For 57-year-old Elena Cobarde, hope may come in the form of a prosthetic leg. 

Once an active and independent woman, Nena’s life took a turn after she lost her leg due to complications from diabetes. Her daily routine, once filled with movement, has been limited to the confines of a wheelchair. Dependent on her only son for assistance, Nena found herself facing not only physical challenges but the emotional weight of no longer being able to support her family. 

“When the doctors told me I had to have my leg amputated to stop the infection from spreading, I didn’t really have a choice,” she recalled. “I wanted to live for my son. But everything changed. I couldn’t work anymore, and my son had to stop working to care for me.

Yet even in the face of adversity, Nena never lost hope. She turned to God and prayed, and in time, discovered the possibility of using prosthetics to regain some of her mobility. However, like many in her situation, financial constraints stood in her way. Determined to find help, she reached out through a local radio station, seeking support. That call eventually led her to Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) —and a new beginning. 

New Facility in Central Visayas 

On July 10, 2025, VSMMC officially opened the Prosthetics and Orthotics Factory of its Regional Physical Rehabilitation Center. This project was made possible through Project ADLAW (Access to Daily Living and Well-being), a fundraising campaign initiated by the Aboitiz-Moraza Family in partnership with RAFI. 

The blessing and inauguration of the 60-square-meter facility brought together members of the Aboitiz-Moraza family, RAFI representatives, VSMMC officials, and key leaders from the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Philippine Orthopedic Center. 

Divided into two zones, the facility is equipped with specialized tools to design, fabricate, and fit various orthoses and prostheses. From a dedicated machine and oven room to  

wheelchair assembly and consultation spaces, the factory is designed to provide holistic care for patients with mobility challenges. 

With the facility now operational, patients like Nena can access affordable prosthetic limbs and spinal braces at government-subsidized costs. Apart from providing care, the facility also creates opportunities for rehabilitation medicine doctors to train and practice in the Visayas, helping address the growing shortage of specialists in the region. 

Hope to restore mobility 

As the designated Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Visayas, VSMMC’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine can now serve the needs of over 8 million people, including nearly 1 million individuals living with disabilities across Central Visayas, many from remote and underserved communities. 

Like Nena, patients from different parts of the country can come and get a chance to be examined for a prosthetic. 

“I’m grateful I came across RAFI and VSMMC,” Nena said. “When my prosthetic comes, I look forward to going back to work and giving my son the chance to return to his job too.” 

Nena’s dream goes beyond simply earning a living. Her face lights up when she talks about what she looks forward to most: dancing again. 

“Everyone knows how much I love to dance. I can’t wait for the day I’ll be able to move to music again. That moment will bring joy not just to me, but to everyone around me.” 

A Step Toward Dignity and Independence 

The story of Nena is one of many. Her journey reflects the quiet strength of thousands who, despite their circumstances, continue to believe in better days. Thanks to the support of compassionate individuals and organizations, these better days are becoming more possible.