“My journey in public service is more than just a career. It is a testament to the power of inclusivity, resilience, and the shared dream of a society where everyone thrives, regardless of their abilities.”
These words were shared by Jennifer Garcia, a 47-year-old resident of Brgy. Tambac in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, who was recently recognized by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) as one of the 2024 Extraordinary Filipinos with Disabilities during the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Garcia, the youngest among seven children of Faustino and Anita Viray, exemplifies strength and determination.
Her life is a testament to how resilience and dedication can turn challenges into opportunities.
Garcia’s Journey as Person with Disability
At just one and a half years old, she fell off a table, resulting in an accident that changed her life forever.
Diagnosed with polio, she now relies on a crutch on the left side of her body.
Garcia’s childhood was marked by bullying and discrimination.
She recalls being taunted with the rhyme “Viray, Pilay,” mocking her disability.
“As a human being, nasasaktan ako, araw-araw umiiyak. Maraming bata ang nanunukso sa akin na pilay. Walang palya ‘yan tuwing school days. Pagdating sa bahay, umiiyak na lang ako palagi. Sinasabi ng nanay ko na tumigil na ako sa pag-aaral. Pero kinabukasan, pumapasok pa rin ako,” she shared.
(As a person, I get hurt and cry every day. Kids at school always tease me because I have a disability. It’s really tough. When I get home, I can’t help but cry. My mom wants me to quit school, but I go anyway.)
Despite the ridicule, Garcia’s mother instilled in her the values of bravery, patience, and perseverance.
These principles became the foundation of Jennifer’s inspiring journey.
Raised by a single mother, Garcia said her mother’s unwavering support and guidance for shaping her resolve to succeed.
“My mother encouraged me to focus on education as my weapon for success,” Jennifer said.
She added, “She always told me to be brave, patient, and hardworking because education would be my key to a brighter future.”
Although financial hardships initially delayed her college education, a vocational school for PWDs run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Dagupan City became her stepping stone.
There, Garcia gained confidence, skills, and self-esteem.
“After graduating from the DSWD program, I had this dream of going back someday to serve my fellow PWDs,” she said.
She completed the vocational program in just six months and pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Urdaneta City University.
Her dedication earned her accolades such as Best in Research and Best in Community Field Instruction.
She later became a registered social worker and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Northern Philippines.
A Life of Purpose and Advocacy
Garcia, now serving as head of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in the provincial government of Pangasinan, believes that leadership is about empowering the marginalized.
“Leadership is not about authority but about standing beside the marginalized, amplifying their voices, and ensuring they are empowered to lead,” she said.
Her advocacy spans numerous initiatives promoting education, accessibility, and inclusivity for PWDs.
She has collaborated with institutions like the DSWD, NCDA, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), as well as international organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Disability Forum.
She also serves as a volunteer social worker in her barangay.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Throughout her journey, Garcia has faced countless challenges but has overcome them with unwavering determination.
To her, disability is not a limitation but a blessing that has given her purpose and strength.
“I dedicate this recognition to my fellow persons with disabilities, whose strength inspires me to keep fighting for a more inclusive world,” she said.
Garcias’s work continues to inspire communities to break barriers and promote inclusivity.
She reminds us that leadership rooted in empathy can transform lives.
“The meaning of life is to find your gifts. The purpose of your life is to share your gifts in ways that inspire, empower, and transform the lives of others,” Jennifer reflected.
Her life’s work embodies this philosophy, making her not only an extraordinary leader but also a symbol of hope, progress, and possibility.
Last year, Jennifer was named one of the top three honorees in the prestigious Extraordinary Filipinos with Disabilities recognition.
This year, she was honored again as an outstanding government employee with a disability by the NCDA during a ceremony on December 10.
Honoring Extraordinary Filipinos
The Awards and Recognition Program, spearheaded by the NCDA, was first launched in 2022 in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
By 2023, it was aptly renamed “Extraordinary Filipinos with Disabilities: Transcending Disabilities.”
The program honors individuals who embody courage, leadership, and advocacy across various categories, including youth, women, athletes, employees, and PWD leaders.
Along with Garcia, this year’s honorees included Carmen R. Zubiaga, an inspiring woman with a disability; Ernie A. Gawilan, a champion athlete; Ma. Bless S. Adriano, an exceptional youth advocate; John Darnell C. Castro, a trailblazing PWD leader; and Christian O. Apolinario, a dedicated private sector employee with a disability.
These remarkable individuals received plaques and cash prizes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to society.
The recognition emphasized a shared vision: a society where no one is left behind and where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
Indeed, Garcia’s journey of resilience and inclusivity embodies the spirit of the NCDA’s extraordinary Filipinos with disabilities program.
Her story highlights the transformative power of empathy and advocacy, proving that a society where everyone thrives—regardless of ability—is within reach. (AMB/EMSA/CBC/PIA Pangasinan)
