WENDY VALDEZ DECRIES LACK OF PWD FRIENDLY SPACES IN THE COUNTRY
Wendy Valdez-Garcia sparks an important conversation with her Facebook post on April 28, 2024, shedding light on the pressing issue of the absence of PWD-friendly spaces in the Philippines.
The celebrity mom recounted an encounter that left her feeling frustrated and disheartened by the harsh realities experienced by Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and caregivers of infants in public spaces.
Read: Wendy Valdez asks for prayers after son Seth experienced seizures
ELEVATOR ETIQUETTE
While strolling at SM Mall of Asia with her sons, Wendy pointed out how some people do not follow common courtesy and protocol when it comes to riding the elevator with infants and differently-abled individuals.
Her firstborn Seth, who was diagnosed with spina bifida—a type of spinal defect—relies on his wheelchair for mobility, while her one-year-old son Judah is taken around in a stroller.
Seth Garcia (L) and Judah Garcia (R) PHOTO: Screengrab from Facebook | Wendy Valdez
She wrote with raw emotions expressing her ire (published as is), "Yung malalaki ang katawan, at kumpleto ang mga paa, pero hindi makapag-pasakay ng PWD, o babies na nakastroller sa ELEVATOR...
"kasi TAMAD NA TAMAD SILANG GAMITIN ANG MGA PAA at malalapad nilang binti kasi baka mabawasan daw sila ng fats."
Making a point, she called out such inconsideration: "Kaya kayo may elevator staff, to inform na ang elevators ay para sa SENIORS, PWD'S, BABIES, GROCERY CARTS, PREGNANTS.
"HINDI PARA I-ENABLE ANG MGA INCONSIDERATE AND SELFISH CITIZENS. TINATAMAD MAG-ESCALATOR OR STAIRS NA ABLED BODIES."
The Pinoy Big Brother Season 2 alumna added: "SIRA PA ESCALATOR, SO adjust kami buhatin nalang ang kids and wheelchairs.
"NAKAKAHIYA KASI SA MGA MALALAKAS NA TAO NA WALANG CONSIDERATION.Yung mga taong, hindi na nga nakakatulong sa lipunan, nakaka-bigat pa...
"OUR COUNTRY IS SO PWD UNFRIENDLY," she lamented.
"Haay... kaya mga PWD satin di nalang pinalalabas eh."
Read: Wendy Valdez prays to be strong mother her son Seth needs
WENDY'S PLEA
Ultimately, Wendy's wish is for mallgoers and the general able-bodied population to cultivate a sense of responsibility and empathy towards PWDs, emphasizing the privilege of having functioning limbs.
"SA MGA TAONG MALALAKI NAMAN ANG BINTI. ILAKAD NYO YAN," she urged.
"SAYANG AT BINIGYAN KAYO NG LEGS. AYAW NYO GAMITIN.
"Kung ayaw nyo maglakad, higa nalang kayo sa bahay. Burn nyo mga taba nyo wag nyo ipunin."
The 41-year-old beauty titlist also reminded: "Kung binigyan ka ng panginoon ng kumpletong paa't kamay, maayos na pag-iisip at pangangatawan. Sana magamit mo ng tama.
"Sa tuwing ipapaubaya mo ang upuan mo o ang elavator sa mga taong mas mahina sayo, napakalaking tulong na.
"Ano na nga ba ang tinuturo natin sa kabataang Pilipino? Sana hindi lang puro pagsasayaw at pabida sa titkok, o self love, kungdi Love others, as much as you love yourself."
(L-R) Seth Garcia, Wendy Valdez, and baby Judah Garcia PHOTO: Screengrab from Facebook | Wendy Valdez
The prioritization of elevators for PWDs is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a legal obligation established by Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, also known as the Accessibility Law, passed in 1983.
This law mandates that buildings intended for public use, such as schools, airports, workplaces, and commercial establishments, must install facilities and devices that enhance the mobility of disabled persons.
It is a fundamental aspect of promoting accessibility and upholding the rights of PWDs.
READ MORE:
- Why Wendy Valdez can not bring son Seth yet to their travels
- Wendy Valdez asking for prayers as one-year-old son undergoes hip surgery
- How Wendy Valdez travels to 7 countries in Europe on a budget
- Wendy Valdez and Normann Garcia wedding
- Wendy Valdez happy about new option for son Seth's medical condition