Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Head Venus Ruam Cadabona, of the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, received the prestigious Apolinario Mabini Filipino with Disability Award during the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards held Monday,August 3, at the Romualdez Hall of the House of Representatives.
The award, conferred by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Inc. (PFRD), recognizes Cadabona’s exemplary leadership and sustained advocacy for the rights, empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
PFRD, led by its president Edgardio F. Garcia, cited Cadabona as a resilient woman with a disability, an effective leader and a dedicated public servant whose work has advanced disability-inclusive governance in Nueva Vizcaya.
She was recognized for spearheading the establishment of the provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office and for strengthening the participation and empowerment of PWDs in the province.
Cadabona received the award together with her daughter,Khristine Diane and Vice Gov. Eufemia Ang Dacayo, who attended the ceremony as the representative of Gov. Jose V. Gambito.
“I am deeply grateful to the PFRD for this meaningful recognition. I share this award with all persons with disabilities in Nueva Vizcaya and with everyone who continues to support our advocacy,” Cadabona said.
She also expressed her appreciation to Gov. Gambito for his support of the programs and initiatives implemented by the PDAO.
“I also sincerely thank Gov. Gambito for his continued support for the programs and initiatives of our office. With his support, we were able to implement these programs effectively. This recognition inspires us to continue working toward a more inclusive and empowered community for persons with disabilities,” she added.
Governor Gambito congratulated Cadabona, describing her recognition as a testament to her dedication and perseverance.
“Congratulations to Ms. Cadabona on this well-deserved honor. Her courage, leadership and unwavering service prove that disability is not a hindrance to excellence and meaningful public service. She is a true inspiration to all of us,” Gambito said.
The Apolinario Mabini Awards honor individuals, organizations and institutions that have made significant contributions to advancing the welfare, empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities while promoting them as self-reliant and productive members of society.
Cadabona was one of 17 finalists selected from approximately 300 nominations submitted nationwide and the sole qualifier for the Apolinario Mabini Filipino with Disability Award representing Nueva Vizcaya.
The entries were evaluated by the Apolinario Mabini Awards Committee, chaired by MaryAnn Arcega Dy, the wife of House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy, who served as guest speaker during the ceremony.
Named after Apolinario Mabini—the revolutionary leader known as the “Sublime Paralytic”—the awards recognize individuals and institutions that embody his legacy of courage, patriotism and service despite disability.
This year’s awards covered seven categories: Organizations of Persons with Disability, Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Manuel V. Agcaoili Award for Employers, Disability-Friendly Establishment, Local Government Unit, Filipino with Disability, and the Apolinario Mabini Lifetime Achievement Award. By Rachel Magday
