Marian Rivera (MNS Photo)
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Women and Gender Equity headed by Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica, and the Committee on Social Services led by Rep. Arturo Robes, named actress Marian Rivera as Ambassador for Women and Children with Disability on Monday, during the closing ceremonies of this month’s Women’s Health celebration.
“Marami pong salamat sa inyong pagtitiwala sa akin kaya’t buong puso kong tinatanggap ang tungkuling ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin bilang Ambassador for Women and Children with Disability,” Rivera posted on Instagram as accompanied by a photo of herself wearing a Filipiniana dress and holding her plaque of recognition.
“Kabilang ninyo ako sa pag babantay ng karapatan ng kababaihan at kabataang may kapansanan,” she added.
The Primetime Queen said that a person with disability should not be judged, noting there are a number of women and children that have successfully overcome their physical disabilities.
“I did some research and found out that Jessica Cox, who is armless, is a licensed pilot. And there’s Roselle Ambubuyog, who graduated summa cum laude from Ateneo despite being blind,” Rivera said.
Acting executive director of the National Council on Disability Affairs, Carmen Zubiaga, said that they chose Rivera because they believed the roles she had played in the past made her aware of persons with disabilities.
“Marian can help if she urges her fellow actors and the public to support the education for children with disabilities. With her popularity, the call will ring to the whole nation,” Zubiaga said. (MNS)