A Journey with Ronda PWD Rehab Center

Abstract

This study documents the journey of the Ronda PWD Rehab Center from its inception to its operational and current set up, highlighting the role of research-driven compassion and community-centered care in addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities in Cebu, Philippines. This traces the development of the center, which originated from a research endeavor aimed at bridging the gap in rehabilitation services in rural areas. Through collaborative efforts with local stakeholders, the center emerged as a beacon of hope and healing in the community of Ronda. Drawing upon first-person accounts and retrospective analysis, the study shows key milestones in the center’s evolution, including its establishment with the support of governmental authorities and subsequent activation amidst a global pandemic. The founder’s commitment to pro bono service provision and capacity-building initiatives underscore the center’s ethos of inclusivity and empowerment. Central to the study is an exploration of the center’s impact on the socioeconomic landscape of Ronda and neighboring areas. By offering free services and conducting outreach missions to remote locales, the center has facilitated access to rehabilitation services for underserved populations, thereby enhancing their quality of life and fostering social inclusion. Through a narrative, the study explains the transformative power of research-driven compassion and community-centered care in effecting positive change within marginalized communities. By documenting the journey of the Ronda PWD Rehab Center, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on grassroots initiatives and community-driven development in the field of disability rehabilitation.