Elaine Mae Espina is a 25-year-old local government worker leading the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in the Municipality of Bantayan, Cebu.

Born with an orthopedic disability, Elaine shares that she had always been on the receiving end of judging stares and discriminatory remarks against her. She always found herself questioning her parents and turning to God to wish away her limitations. At a young age, her eyes were opened to the harsh truth that life is not fair for the disadvantaged.

However, such experiences have not dampened her determination to strive for a better life. She finished her studies and found a job right away after graduating. “For most of my life, I was made to believe that I was meant to live my life with limitations. However, my determination to have a better life was bigger than their discrimination. I had nothing else to cling onto except my will to climb out of that long-time slump,” said Elaine.

Eight months into employment, Elaine made significant impact to her community especially to those who lived the same fate as her. Leading PDAO enabled her to educate persons with disabilities on their rights and government benefits. “God used me as His instrument to help others and it has given me a purposeful work to inspire others to triumph against life’s hardest trials. I showed them that it was possible for a PWD like me to succeed. If I could do it, so can they,” added Elaine.

Elaine hosts weekly meetings with PWD members, during which she cascades various information, most recently including updates about SIM Registration. “I always emphasize the importance of SIM Registration to our persons with disabilities members since they are the among the most vulnerable sectors against scams and bullying. It is my duty to inform them of such an important development and I make sure to guide them so they can safeguard themselves from these fraudulent activities,” shared Elaine.

This month, we celebrate exemplary women leaders like Elaine who have exemplified a life filled with courage and strength despite her limitations as a person with disability.

Persons with disabilities may register their Smart and TNT SIMS by visiting the https://simreg.smart.com.ph/ portal and upload their valid IDs such as their PWD cards.