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| A PWD Post Office employee (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Philippine Postal Corporation) |
The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office)'s PWD (Persons with Disabilities) employees who have long been in the Postal Service have been recognized for their outstanding contributions in the development and progress in the postal service in observance of this year's National Disability Rights Week. The Post Office has been a long-time supporter of the national government's PWD employment program which aims to enhance employability and increase employment opportunities for PWDs.
Those employed at the Post Office are deaf and physically impaired individuals who have been in the postal service for more than 30 years as mail sorters, clerks and operations supervisors. The Post Office has helped them hire and have integrated PWDs to their organization. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared July 17 to 23 of every year as National Disability Rights Week". The move is part of the commitment of the government to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
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| Cris Noel F. Inosanto, an inspirational PWD Post Office employee (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Philippine Postal Corporation) |
A Person With Inspiring Ability
Cris Noel F. Inosanto, an employee at the Surface Mail Exchange Department (SMED), began his service at the Post Office in 1988 as a hopeful 22-year-old utility worker. With unwavering determination and a heartfelt dedication, he clocked in and out every day, always on time, and ready to prove his worth. Though he hadn’t graduated college, his hard work paid off and by 1991 at the age of 25, he broke stereotypes by enrolling in college. “Education is not a race; you can always study at any age,” he would say. Just four years later, he proudly earned his Bachelor of Arts and Science in Accountancy, opening new doors in his career. In 2006, he transitioned to the role of CCTV Supervisor in Pasay where he fondly remembers his time until 2013. However, his journey was not without its challenges. In 2012, he was diagnosed with gouty arthritis which eventually deformed parts of his body. Despite the pain, he persevered but, by 2018, he was bedridden for six months. The Post Office stood by him, providing paid leave during his recovery and supporting him as he applied for formal recognition as a Person with Disability (PWD). Another heartbreak came in 2016 when he lost his father. Throughout these trials, he found solace and strength in the Post Office community. “The Post Office has always taken care of its own, even before laws mandated support for PWDs,” he shared. His colleagues and friends were his rock, helping him navigate through his toughest times.
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| Former judge and PCSO Chairperson Felix Reyes visited the Post Office Stamps booth during the 2024 Philippine Disabilities Convention and Expo (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Philippine Postal Corporation) |
Post Office Joins Philippine Disability Convention and Expo
Stunning display of old and collectible stamps that recorded the history and culture in society were sold and exhibited at the Philippine Postal Corporation (The Post Office) Stamps booth for the Philippine Disability Convention and Expo held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City last July 15-17, 2024. With the theme “Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities And Advocating Access", exhibitors from government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector were also present, providing services, products and job opportunities for persons with disabilities. Head Executive Assistant Randy O. Remonte presented the Special Stamps Frame to National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director Ms. Glenda D. Relova for their successful celebration of the convention and their support to the welfare of the PWDs. The Postage stamps attracted crowds and visitors into a nostalgic journey through history. Stamp enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike couldn’t resist stopping by to marvel at these timeless treasures. Participants and attendees have taken a piece of history along with them. One of the attractions is the Philippines’ longest Postage Stamps, the sheetlet strip of three measures 200 mm by 35 mm which is also the first of its kind to be issued by the Philippine Post Office. Titled “Philippines: First Republic In Asia", the remarkable stamp vividly illustrates the Philippines’ nationhood from the historic proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 to the declaration of the First Philippine Republic in 1901. The commemorative stamp features historical vignettes that transpired from the declaration of Philippine Independence in 1898, the arrival of Aguinaldo in Malolos Bulacan, the inauguration of the first Philippine Republic at the Barasoain Church in 1899, the Philippine American War, Aguinaldo’s odyssey in Northern Luzon with women nursing the wounded, Apolinario Mabini in Pangasinan, and Aguinaldo’s capture in Isabela but others continued to fight for liberty in 1901.
