Loakan-Apugan, Baguio City – Aligned with the celebration of the World Mental Health Day, the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) through its corporate social responsibility projects and in partnership with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) under the City Government of Baguio, conducted a community immersion and lecture on mental health for persons with disabilities (PWDs) on October 7, 2022.
The joint effort served as the first mental health awareness initiative of JHMC designed specifically for PWDs. The event was attended by the surrounding residents of the John Hay reservation area like Loakan-Apugan, Atok Trail, Upper Dagsian, Scout Barrio, Loakan Proper and Camp 7.
JHMC President and CEO Allan Garcia graced the activity with an assurance that the corporation will be responsive to the needs of PWDs in the John Hay reservation area. And, he encouraged other stakeholders to be committed to creating and formulating inclusive programs and activities.
During the community interaction, PDAO Head Samuel Aquino spoke about his experiences as a PWD, describing how he struggled to succeed throughout life, earning a degree with the help of the community, and how these hurdles motivated him to reach his current position. He recounted the difficulty of having a disability and how he transformed himself by creating a positive outlook on life. He encouraged people with disabilities to inspire and support others rather than be bound by their condition. END
