Bukidnon marks ‘White Cane Day’ with parade of the visually- impaired
People should be reminded that motor vehicles and pedestrians should yield the right of way to blind people using canes.
This was the message that the 22nd National White Cane Safety Day wanted to convey to the people, here, last Aug. 1, when some 40 blind and visually-impaired persons led the sighted in a parade to celebrate the occasion.
With a theme that supports efforts of PNoy on good governance: “BASTON, Gabay sa Tuwid na Daan,” the activity was aimed at creating public awareness on the rights and welfare of the blind and promote recognition of ‘white cane’ as their symbol of mobility.
The parade started from Valencia City Central School Special Education (VCCS-SPED) Center down through the city’s main thoroughfare to the city gymnasium.
Participated by officials of the Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the local government unit (LGU), the activity included planting of endemic trees at the vicinity of VCCS-SPED Center, which was also part of the Urban Greening Program of the provincial government.
Dr. Margie Bayagna, VCCS Principal, said many blind and visually-impaired persons, including famous musicians, masseuse and masseurs, have made major positive contributions in the province.
Junivic Andrion, a blind adult learner and President of Bukidnon Visually-Impaired Entrepreneurs Inc. (BVIEI) expressed jubilation on the occasion.
“It is very comforting to feel that the LGUs, national government agencies (NGAs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) helped make people more fully aware of the meaning of the White Cane and of the need for motorists to exercise special care for the blind persons who carry it,” he said.
Rosalyn Demit, teacher for visually-impaired class and SPED Chairperson, said the White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the country celebrated on August 1 of each year since 1989 pursuant to Republic Act 6759, the White Cane Act. (Ruby Balistoy/PIA-10)
