In a world where the odds seem stacked against those with disabilities, Adeline “Adz” Dumapong rises as a beacon of hope and strength. GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, recently unveiled the moving story of this Paralympic champion in their latest GCash Stories film. The short film not only chronicles Adz’s remarkable journey but also shines a much-needed light on the challenges faced by aspiring para-athletes, from financial constraints to a lack of support. Her story is a powerful reminder of what it takes to triumph in the face of adversity.

“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, especially for the community of persons with disabilities.”

A Hero’s Journey Begins

The film opens in the year 2000, where we see Adz receiving life-changing news: she’s qualified to compete internationally. Yet, the joy of this achievement is quickly met with the daunting task of raising funds to make it happen. With relentless determination, Adz tirelessly makes cold calls, seeking support. Thanks to the generosity of various agencies and individuals, she not only competes on the world stage but also brings home the Philippines’ first-ever Paralympic bronze medal. It’s a victory that not only elevates her but also serves as a triumph for all Filipino athletes with disabilities.

Fast forward to today, Adz remains deeply committed to giving back. Despite the challenges in securing sponsorships for grassroots para-athletes, she never falters. Instead, she turns to GCash, leveraging its platform to raise much-needed financial support for non-national team para-athletes. Through this, she hopes to inspire others to dream big and aim high, just as she did.

Championing Para-Athletes

Born in the serene town of Kiangan, Ifugao, Adz’s life took a drastic turn when she contracted polio at the tender age of three, leaving her unable to walk. While staying at Bahay Mapagmahal, a home for children with disabilities, she discovered para-powerlifting with the help of the Rehab Department of the Philippine Orthopedic Center. This discovery ignited a passion that led her to make history as the Philippines’ first Paralympic medalist, winning bronze in Sydney. Over the years, Adz has amassed 19 international medals, proving that disability is no barrier to greatness.

But Adz’s legacy goes far beyond the medals she’s earned. She is a fierce advocate for para-athletes, joining various initiatives that call for equal opportunities, inclusion, and fair recognition for persons with disabilities (PWD). Her story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, and she continues to inspire countless individuals, both within and outside the PWD community.

Empowering the PWD Community

From Paralympic champion to passionate advocate, Adz Dumapong’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Now retired from competitive sports, she remains dedicated to empowering the PWD community. Her involvement with WOWLEAP, Inc., a women-led organization, has deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. As the Project Manager at WOWLEAP, Adz leads initiatives that promote inclusivity, economic independence, and social awareness for partner communities.

“As an athlete with a disability, I thought I fully understood the challenges of our sector,” shares Adz. “But my work with WOWLEAP opened my eyes even more to the broader needs of the community. It reminded me that the world is bigger than sports, and there’s so much more we need to do in terms of education and understanding the struggles of persons with disabilities. Now, I’m more motivated to help my community and hope that through my work, I can reach more women with disabilities across the country.”

Beyond her role at WOWLEAP, Inc., Adz actively participates in various community initiatives. She is regularly invited to sports clinics, workshops, schools, and other gatherings as a resource person to talk about disability sensitivity, resilience, and inclusion. Her unwavering commitment to empowering the PWD community makes her a true inspiration to many.

GCash’s Commitment to Financial Inclusion and Support

Inspired by Adz’s story, GCash is stepping up its commitment to financial inclusion and progress for all, particularly the PWD community. The finance super app has partnered with organizations that support persons with disabilities to drive meaningful change. To kickstart its initiatives, GCash has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) to champion an inclusive workplace where persons with disabilities can thrive. This partnership further solidifies GCash’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), with a pledge to integrate comprehensive policies, innovative programs, and accessible spaces for persons with disabilities by 2025.

In addition, GCash has partnered with WOWLEAP, Inc. to pledge support for their capacity-building programs. In collaboration with Visa, the company has also donated wheelchairs to the Philippine Orthopedic Center, aiming to help PWDs retain their independence and enhance their quality of life.

“We are proud to partner with organizations like the NCDA and WOWLEAP, Inc. to support the PWD community,” says Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Businesses and Wealth Management at GCash. “Adz’s story embodies our mission of financial inclusion and is just the beginning. We are committed to working closely with the PWD sector to provide financial education and support, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.”

Looking ahead, GCash will continue to collaborate with like-minded organizations to develop comprehensive programs tailored to the needs of the PWD community. Together, we can build an inclusive society where everyone can fully thrive.

Be a Champion for the PWD Community

Just like Adz, you too can become a champion for the PWD community. With GCash, your transactions can serve as support for other persons with disabilities and para-athletes. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in uplifting the lives of countless individuals.

To learn more about Adz Dumapong’s inspiring journey, watch the full “Adz” short film on YouTube. And if you haven’t already, download the GCash app today and be part of the change.

About GCash

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash’s mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.