Aida Emnas Cepeda of Tacloban City was a stand – out in the recently – concluded “PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) Got Talent!” competition held Thursday, July 21 at the Activity Center of Robinson’s Place in Tacloban City.

She is totally blind and old in years, yet her memory remains sharp as she played on the keys of the piano with ease. Her ears, too, were keen for she never ran out of tune – both in singing and performing on the keyboard.

Her act was a shining inspiration to both able-bodied and differently-abled (another name for PWDs) alike. As DSWD Assistant Regional Director Jaime Eclavea said in his closing speech, they, too, have talents and abilities; hence, they should also be given opportunities to showcase their God-given gifts.

Eclavea then called on all sectors of society to break all barriers with persons with disabilities, and lend support to them in every aspect of their lives – be it on education, employment, health, and even participation in development.

Seeing the results of this amazing competition which drew crowds and a good backing from media, the DSWD Assistant Regional Director expressed hope of holding the activity yearly.

With Eclavea was Technical Assistance Division Chief Yvonne Abonales who led in the distribution of cash and trophies to the three winners. Assisting them were representatives of member-agencies of the Regional Council on Disability Affairs (RCDA).

The RCDA, which spearheaded the contest, is under the chairmanship of the DSWD under the leadership of Regional Director Leticia Corillo. Tacloban City Federation of Persons with Disabilities Associations president Elsie Abellera closely coordinated in the conduct of the activity.

For the elderly Cepeda, the Php 2,000.00 cash prize and trophy that she grabbed was not much compared to the impact of the promotional campaign that was meant to address the welfare of the PWD sector.

Cepeda was followed by Malou Caspe, an orthopedically – handicapped who charmed onlookers with her modern stunt at dancing. She is from Borongan City in Eastern Samar, and bringing home with her was Php 1,500.00 cash and a trophy.

The third place went to Bonifacio Fernandez, a singing visually-impaired individual from Maasin City in Southern Leyte. He got Php 1,000.00 cash plus trophy.