Jun Mar Orot sits on a wheelchair given by the University of San Carlos Boys High School batch 1993 during their Christmas party at the Tejero Sports Complex also attended by Cutie del Mar, former congresswoman.
(JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Jun Mar Orot is already 13 years old but still unable to walk and talk.
Orot of barangay Tejero, Cebu City was born with brain defects which made him paralyzed.
He was able to sit on his own for the first time yesterday on a wheelchair he received from the University of San Carlos Boys High School (USC BHS) batch of 1993 as a Christmas gift.
The group coordinated with the office of Cebu City north district Rep. Raul del Mar and his daughter, Cutie, in the selection of 20 children with disabilities from the north district barangays who will receive brand new wheelchairs.
Verner Abella, the batch chairperson, said they first thought of just giving 10 wheelchairs and organizing a feeding program for the beneficiaries during their 20th anniversary celebration yesterday afternoon at the Tejero Sports Complex.
But with their hard work, they were able to buy 20 wheelchairs and throw a Christmas party for about 60 children, including the 20 children with disabilities, as their anniversary treats.
“We wanted to help and there was an overwhelming response. We never thought that a simple feeding program would turn out this big,” he said.
Cutie said that when the batch members came to her for help, she immediately asked the north district barangay captains to identify the children with disabilities in their respective barangays.
Congressman del Mar and Cutie were also present during the Christmas party where Cutie acted as program host.
Maria Isabel Namocatcat, Orot’s guardian, said the boy was born with his brain not properly situated on his head.
The boy’s single mother, Maria Teresa, left for Guam more than a year ago to work in a resort and spa there in order to support his needs.
“Dili ra man ni problema bataa. Basta makakaon lang siya sa insakto dili man mag pwerhisyo,” said Namocatcat.
Namocatcat said she attends to her five children aged 10 to one once she finished feeding Orot.