Bacolod City has been conferred the 2005 Apolinario Mabini Award for the Local Government Unit of the Year by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia will receive the award at awarding ceremonies that will coincide with the anniversary celebration of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons on March 24 at Malacañang Palace, with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as guest of honor and speaker.

Kate Gordon, 2005 Apolinario Mabini Awards Committee vice chairman, congratulated Leonardia for the city's concerted efforts in helping the disabled, and for a job well done, in her letter dated Feb. 23, 2006. She said the award recognizes the known individuals, groups and agencies who have made outstanding contributions in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities.

Leonardia said yesterday that a team from Manila had come to Bacolod to look into the programs and facilities that the city had constructed for the disabled sector, like the steel railings at the Bacolod Public Plaza, accessibility ramps, and others.

"The award is a source of pride for us because our city is the one chosen among the other places in the whole country," Leonardia said. He also said that Councilor Ana Marie Palermo has been instrumental in this because she had recommended that more facilities be put up in public places for the disabled sector.

"I believe those who have less in capabilities must have more in government, that is why I have always been supportive of programs and projects for the disabled," Leonardia said.

Aside from hiring person's with disability, or PWDs, the city government has also put up a PWD Computer Learning Center and provided a PWD Desk.

The PWD Computer Learning Center at the City Library is equipped with computers, donated by Rotary Volunteer Ric Sanders, that could be used by blind persons because a software is installed in it called "Job Access by Speech."*CGS

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