Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
and Senate President
Juan Miguel Zubiri graced
the conferment with their
presence. SM Supermalls
President Steven T. Tan
was also in attendance,
alongside SM Supermalls
SVP for Operations and
Director for SM Cares
Program on Persons with
Disabilities Engr. Bien C.
Mateo and SM Prime VP
for SM Offices Alexis L.
Ortiga.
“It is indeed an
honor for SM’s efforts to be
recognized by the PFRD,”
said Tan. “We work hard to
ensure that our SM Malls
cater to the needs of our
fellow Filipinos who live
with disabilities because
we want to facilitate a safe
and inclusive space for
them. We are humbled to
be consistent awardees
at the Apolinario Mabini
Awards because it only
reassures us that we are
fulfilling that goal.”
“SM believes in
advocating for a more inclusive environment for
the disabled community,
which is clear through the
initiatives we push forward,” said Mateo. “More
than creating projects for
the benefit of disabled
persons, we also want to
spread awareness and
encourage compassion
among those of us who
are able-bodied. We believe that is what is needed to create a society that
is truly inclusive of Persons With Disabilities.”
Established by
the PFRD on its Silver Anniversary in 1974, the Apolinario Mabini Awards is a
biennial program named
after one of the country’s
most well-known heroes.
Also known as the Sublime
Paralytic, Mabini’s disability did not hinder him from
playing a major role in
the Philippine revolution.
Thus, the awards are given to professionals and
organizations that have
empowered and rendered
outstanding services to
persons with disabilities,
and are considered to be
the most prestigious prize
for Persons with Disabilities-related organizations
and programs in the country.
