House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Wednesday reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to building a more inclusive and accessible institution as it launched the Diwang Yakap project, an initiative aimed at improving mobility and support for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, employees, visitors, and others requiring assistance.

Under the project, wheelchairs will be made available at strategic locations at the House complex to help individuals move more freely within the premises. At the same time, ongoing infrastructure improvements will further enhance accessibility throughout 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,” Speaker Dy said in a message delivered by Deputy Secretary General Maria Margarita Garalde-Chua.

The Speaker described Diwang Yakap as another expression of 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 Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said the initiative reflects the institution’s continuing commitment to 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.

She expressed hope that Diwang Yakap would continue to grow 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 (TAPh), with the support of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).

The House leaders thanked TAPh for its generosity and TECO for its continued partnership in advancing initiatives that improve the lives of Filipinos.

“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. (PNA)