MinSU pushes understanding, inclusion in cerebral palsy awareness drive

A call to look beyond disability and recognize the person, potential and aspirations behind it highlighted a cerebral palsy awareness campaign held at Mindoro State University (MinSU) Main Campus on September 29, 2026.

Faculty members, staff and students gathered at the University Auditorium of the Main Campus for the activity organized by the Women, Gender and Development (WGAD) in observance of Cerebral Palsy Awareness and Protection Week.

Anchored on the theme “One Shared Voice, One Collective Choice,” the campaign aimed to strengthen awareness and understanding of cerebral palsy while promoting a community where persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and given opportunities to participate.

Dr. Laurence Esteban, MinSU resident physician served as resource person, discussing cerebral palsy, its effects on movement and daily activities, and the importance of understanding the condition in providing appropriate support. He also emphasized the need for greater awareness among members of the university community to help create an environment where persons with cerebral palsy can participate and access opportunities without being defined by their condition.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dominick Mortella, WGAD Deputy Coordinator said that the society often sees the disability before the person.

“Kadalasan, mas nauuna nating nakikita ang kapansanan kaysa sa taong nasa likod nito,” he said.

This, he noted, can obscure the dreams, talents, courage and abilities of persons with cerebral palsy.

“A person with cerebral palsy should not be viewed as someone who only needs help,” Mr. Mortella said. “They also have dreams they want to pursue, abilities they want to show, and stories that deserve to be heard.”

For Mr. Mortella, inclusion goes beyond simply allowing persons with disabilities to be part of a community. It means creating an environment where they are respected, valued and given meaningful opportunities.

He said MinSU’s commitment to an inclusive community must be reflected not only in university programs but also in the daily interactions of its people.

“Ang tunay na inclusion ay hindi lamang tungkol sa simpleng pagtanggap ngunit tungkol ito sa pagtiyak at pagpaparamdam sa isang tao, na siya ay tanggap, mahalaga, at kabilang,” he said.

He also urged MinSUans to bring the advocacy beyond the week-long observance and into classrooms, offices, homes and other spaces where inclusion is practiced every day.

He said the strength of a community should not be measured solely by what it can accomplish, but also by the number of people it is able to include and ensure are not left behind.

The campaign was likewise held at the MinSU Bongabong and Calapan City campuses, making the advocacy a university-wide effort to promote greater awareness and understanding of cerebral palsy.

The activity formed part of MinSU’s continuing efforts to promote disability awareness and strengthen a culture of respect and inclusion across its university community. (jdtdc)