QUEZON CITY, (PIA) –A Person with Disabilities (PWDs) family could not contain their joy upon getting a surprise from the Valenzuela City Government.

Valenzuela City Mayor led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Housing and Resettlement Office (HRO) formally turned over a fully-furnished housing unit in Disiplina Village Ugong to a PWD family on May 9, 2023.

The beneficiary consists of Mr. Jonady Zapanta, 42 years old, who serves as the head of the household, his sister, Ms. Nelly Zapanta, 32 years old, suffering from Tetra-Amelia Syndrome, and their niece, Ms. Marie Zapanta, 19 years old, suffering from hydrocephalus.

The family has been a client of the local government since 2011 and has been seeking financial assistance for their daily necessities. 

As head of the household and despite his disability, Mr. Zapanta, worked hard as a beautician in Barangay Dalandanan to be able to support his family.

But despite his efforts, he only earns PhP 4,000 per month, hardly enough to meet the basic needs of his family, thus they’ve been struggling to survive their daily living.

Since 2016, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) have been providing the family with daily supplies of diapers and milk.

Ms. Amelia Gatuz, a homecare volunteer, also provided her services to the family by taking care of Ms. Marie Zapanta.

In this situation, the family was recommended by the CSWDO to receive the utmost social service assistance, by granting them with a housing unit in Disiplina Village Ugong, furnished with basic appliances, to provide them with a more comfortable living environment. 

During the turnover, Mayor WES said the City Government will continue to provide comfort for all the Pamilyang Valenzuelano.

Also present during the turnover ceremony were Councilor Niña Lopez, City Social Welfare and Development Office Head Ms. Dorothy Evangelista, Housing and Resettlement Office Head Ms. Elenita Reyes, and Ugong Punong Barangay Ed Nazar and Council. (pio Valenzuela/pia-ncr)