House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III paid tribute to the recipients of the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards, saying they embody the legacy of Apolinario Mabini by proving that every Filipino can thrive when given equal opportunity and the support to succeed.
Speaking before awardees, government officials, and advocates for persons with disabilities (PWDs), Dy welcomed the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD) to the House of Representatives, which hosted this year’s awarding ceremony.
“Maraming salamat sa pagkakataong maging tahanan ang House of Representatives ng inyong 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards. Isang malaking karangalan po para sa Kapulungan na maging bahagi ng isang seremonyang nagbibigay-pugay sa mga indibidwal at institusyong na nagpapatunay na ang isang mas inklusibong Pilipinas ay posible,” the Speaker said.
The veteran legislator said the awards draw inspiration from Apolinario Mabini himself, whose disability never prevented him from making an immeasurable contribution to the nation.
“Despite the physical challenges he faced, he never allowed his disability to define his abilities, limit his contributions, or determine his place in history,” the seasoned lawmaker stressed.
“Ang totoong lakas ng tao ay hindi nasusukat sa pisikal na kakayahan, kundi sa kanyang karakter, paninindigan, at paglilingkod.”
“Sa halip, ang kanyang talino, katatagan, at pagmamahal sa bayan ang nagpatunay na ang totoong lakas ng tao ay hindi nasusukat sa pisikal na kakayahan, kundi sa kaniyang karakter, paninindigan, at paglilingkod,” he added.
Dy said Mabini’s example continues to inspire generations of Filipinos.
“Ang pamana ni Apolinario Mabini ay nananatiling buhay hanggang ngayon. Ipinapaalala niya sa atin na ang tunay na sukatan ng isang tao ay hindi ang kanyang limitasyon, kundi ang kanyang kakayahan, pagpupursigi, at hangaring magbigay ng positibong pagbabago sa Lipunan,” he stressed.
Dy said the same spirit is reflected in this year’s awardees.
“At iyan mismo ang diwang ipinagdiriwang natin sa Apolinario Mabini Awards. Today, we honor individuals who refused to let obstacles define the limits of their dreams, and institutions that have worked tirelessly to remove those barriers so others may pursue their aspirations,” he stressed.
Dy also recognized the organizations, businesses, schools, and local government units honored for making their communities more accessible and inclusive.
“Through these awards, we thank those who, aside from opening doors of opportunity, also tore down the walls of indifference and exclusion.”
He explained that “through these awards, we thank those who, aside from opening doors of opportunity, also tore down the walls of indifference and exclusion.”
Dy added that the awards have a broader impact because they inspire others to build a more inclusive society.
He stressed that “recognition influences culture. When we celebrate inclusion, we encourage others to become more inclusive. When we honor accessibility, we inspire more institutions to become more accessible. And when we recognize excellence in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, we remind our nation that every Filipino deserves the chance not only to participate—but to thrive.”
Addressing the awardees, Dy said their accomplishments belong not only to them but also to the nation.
“Kaya sa ating mga awardees ngayong araw, ang inyong mga tagumpay ay hindi lamang personal na tagumpay. Tagumpay din ito ng inyong mga pamilya, ng inyong mga komunidad, at ng ating bansa,” he stressed.
“You are living proof that disability does not define destiny—opportunity does,” Dy added.
Before ending his speech, he also announced a personal donation of several months’ worth of his salary to the PFRD in support of its continuing work for persons with disabilities.
The recipients of the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards, who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, are as follows:
• Fr. Luke Moortgat, CICM – Apolinario Mabini Life Achievement Award.
• Ms. Venus Ruam Cadabona – Filipino with Disability Award
• Adaptive Technology for the Rehabilitation, Integration & Empowerment of Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) Inc. – Organization of Persons with Disabilities Award
• Barangay 171 Bagumbong Persons with Disabilities Association – Special Award
• Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. – Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Award
• Architects for Accessibility – Special Award
• Concentrix Philippines Inc. – Manuel V. Agcaoili Award (Employer Award)
• Disability-Friendly Establishment Award recipients:
* SM SuperMalls
* Ayala Property Management Corporation (APMC)
* JP Morgan Chase
* Robinsons Las Piñas
* Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd.
* The Outlets at Lipa Estate
• Local Government Unit Award recipients:
* Quezon City Government
* Barangay Poblacion, Malasiqui, Pangasinan
* Province of Camarines Norte
* Province of Zamboanga del Sur
* Municipality of Dingalan, Aurora
