In a world where mobility defines opportunity, the customized rattan wheelchair, dubbed “Lingkuranan sa Kagawasan” (Wheelchair of Freedom), symbolizes freedom and inclusion, especially among children with orthopedic impairments.
This breakthrough project of Barangay San Isidro Person with Disabilities Association (BSIPWDA) based in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, allows children with disabilities to break free from the constraints of physical impairment and embrace a future of endless possibilities.
For Jessalyn Diangcalan, the mother of four-year-old “Jai-Jai,” who suffers from a condition colloquially locally referred to as “crab foot” — a physical deformity of the limbs, the project embodies the freedom and independence she’s been yearning for her daughter.
“Freedom ni para sa iyaha, kay gihimo ning wheelchair para sa iyaha nga dili na mag salig sa amo. Pwede siya mismo ang modala sa iyang wheelchair nga independent siya,” she shared.
(This is freedom for her because this wheelchair was made for her to the point that she no longer depends on us and carries her wheelchair independently.)
Made to fit her daughter’s needs, Diangcalan is confident that the customized wheelchair would allow her daughter to do the things she could not do before, like playing with her friends outside or simply visiting friends without their assistance.
“Thankful mi nga nahuna-hunaan ni nila ug nahatagan og chance akong anak nga siya ang isa sa beneficiaries sa Lingkuranan sa Kagawasan. Thankful mi kay gamit gyud kaayu siya sa among baby, labi na kay mag school na siya,” she said.
(We are thankful for this project and for choosing my daughter as one of the beneficiaries. We are thankful because this is really useful for our baby, especially since she is about to go to school.)
Jai-jai was one of the recipients of the wheelchair of Freedom during its launching on September 25, 2024, at Fair Crown Suites in Davao City.
Engr. Darlito Palermo, project team leader and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) regional council member, said that the project somehow addresses the lack of appropriate and accessible assistive devices for children with disabilities.
“Kailangan ang mga bata is magkaroon sila ng assistive devices to access education, Tinatawag nating inclusion, mainstreaming in the society,” he said.
(There is a need for children to have assistive devices to have access to education. This is called inclusion, mainstreaming in the society)
While there are readily available wheelchairs, Palermo noted that most don’t seem suitable for children, given their weight and size.
“Yung binibigay na wheelchair kasi hindi angkop doon sa pangangailangan. Yung malalaking wheelchair na hindi naman kayang dalhin ng bata, hindi naman kayang upuan ng bata kasi nga napakalaki at mabigat,” he said.
(Those provided wheelchairs were not suitable to the needs. Children can’t sit on big and heavy wheelchairs)
He added that aside from the weight and size concerns, wheelchairs are also costly like the titanium and carbon fiber types, which range from P50,000 to P60,000.
The Wheelchair of Freedom is customized to fit the specific needs of the child, providing optimal comfort during use, Palermo noted, adding that the customized wheelchairs are lighter and more convenient to use since those are made from rattan.
As for the price, Palermo said that each rattan-made wheelchair cost around P6,000. To date, wheelchair production covers the need for children aged 12 years old and below with a carrying capacity of up to 20 kilograms.
The making of the Wheelchair of Freedom
The Wheelchair of Freedom is the brainchild of BSIPWDA, handcrafted by its nine PWD members.
Palermo said part of the success of the project was the technical assistance from various national government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Health (DOH), the local government unit of Tagum City, and various private partners.
“We have an innovator’s team, we have a medical team who helped us… We gathered the research and medical point of view. We looked into the technical point of view and design aspect. Then we innovate, we do trials and errors until it becomes successful,” Palermo explained.
Palermo is optimistic that the project would significantly help children with disabilities not only in the region, but across the country.
“Ngayon makikita nyo that the wheelchair is very successful, and it will be replicated not only in Tagum or Davao region but throughout the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Palermo hinted at efforts to secure government accreditation if only to commence mass production in a bid to reach out to more children with disabilities.
“Ang kailangan lang namin (all we need) is to be accredited by the DOST and other government entities and private entities to be supplier or service provider for those needing wheelchairs,” he said.
Once accredited, Palermo said that they would explore the possibility of forging partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through their PWD package under Republic Act 1128, so that children could avail of the wheelchair for free. (clc/ASO/PIA Davao)
