The People’s Republic of China, through the Chinese Consulate General in Davao City, turned over 580 wheelchairs to the Davao City government during a ceremonial distribution event held at Rizal Park on Wednesday.
The donated wheelchairs will be distributed to Dabawenyo persons with disabilities (PWDs) through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) as part of efforts to enhance mobility, accessibility, and daily living conditions for beneficiaries across the city.
Among those present during the turnover ceremony were Sebastian Duterte, Zhao Xiuzhen, officials from the Chinese Consulate, local government department heads, city officials, and wheelchair recipients.
Mayor Duterte underscored the enduring relationship between Davao City and China, noting that years of cooperation and cultural exchanges have resulted in programs that directly benefit local communities.
“The relationship between Davao and China has always been more than just a partnership—it is a friendship nurtured through years of collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared aspirations,” Duterte said.
He added that China’s assistance has gone beyond infrastructure projects and has also reached ordinary residents through humanitarian and community-centered initiatives.
“The support we have received over the years extends beyond macro infrastructure projects and groundwork initiatives like the Bucana Bridge. It has also involved the provision of various forms of assistance that have benefitted thousands of Dabawenyos on a personal level,” he said.
The mayor expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for the wheelchair donation, describing it as a meaningful contribution that supports the welfare, mobility, and rights of Dabawenyo PWDs.
Duterte also conveyed his hopes that the wheelchairs would help make the daily lives of recipients more comfortable and convenient.
“Nag hinaot kami nga ang gihatag kaninyo nga wheelchairs makatabang aron mahimong hapsay, komportable, ug malinawon ang inyong adlaw-adlaw nga kinabuhi. Kami magpadayon sa paghatag og mas maayo nga serbisyo alang kaninyong tanan, karon ug sa umaabot pa nga mga tuig,” he said.
The turnover ceremony also highlighted the continuing cooperation between Davao City and the People’s Republic of China in advancing programs aimed at supporting vulnerable sectors and strengthening community welfare initiatives.
