The program aims to offer assistance, primarily in the form of wheelchairs, to members of the PWD (persons with disabilities) community.
The former journalist and three-term representative, Sol Aragones, has shifted her public service platform from politics to her own Sol Aragones Foundation. Through the non-profit group, Aragones partnered with the advocacy group, Alagang Akay, whose main program is targeted towards helping PWDs in the country. Aragones noted how she found Alagang Akay as the perfect partner group, in realizing her goal to assist the PWDs of her home province, Laguna.
Around 200 hopefuls received their free wheelchairs during the donation drive spearheaded by the combined groups Alagang Sol and Alagang Akay. As they strive to maintain a normal life and carry out their duties, the wheelchairs will be a significant help to them. Along with such a gift was a “pangkabuhayan” package, which Sol Aragones.
Aragones pleads to make them thrive; make their livelihood grow. She said they would check on progress after a month.
She explained, “Ang lambing lang natin ay palagauin natin ‘yan!…Palaguin po natin ang hanapbuhay na yan, sa oras at panahon na ipagkakaloob po sa inyo. Matapos ang isang buwan, babalikan namin kayo para makita kung umunlad na ang kabuhayan package na ibinigay natin.”
Aragones added, “Hindi lamang sa pagbibigay ng wheelchair, tungkod at saklay, kundi maging sa pagsisimula ng hanap-buhay, tulong sa kalusugan at edukasyon. Sa mga PWD andito na ang Alagang Sol, Alagang Akay.”
Alagang Akay was established through the initiative of the members of the PWD community, themselves, who all seek to take part in the mobilization of labor power, despite their physical flaws. Sol Aragones Foundation, meanwhile, is founded in an effort to aid PWDs and their families in Laguna.
