and the NCD Assessment Team Antipolo and other local and barangay officials who have pledged their support for the realization of the project.
Duque told the Manila Bulletin that her family’s love for the PWDs have moved them to share a portion of their property to be a place that will foster a nurturing home where PWDs, cancer patients and survivors can live independent lives through training and support, and empower family caregivers with the resources needed to lovingly care for their loved ones.
The groundbreaking for the project was held on June 30 in the presence of some PWDs and their relatives, the donors and invited guests, and advocates that included City Councilor LJ Sumulong.
(Photo from Nancy Duque)
Mrs. Duque and her co-advocates, however, are appealing for more donors for the shelter project.
“We still need the help of more donors who will be our partners in moving the lives of the PWDS, the elderly and the cancer survivors who need our care and love,” Duque said.