By: VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO
PIA-Dagupan Infocenter

THE Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc (PFRD) recently launched the 2008 Apolinario Mabini Awards that culminates sometime in July, this year.

The awards are conferred to individuals with disabilities who have contributed their skills and talents in helping their fellow Filipinos with disabilities improve their quality of life.

Other groups who have made significant contributions in their particular fields of endeavor and have rendered outstanding services to the sector of persons with disabilities are also included.

The Awards consist of different categories, such as Disabled Filipino of the Year, Disabled Group of the Year, Employer of the Year, Disabled-Friendly Establishment, Local Government Unit, Rehabilitation Volunteer and the Mabini Presidential Award.

PFRD Executive Director Dulfie Tobias- Shalim said any individual and/or recognized institution in the public or private sector can nominate in any of the categories listed. For institutional nominations, the endorsement form a high official of that institution is required.

The Apolinario Mabini Awards is a biennial undertaking in honor of Apolinario Mabini, the ‘Sublime Paralytic’, who, despite his serious disability, displayed bravery and heroic acts during the Philippine Revolution of 1896 that greatly influenced his compatriots in fighting the tyrants who ruled the country. (PIA-Pangasinan)