Employee in Santa Marcela with an amputated leg praises generosity of Gov. Bulut, Congrw. Bulut-Begtang

Santa Marcela, Apayao- Johnwayne A. Pascua,23, an employee of Santa Marcela LGU on Wednesday expressed his sincere gratitude to Governor Elias C. Bulut and Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, recognizing the significant help of the provincial government and saving his ife.

Johnwayne was a victim of vehicular accident and due to the serve injury he suffered, his leg had to be amputated.

In a conversation with Apayao PIO staff, Pascua said he could have given up working or continuing his life but the care of the government during his  struggle motivated him to get back up and keep working even with one leg.

"Agayamanak Launay keni Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. ken Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang nga nagited suporta para iti amin nga taga Apayao kas koma kadagiti medical assistance ken daduma pay nga tulong para kadagiti saan makakaya ti gastos. Dakkel ti tulong na kaniak dagitoy nga isu ti nangpapardas ti panagrecover ko," he uttered.

Johnwayne, with his prosthetic leg, is now enjoying his work at the Municipal Engineering office, strengthened and filled with hope to move on with life. He became an employee of the LGU in 2019, three years before he met said accident. He stands and serves as a testimonial of determination and resilience, aspiring to impart inspiration in his workplace.

History of the accident

It was in October 25, 2022; he was driving his motorcycle along the provincial highway in Bagutong, Flora, when Johnwayne was hit by a speeding four wheel vehicle which almost took his life. He woke up in a hospital with the news that there was no chance to save his leg.

It wasn’t easy to accept being an amputee for all his life. Nevertheless, with the help of the provincial government shouldering the expenses as well as providing other assistance, he thought the money shouldn’t go to waste. As he faced the reality, he courageously embraced it, testifying it taught him life's greatest lessons, which he had lived on since then.

"Saan ko maimagine nga awanen ti maysa nga sakak… at first, I felt so helpless, frustrated, and thought nobody understands nu kasanu karigat. I lost the freedom I once enjoyed, awanen ti future kon.... ngem daytoy ti nagbalin nga turning point ti biag ko. It gave me a new perspective on overcoming adversity... Nagbalinak nga mas manakaawat, more patient, more resilient and more driven to make a difference," he expressed.

Johnwayne also appreciated the aid bestowed to him by the Local government Unit of Santa Marcela led by Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez and to the DSWD, saying he is forever indebted to their generosity.