In celebration of the 37th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week, the first ever search of outstanding Persons With Disability in Mindanao was held. 8 nominees from different regions and different groups of PWDs attended the said search that happened on July 17, 2015 at SM city Davao – Annex.
It was the singer, song writer, and motivational speaker from Butuan city Mr Ramil Jaictin garnered the highest score from 5 judges namely: Engr Darlito Palermo, a PWD advocate & leader and an Apolinario Mabini awardee; Fr. Leomel Puerto, Youth Director at Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA); Ms Juliana Palermo, award winning actress, business woman, and strong advocate of Human Trafficking; Ms Precious Legario, SM city Davao Public Relation Manager; and lastly, the organizer and the man Behind the Rolling Chair, yours truly Naprey Almario.
Mr Jaictin after winning said “Actually, I did not expect… to win, really… I just wanted to share my works in life… I just want to inspire others especially PWDs to work and do better. Being the first Most Outstanding PWD in Mindanao is an honor for me. I am from a pioneering batch of nominees, and since this could be part of the PWD history in Mindanao, I take so much pride in representing my fellow PWDs. Pride in the sense that the organizers’ desire to produce the first Most Outstanding PWD in Mindanao has come to reality. I am also privileged to become the first since I am going to take responsibilities of embracing the qualities of passion and compassion to people with disabilities, continue to exemplify the values and cultures of how we do things, and to be a living testimony even to the non-PWDs. It feels great when you received messages from your fellow PWDs all over Mindanao. Winning the title is not the end of my journey. However, I consider it the beginning of the next chapter of the challenging role I should take. I have been going out to the community and share my heart, but this time, I’ll bring it to the next level where I can visit all PWD organizations in Mindanao, participate in their activities, spend time with them, hear also their stories and share my advocacy, best practices and most of all, my talent. In this way, I am proving myself that I am worthy to be part of every pwd’s life. “.
Aside from being the Founder/Chairman of Kids for the Future Philippines and Board of Director of Amparo Alumni Association of Butuan City, Jaictin is also busy working on his own album. He’s doing singing engagements in Manila and other parts of the country especially PWD gatherings.
Mr Jaictin as the Most Outstanding PWD in Mindanao received the following prizes: a round trip ticket from Cebu Pacific, a smartphone from MyPhone, a scholarships from Holy Child College of Davao and Arlyn Basquez Salon and Academy. All 8 nominees received gift packs from MX3, My Skin Origins, SM city Davao, & RDL Pharmaceutical .
And in behalf of the participants, the Disabled Peoples Organization, Behind the Rolling Chair and Project SELP Davao, we would like to thank the following sponsors for helping us make this event a successful one.
Major Sponsors:
Arlyn Salon and Academy
STEP Productions
Other sponsors:
Extreme Make Over
Alga Trading Davao
APM
SWA Ultimate
San Miguel Brewery
Penong’s
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