Wendy Valdez-Garcia has sparked an important conversation on Facebook which sheds light on the pressing issue of the absence of PWD-friendly spaces in the Philippines.
In her post on April 28, 2024, the celebrity mom recounts an encounter that left her feeling frustrated and disheartened by the harsh realities experienced by Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and caregivers of infants in public spaces.
Wendy knows whereof she speaks.
Her firstborn Seth has been diagnosed with spina bifida—a type of spinal defect—and relies on his wheelchair for mobility, while her one-year-old son Judah is taken around in a stroller.
Read: Wendy Valdez asks for prayers after son Seth experienced seizures
Seth Garcia and baby Judah Garcia PHOTO: Screengrab from Facebook | Wendy Valdez
elevator etiquette
Wendy recalls strolling in SM Mall of Asia and noticing how there are people do not follow common courtesy and protocol when riding the elevator with infants and differently abled individuals.
Raw with emotion, Wendy's post reads (published as is): "Yung malalaki ang katawan, at kumpleto ang mga paa, pero hindi makapag-pasakay ng PWD, o babies na nakastroller sa ELEVATOR...
"kasi TAMAD NA TAMAD SILANG GAMITIN ANG MGA PAA at malalapad nilang binti kasi baka mabawasan daw sila ng fats."
Making a point, she calls out: "Kaya kayo may elevator staff, to inform na ang elevators ay para sa SENIORS, PWD'S, BABIES, GROCERY CARTS, PREGNANTS.
"HINDI PARA I-ENABLE ANG MGA INCONSIDERATE AND SELFISH CITIZENS. TINATAMAD MAG-ESCALATOR OR STAIRS NA ABLED BODIES."
The Pinoy Big Brother Season 2 alumna adds: "SIRA PA ESCALATOR, SO adjust kami buhatin nalang ang kids and wheelchairs.
"NAKAKAHIYA KASI SA MGA MALALAKAS NA TAO NA WALANG CONSIDERATION.Yung mga taong, hindi na nga nakakatulong sa lipunan, nakaka-bigat pa...
"OUR COUNTRY IS SO PWD UNFRIENDLY," she laments.
"Haay... kaya mga PWD satin di nalang pinalalabas eh."
Read: Wendy Valdez prays to be strong mother her son Seth needs
WENDY valdez'S PLEA
Ultimately, Wendy's wish is for mallgoers and the generally able-bodied population to cultivate a sense of responsibility and empathy towards PWDs.
She reminds people of the privilege of having functioning limbs.
"SA MGA TAONG MALALAKI NAMAN ANG BINTI. ILAKAD NYO YAN," she urged.
"SAYANG AT BINIGYAN KAYO NG LEGS. AYAW NYO GAMITIN.
"Kung ayaw nyo maglakad, higa nalang kayo sa bahay. Burn nyo mga taba nyo wag nyo ipunin."
The 41-year-old beauty titlist also says: "Kung binigyan ka ng panginoon ng kumpletong paa't kamay, maayos na pag-iisip at pangangatawan. Sana magamit mo ng tama.
"Sa tuwing ipapaubaya mo ang upuan mo o ang elavator sa mga taong mas mahina sayo, napakalaking tulong na.
"Ano na nga ba ang tinuturo natin sa kabataang Pilipino? Sana hindi lang puro pagsasayaw at pabida sa titkok, o self love, kungdi Love others, as much as you love yourself."
The prioritization of elevators for PWDs is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a legal obligation established by Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, also known as the Accessibility Law, passed in 1983.
This law mandates that buildings intended for public use—such as schools, airports, workplaces, and commercial establishments—must install facilities and devices that enhance the mobility of disabled persons.
This is fundamental to promoting accessibility and upholding the rights of PWDs.
READ MORE:
- Why Wendy Valdez can not bring son Seth yet to their travels
- Wendy Valdez asking for prayers as one-year-old son undergoes hip surgery
- How Wendy Valdez travels to 7 countries in Europe on a budget
- Wendy Valdez and Normann Garcia wedding
- Wendy Valdez happy about new option for son Seth's medical condition