September 25, 2023

A foundation based in Laguna helping persons with disabilities afflicted with foot drop will soon distribute ankle foot devices in Baguio City to assist those suffering from the condition walk comfortably.

Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong and Persons with Disability Affairs Officer Samuel Aquino along with Assistant City Health Services Officer (CHSO) Maria Lourdes Pacoy welcomed founders and officers of Akay ni Sol Foundation during their visit at City Hall on Aug. 8 for the partnership.

The foundation is the exclusive country distributor of the Canadian mobility device, Xtern Foot Drop, an ankle foot orthosis that is not like the conventional foot drop brace. Foot drop is a condition where one has difficulty raising the front part of the foot.

The foundation led by Sol Aragones, former representative of the third district of Laguna, has been going around the country to assist PWDs by distributing wheelchairs for free and now the Xtern Foot Drop.

A two-day assessment for individuals with foot drop in Baguio City is expected to roll out next month for at least 300 Xtern Foot Drop beneficiaries.

The city government through the PDAO and CHSO are now coordinating for the venue and the assessment schedule. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan