The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas joins the nation in celebrating White Cane Safety Day, an annual observance to promote the well-being of blind persons and raise awareness of the challenges they face.

The Republic Act 6759, or the White Cane Act, mandates this advocacy to be observed on the first day of August each year to remind the public of the independence and plight of those visually impaired individuals who use canes as a mobility aid.

It also aims to acknowledge the importance of the cane as a symbol of hope and strength, which serves as a reminder for the public to care for, extend a helping hand, and show respect for them.

This year’s theme, “Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Access for People with Blindness,” is aligned with the overarching message of inclusivity of National Disability Rights Week 2024.

Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II organized a learning visit to museums for their blind clients.

Margie D. Pinton, DSWD 7 focal person for the persons with disabilities sector, said the tour benefits the blind as it is a learning opportunity for them. It also gives the museum staff the experience of handling blind visitors.

“By explaining to the trainees what is inside the museum and describing the surroundings, we hope our blind clients feel genuine care,” she added.

Among the sites visited are the University of San Carlos (USC) Museum, Museo Basílica del Santo Niño, El Fuerte de San Pedro, and the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu, all in downtown Cebu.

Newly installed Training Superintendent II of AVRC II, Dr. Jera C. Armendarez, MD, MPH, MDM, shared that this activity is a baptism of fire, an endeavor that she always wished to happen.

“I congratulate AVRC II trainees and staff for organizing and participating in a walk-through in different museums. I am raising awareness for the independence of the blind and visually impaired people by helping them navigate the world around them safely and independently using their tool, the white cane,” she said.

She also hoped that more institutions would become PWD-friendly by installing tactile pavers for those with difficulty of sight and improving access to ramps for those in wheelchairs to aid them in future visits.

New Center Head

Former focal person for the persons with disabilities of the Department of Health (DOH) Central Visayas Center for Health Development, Dr. Jera C. Armendarez, welcomes a new role as the Training Superintendent II of the AVRC II.

She was welcomed by DSWD officials, Assistant Regional Director for Administration Tonyson Luther S. Lee, and Regional Center Coordinator Aileen G. Cuevas on August 1, 2024, during the celebration of the White Cane Safety Day at the center’s conference room.

As a member of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA), she is already familiar with the dynamics of the center.

Her new role as center head entails a lot of work for the welfare of the PWD sector by introducing forward-looking approaches in building relationships with partners, anticipating future development trends, and sustaining the gains that previous leaders have left.

Her leadership will lead the future of AVRC II to innovation that will transform and empower not just the lives of persons with disabilities but also partners who believe in sustainable progress for the sector. ###

(87) Views