First Filipino Paralympic Medalist Adz Dumapong Inspires Hope and Progress in Latest GCash Stories Film
In its most recent GCash Stories release, GCash—the nation’s most popular banking app—reveals Adeline “Adz” Dumapong’s inspirational path. The short film highlights obstacles that prospective para-athletes must overcome, such as lack of funding and lack of support.
”Adz is a true inspiration,” shares Neil Trinidad, GCash’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Her story is a powerful reminder of the potential in every individual, regardless of their abilities. We hope this film sparks a conversation about the need for inclusion and progress for all, especially the greater support needed for the community of persons with disabilities.”
In the beginning of the movie, Adz gets exciting news in 2000: she is good enough to fight internationally. It makes her less happy that she has to work hard to get the money she needs to make it happen. Adz gets to work and keeps making cold calls. With the help of organizations and kind people, she wins on the world stage and brings home the Philippines’ first Paralympic bronze title.
Moving forward to the present day, Adz is still truly dedicated to giving back, even though it can be hard to find sponsors for grassroots para-athletes. Adz comes up with a plan and uses GCash to get the much-needed money for paralympic players on the non-national team. She hopes that GCash will help other people dream big and aim high like she did.
Born in Kiangan, Ifugao, Adz Dumapong contracted polio at age three leaving her unable to walk. While staying at Bahay Mapagmahal, she discovered para-powerlifting through the support of the Rehab Department of the Philippine Orthopedic Center. Adz would then make history as the Philippines’ first Paralympic medalist, winning bronze in Sydney. She has since earned 19 international medals, proving that disability is no barrier to greatness .
Beyond the medals, Adz is a fierce advocate for para-athletes. She actively joins various efforts that call for equal opportunities and inclusion for persons with disabilities and fair recognition for para-athletes.
Adz’s story is a testament to human spirit. She’s not just a champion athlete; she’s a trailblazer who has paved the way for countless others. Her legacy extends far beyond the weightlifting platform, inspiring more members of the community of persons with disability.
Adz Dumapong was born in Kiangan, Ifugao. When she was three years old, she got polio, which made her unable to walk. With help from the Rehab Department of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, she learned how to do para-powerlifting while she was living at Bahay Mapagmahal. Adz then won bronze in Sydney, becoming the first person from the Philippines to win a Paralympic title. Since then, she has won 19 world medals, showing that being disabled does not stop you from being great.
Adz is a strong supporter of para-athletes who do not win titles. She actively supports many causes that want people with disabilities to have similar chances and be included, as well as fair recognition for para-athletes.
Adz’s story shows how strong people can be. She is not only a great athlete; she is also a leader who has helped many others find their way. This woman’s legacy goes far beyond the weightlifting stage, inspiring more people in the disability community.
Through advocacy partnerships, GCash gets people to help the community.
By working with groups that help people with disabilities, GCash is showing its dedication to financial inclusion and growth for all. GCash is taking real steps to give disabled people more power after being inspired by the story of Paralympic winner Adz Dumapong.
As a first step, GCash has signed an agreement with the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) to promote an inclusive workplace where people with disabilities can grow. This shows that the company is even more committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). With the help and backing of the NCDA, GCash also promised to include comprehensive policies, new programs, and accessible spaces for people with disabilities by 2025.
GCash has also teamed up with WOW LEAP Inc. to promote their programs that help people build their skills. Along with Visa, the company also gave bicycles to the Philippine Orthopedic Center in the hopes that these would help people stay independent and improve their quality of life.
