Romnick Baylosis lost his vision four years ago after his retina sustained damage due to blood clot. It was a difficult thing to accept for the now 35-year-old native of Alegria in southern Cebu, but life must go on, he said.
He did not let himself wallow in self-pity and bitterness; instead, he makes his circumstance an inspiration to be a productive member of society.
On Nov. 9 at the municipal gym of Alcantara, Romnick received from Gov. Gwen Garcia an assistive cane which is important mobility tool that would allow him to navigate the world around safely and independently.
Aside from that, he also qualifies as beneficiaries of the Capitol’s Abag Sugbo program (which literally means “Help Cebu). This provides him with hospital and medical assistance in any of the 16 Capitol-run hospitals; as well as an important slot in the Capitol’s Sugbo Kahanas program which provides beneficiaries with free tech-voc trainings sanctioned by TESDA.
As we revel in the festive atmosphere of Christmas, let us not forget people like Romnick who fight their many battles fairly yet quietly. May their resilience and determination serve as reminder that there is so much more to life than what meets the eye.
Through the capitol’s Abag Sugbo and other initiatives that prioritize the needs of PWDs, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone is given equal opportunities to thrive. | Mary Ann Rose Malaya
