The Department of Health regional office in Ilocos recently distributed 17 assistive devices to persons with disability (PWDs) in Rosario, La Union to help them be productive and self-reliant and inspire them to become socially active.

Four single tip canes, six crutches, four walkers, and three quad canes were handed out on Thursday.

DOH Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco was joined in the ceremony by Mayor Bellarmin Flores II, Rosario Special Person Organization president Felix Baliclic, and Office of Senior Citizens Association head Perfecto Hidalgo and his staff.

“In view of our desire to uplift the social well-being of our PWDs in the region we are providing them these assistive devices that will enable them to be physically active and assist them in their daily activity at home and in the community,” Sydiongco said during the event.

“Our PWDS must also be given the same opportunity as with a normal individual. They have the same rights and it is our duty as government agency to uphold them so that they may enjoy and benefit from it,” she added.

There are 935,551 PWDs nationwide, or 1.23 percent of the household population, based on the 2000 Census of Population and Housing of the Philippine Statistic Authority.

The Ilocos region has 4,743 as of the 2010 census. (PNA)