MANILA, Philippines — Two and half-year-old Fionalyn Aquino, who was previously diagnosed with clubfoot, was all smiles as she entered the office of Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian.

Accompanied by her mother Ofelia, Fionalyn had come to thank Gatchalian for the medical assistance that led to her recovery and gave her a chance to live a normal life.

Mother and child had sought assistance from the city’s welfare department office headed by Dorothy Evangelista, who helped arrange a meeting with the mayor.

“We first met her on February 2011 through her sister, a deaf-mute, whom the CSWDO had been providing assistance as well,” Evangelista said.

Clubfoot or congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is a congenital deformity involving one or both feet. It is when the foot turns inward and downward making it difficult for a sufferer to walk.

The condition is usually detected when the pregnant mother undergoes an ultrasound examination. But in Fionalyn’s case, it was discovered upon her birth.

“We noticed her legs while we were visiting her sister. We took her to the Philippine Orthopedic Center for initial medical examinations,” Evangelista said. “However, the expensive medical treatments proved to be too heavy for us, but it did not stop us from helping her.”

Working closely with other companies, the city's welfare development office found a way to augment the costs of medication through tie-ups with the Philippine Band of Mercy, a private non-stock, non-profit foundation established in 1937.

The foundation has provided free medical and surgical services to underprivileged children born with cleft lip/palate deformities and disfigured indigents.

The treatment of Fionalyn began last March. Her feet were placed in a cast that was adjusted every week.

After a few months, the enlarged lower leg gradually shrank. Soon the cast was replaced with foot braces.

Doctors hope Fionaly’s would get strong enough for her to walk without braces.

"Hindi po matatawaran ng kahit ano ang nagawa ninyo para sa anak ko at sa pamilya namin. Sa tulong na ibinigay ninyo, nakasisiguro kami na si Fionalyn ay mabubuhay ng maayos at masaya gaya ng mga normal na bata," her mother said.

During the courtesy call, the mayor spent some moment with the child whom he described as witty.

Incidentally, the Valenzuela City, through the CSWDO and the Disabled Persons Affairs Committee (DPAC), commemorates with the entire nation the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR) from July 17-23.

In partnership with the Valenzuela Persons with Disabilities Federation, Incorporated (VPDF), several national and local activities are lined up for participation by Valenzuelaños PWDs, which range from recreational and sports activities to educational and entertainment, as well as livelihood activities.