On International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), PWDs in Mangaldan, Pangasinan were given special recognition for their contributions to the community.

Among them is Phoebe Faye "Pipay" Gonzales, an administrative aide at the Civil Registry Office of the local government and secretary of the Provincial Deaf Association of Pangasinan.

Despite her disability, Pipay has been working for five years and believes her service is valuable to both the municipality and the community.

"Ang oportunidad at capability ng mga PWD ay nandiyaan pa rin," Benigno De Guzman, Mangaldan’s Persons with Disability Affairs Officer-Designate, said.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) reported that there are around 1,500 PWDs in Mangaldan.

The local government provides various programs to support them, including wheelchairs, walkers, quad canes, and crutches for those in need.

"Mula ng mas aware ang pamahalaan ay nababantayan ang pangangailangan ng mga PWD," De Guzman said.

In a special message delivered through sign language, Gonzales emphasized the need for equality and respect for PWDs.

"Sign language and deaf are not damn. They can work, they can do anything as the normal person. They are asking support not to discriminate them," De Guzman translated.