Arnel Dondiego, a recipient of a leg prosthesis, beamed with pride and joy as the improvised wooden leg was taken off his left leg in exchange for a new prosthesis he received from the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat, led by Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu (extreme left). (Photo courtesy of Radyo Pilipinas)
ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat (PIA) -- The provincial government of Sultan Kudarat has provided free leg prostheses to 200 persons with disabilities (PWD) in the province.
After being hit by a stray bullet when he was 14 years old, Arnel Dondiego of Bagumbayan town had his leg amputated. Since then, he has worn an improvised leg made of wood for over 40 years to help him walk.
He said he was happy to receive his prosthesis, as he expressed his gratitude to the provincial government for giving him the chance to walk again.
“Maraming salamat sa probinsya at nabigyan ako ngayon ng pagkakataong magkaroon ng panibagong paa at makalakad muli [Thank you very much to the province for giving me the chance to have a new leg and walk again],” he said.
Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu vowed to help persons with disabilities (PWD) be able to walk again through the province's initiative of free prostheses for its constituents, telling other PWDs who are in need of artificial legs in other areas of the Soccsksargen region that they are welcome to avail of the assistive device. (Photo courtesy of the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat)
Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu said the initiative aimed to give PWDs “an assistive device to help them with their daily activities and additional means of opportunity to improve their living conditions.”
On February 5, some 75 PWDs from across the province received their leg prostheses at the Provincial Capitol in Isulan town to encourage them to revive their normal activities of daily living.
"Our Creator gave us different challenges in life, and it is our mission as one community to help one another," he pointed out.
The program, in partnership with A. L. Buenavista Enterprises, Inc., started in 2023.
Mangudadatu also announced that they will be expanding the coverage of the program to serve even those outside the province in need of help.
"Kung meron kayong kilala [na kailangan ng prosthesis], kahit hindi taga-Sultan Kudarat bibigyan natin [If you know someone who needs a prosthesis, even if they are not from Sultan Kudarat, we will give them]," the governor said, adding that "we want to inspire, we want to serve, and we want to touch the lives of people.”
PWDs interested in availing of the program are encouraged to contact their municipal health office or municipal social welfare and development office for details and guidance. (ORVR – PIA Sultan Kudarat)
