Samar GSP honors differently-abled Girl Scouts

By Ninfa B Quirante

Catbalogan City (25 July) — The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Samar chapter treated their differently abled peers in a day of fun, games and food treats on Friday.

The activity dubbed as “A Day for Differently Abled Girl Scouts” had them singing, dancing and just having fun through interaction with other girl scouts.

At least some 32 differently abled students from all over Catbalogan city joined the fun with their parents, teachers, guardians and nannies at the GSP Heaquarters in Catbalogan, Samar.

Ms Trinidad Escobar, GSP Council President told PIA that this is their contribution to the nation’s observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDSPR) Week from July 13-23, 2010.

She said that NDSPR aims to stimulate public awareness of disability issues and concerns and also to promote the inherent rights of persons with disabilities.

In a message done by Ms Florfina Daradal, a GSP council board member, she urged the girls scouts not to lose hope for being differently abled.

She told the story of one woman stricken by polio, but was able to study being a teacher and ended up teaching home economics to children.

She then urged the parents, nannies and guardian to continue nurturing them despite the challenge.

To show their talents, visually impaired Mary Jane Cabornay sang a Christian song which she claimed was composed by the blind singer and composer Art Ramasasa. Ronalyn, another visually impaired lass sang Jessa Saragoza’s “Bakit Pa”. Bernard Longasa another visually impaired lad of 12 played on the organ and sang Willie Revillame’s “Ikaw na Nga” the later song had the differently abled kids singing with Bernard.

For the deaf and mute kids, dancing with Jollibee mascot proved to be so enjoyable, it was almost a non-stop dancing showdown.

The kids were also treated to a spaghetti snack given for free by Jolibee Manager Shaun Paul Pondiong.

Gift packs were also distributed to all differently abled girl scouts.

After the dance showdown, kids started taking turns in photo ops with the mascot Jolibee until the batteries of their cameras bleed dry. (PIA-Samar)