Last March 28, the country marked the 18th Women with Disability Day based on Proclamation No. 744 entitled “Declaring the last Monday of March of every year as Women with Disabilities Day.”
The celebration was themed “Kakabaihang may kapansanan sa New Normal: Kapantay, Kaisa at Kasama sa Inklusibong Kaunlaran.” (Women with Disabilities in the New Normal: Equals, Couples and Partners in Inclusive Development).
The 1987 Philippine Constitution (Section 14, Article II) recognizes the role of women in nation-building and ensures the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.
Here in Zamboanga, the City Government based on operation of City Ordinance 354 established the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU) under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in 2011.
The PDAU in coordination with the Zamboanga City PWD Federation (ZCPWDFeD) led the successful selection of women with disability that made an impact in the community. Thi was based on the belief that women with disabilities can inspire and motivate PWDs to strengthen their performance and fight for their rights and privileges.
For this year, the PDAU features PERCY ANN J. ALIHUDDIN, 42 years old with Orthopedic Disability in celebration of the 18th Women with Disability Day.
Born on October 15, 1979, Alihuddin was afflicted with polio during childhood in her native Basilan Province.
At 13, she moved to Zamboanga City together with her family. She finished High School and was trained in dress making at the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center III (AVRC III).
Because of her potentials, she became an active PWD leader in Barangay Sta. Maria where she resides and later became the ZCPWD Federation Project Manager, a position she occupies until today. (PDAU| ZCPWDFeD | Henry Salac, photo courtesy by Percy-Ann Alimuddin Facebook account | PDAU)