House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III has reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to becoming a more inclusive and accessible institution with the launch of the Diwang Yakap project.
The initiative seeks to improve mobility support for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, employees, visitors, and other individuals who may need assistance while inside the House complex.
Under the project, wheelchairs will be placed in strategic areas across the House premises to help individuals move more freely. The effort will be complemented by ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at further enhancing accessibility within the institution.
“Today we affirm a foundational truth. Every single Filipino deserves to be seen, valued, respected, and given an unhindered path to reach their full potential,” Dy said in a message delivered by Office of the Speaker Deputy Secretary General Atty. Maria Margarita Garalde-Chua.
Dy said Diwang Yakap reflects the House’s commitment to empowering Filipinos not only through legislation, but also through the way the institution serves those who enter its halls every day.
House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, MNSA, said the project underscores the chamber’s continuing push for compassionate and people-centered public service.
“Today we gather not merely to launch a program but to reaffirm a fundamental principle that public service is at its best when it is compassionate, inclusive and accessible to all,” Garafil said.
Garafil said she hopes Diwang Yakap will eventually expand beyond mobility assistance to include health and rehabilitation services, educational opportunities, livelihood initiatives, accessibility programs, and other responsive interventions for persons with disabilities and their families.
The project was made possible through the donation of 50 wheelchairs by the Taiwan Association, Inc. of the Philippines, with support from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
House officials thanked the Taiwan Association, Inc. of the Philippines for its donation and TECO for its continued partnership in supporting initiatives that improve the lives of Filipinos.
Garafil also acknowledged her longstanding collaboration with Taiwanese partners during her tenure as chairperson of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.
“Your generosity reminds us that when government and civil society work together with shared compassion, meaningful and lasting change is well within our reach,” Dy said.
TAPh President Jia Hsieh said the wheelchair donation forms part of the association’s longstanding charitable initiatives in the Philippines, reflecting its commitment to give back to the Filipino community while strengthening the enduring friendship between Taiwan and the Philippines.
Diwang Yakap is part of the House of Representatives’ Alagang Kongreso Program, which seeks to make the institution more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of every Filipino.