PWDs want role in Rama's vision

CEBU, Philippines — The persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Cebu City hope that they can also be a part in reaching the city government’s goal to make the city similar to Singapore.

The city’s Public Information Office (PIO) reported that Jocelyn Llesol, head of the city’s PWD Federation, hopes that they can contribute something to the vision of the city.

“Hinaot nga magamit unta ming mga PWD aron dili nalang magsalig (sa ayuda),” said Llesol.

Just like the senior citizens, the PWDs also receive a monthly financial assistance from the city government.

In his previous statements, Mayor Michael Rama has been very clear with his vision for the city to follow in the footsteps of Singapore.

“I am very serious for Cebu (City) to be like Singapore,” Rama earlier said.

Llesol assured that they fully support the administration’s desire, stating that the PWDs can help in making the city’s tourism thrive.

“Suportado gyud na namo si mayor. One hundred percent walang iwanan,” she said.

Cebu City had been nominated before for the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. This is a biennial international award that honors outstanding achievements and contributions to the creation of liveable, vibrant, and sustainable urban communities around the world. Lee Kuan Yew is the father of Singapore.

“The Prize is awarded to cities and recognises their key leaders and organisations for displaying foresight, good governance and innovation in tackling the many urban challenges faced, to bring about social, economic and environmental benefits in a holistic way to their communities,” according to the award’s website.

Cebu City was also nominated for the award in 2016 but the prize went to the City of Medellin in Colombia.

During Rama’s previous term as mayor, the city received the seal of good housekeeping in 2011; was named No. 2 among highly-urbanized infrastructure and No. 3 overall for competitiveness, both in 2015; and received other awards like the Regional Best PESO and Local Legislative award, among others.

“Even sa Singapore, it’s a green city…No.2, you can see people are very disciplined... so we have to bring many facets of solid waste management, being a smart city... highly-commendable city,” he said. /FPL (FREEMAN)