Alagang AKAY 1000 wheelchairs for PWDs

My eldest is a PWD so this advocacy of the Sol Aragones Foundation hits home. I had the opportunity to witness the program held last December 4, at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Sta. Rosa Laguna. Along with the PWD-founded non-profit Alagang AKAY and the foundation of #AlagangSol, 1000 wheelchairs for PWDs and families were given in a back-to-back program as well as last December 6 at the Quezon Convention Center, Lucena City in Quezon.

Alagang AKAY is PWD-led and founded on a mission to uplift the quality of life and uphold the dignity of PWDs through a holistic approach that includes, direct care, education, livelihood, employment as well as opportunities for community service,” said Bayona whose leg was crushed in an accident when he was 24 years old. The accident happened when he himself stopped to aid an earlier crash victim.

Chef with No Hands Maricel Apatan meanwhile demonstrated cooking skills via an AVP shown at the program. According to Apatan: “Nagtapos po ako ng HRM at nagpatuloy sa Culinary Arts. Sinundan ko lang po ang aking puso.” Apatan added: “Ang letrang A po sa A.K.A.Y ay para sa Aral o Education. Kung susundan po natin ang ating puso o passion sa anumang bagay, kailangan pong aralin natin ang larangang iyon. Nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkakataon na makapag-aral at sundan ang puso ko.

Alagang Akay Inc. is a non-profit organization that aims to uplift the quality of life and promote the dignity of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and of their families.

Its holistic approach to this mission includes:

Tapping medical and other professionals to assist PWDs and make medical technologies and other innovations accessible to PWDs
Tapping community leaders to help identify screen, and prioritize those who will immediately benefit from specific assistance and interventions
Collaborating with organizations, both government and private, who are able to provide education, training, and work opportunities for PWDs so as to afford them the dignity of a productive life; one that contributes to their families, communities, society, and humanity indeed.