Words of gratitude were heard from the nine recipients of free prostheses during the turnover ceremony held on July 18 at the Events Tent Center, Binalonan Rock Garden.

Led by Congressman Ramon V. Guico III, Representative of the 5th district of Pangasinan, the distribution of free prostheses is in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Binalonan, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, National Council on Disability Affairs, and MVRN Prosthesis Center.

From Binalonan, the recipients were Gerald Manansala of Balangobong, Ernesto Argonza of Vacante, Faustino Desamito of Sto. Nino, and Elmer Andrada of Poblacion.

From Urdaneta were Rey Belarmino and Lorenzo Yaranon of Nancamaliran East; Samuel Rubio of Anis, Laoac; Eduardo Manuel of Guiset Sur, San Manuel and Marilou Pagud of Carmen West, Rosales.

In his inspirational message, Congressman Guico III said that the project started during the May 13 election campaign when he and his wife were going around the different towns of the fifth district and saw the need of helping people with disabilities.

Maan Tuazon-Guico, the wife of Congressman Guico, proposed the project on giving free prostheses with the first batch of 5 recipients from the fifth district on May 10.

The awarding of prostheses coincided with the National Prevention and Rehabilitation Week with the theme: Lokal na Pamahalaan: Kabalikat sa Pagtupad ng Karapatan ng mga Taong may Kapansanan.

Present during the event were OIC, Office of the Vice Mayor, Councilor Glory Jovelyn Manaois, Councilors Josephine Caburnay, Noel Apolinario Bautista, Bryan Louie Balangue and Ronald Biado.

Also present were heads and employees of the different departments, representatives of the PCSO, staff of the MVRN Prosthesis Center, and relatives of the recipients.