QC 5th District Rep. Alfred Vargas launches PWeDe! program for PWDs
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Representative Alfred Vargas launches PWeDe!, a movement that aims to empower and provide opportunities to skilled PWDs even in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alfred Vargas, actor and representative of the 5th District of Quezon City, recently launched a program that is meant to “provide development opportunities that empower PWDs” and “create a more inclusive society.”
Called PWeDe!, which means “possible” in English, this initiative aims to support PWD livelihood centers, provide seed money to starting PWD entrepreneurs through its puhunan programs, and partner with organizations that give wheelchairs and hearing aids to people who need them but can't afford them.
Alfred Vargas hopes his PWeDe! program would inspire people to think of the welfare of PWDs especially in the time of a global health crisis. / Source: @alfredvargasofficial Instagram
The 41-year-old actor and father of three launched it on August 22, at the time the country was already in its fifth month of lockdown and has been taking the brunt of unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Its launch also coincided with the birthday of his late mother, Atty. Susana D. Vargas, who died of cancer in 2014.
Aside from the urgency and the apparent lack of opportunities for PWDs in the time of a health and economic crisis, Alfred's inspiration for PWeDe! was a lot closer to home: his lola.
At a young age, Alfred saw how his grandmother's health deteriorated due to bone cancer. Her condition worsened over time, eventually leading to the amputation of her leg. At the time, Alfred was only 8 years old.
His grandma's life instilled in him love and compassion for persons with disabilities.
“I remember na sa tuwing magbubukas ako ng Coke in can, binubulsa ko na 'yung tin na pambukas,” he said during a Zoom conference video with select members of the media, referring to the soda can pull-tab rings that certain charities collect to raise funds for wheelchairs.
“I was able to collect and fill one jar, tapos I was able to donate it.
“I thought I was doing something meaningful.”
Senior citizens and PWDs have long been in Alfred's priority list since he started his political career. He has pushed for such bills as HB 1393, an Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disabilities; HB 3489, an Act Providing for Accessibility to Built Environment, to Transportation, Information and Communications Technology and to Other Facilities and Services Open or Provided to the Public for Persons with Disabilities; HB 4021, an Act to Provide Persons with Disabilities with Online Volunteerism Opportunities; and HB 2017, an Act Mandating the Provision of Exclusive Parking Space for Persons with Disability and Penalizing Unauthorized Use Thereof).
Alfred, who recently marked his 10th wedding anniversary with wife Yasmine, hopes the PWeDe! program will create a ripple that will later turn into a wave of support and opportunities for PWDs.
The former Kambal, Karibal actor is also hoping to have a Pantawid Graduation, which will provide financial assistance to graduating PWD students, and a continuing education through training program, which is a skills development and leadership training.
“It's about time we turn this into a movement. Hopefully, it will become a foundation. For now, we start small,” he said.
“Slowly but surely gagawin natin ito.”
If you have good ideas for sustainable projects for PWDs and senior citizens, now is the time to get them off the ground.
