First Filipino Paralympic Medalist Adz Dumapong Inspires Hope and Progress in Latest GCash Stories Film

GCash, the country’s top finance super app, unveils the inspiring journey of Adeline “Adz” Dumapong in its latest GCash Stories release. The short film spotlights challenges faced by aspiring para-athletes from financial constraints to 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.”

The film opens with Adz in 2000, receiving thrilling news: she’s qualified to compete internationally. Her joy is tempered by the challenge of raising funds to make it happen. Adz gets into action, tirelessly making cold calls. Thanks to the support of agencies and generous individuals, she triumphs on the world stage, bringing home the Philippines’ first Paralympic bronze medal.

Fast forward to Adz today, remaining deeply committed to giving back despite the challenges in securing sponsorships for grassroots para-athletes. Adz finds a solution and turns to GCash to raise the much-needed financial support for non-national team para-athletes. With GCash, she hopes to help others follow in her footsteps, to dream big and aim high.

Adeline “Adz” Dumapong and her friends and family

A Champion for Para Athletes

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.

Left to Right: Neil Trinidad, Chief Marketing Officer of GCash, WOWLEAP, Inc Representatives, Maricel Candole, Irene Angiwan, Carmen Zubiaga, Adeline “Adz” Dumapong and Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Businesses and Wealth Management of GCash

A Champion for the Community

From Paralympic champion to passionate advocate, Adz Dumapong, now a retired para powerlifting athlete, remains dedicated to empowering the PWD community. Her journey with WOWLEAP, Inc, a women-led organization, deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. As their Project Manager, Adz is at the forefront of initiatives promoting inclusivity, economic independence, and social awareness for WoW Leap’s partner communities.

“As an athlete with a disability, feeling ko alam na alam ko kung ano mga problema ng sektor namin – feeling ko lang (pala),” shares Adz. “Nung nasa WOWLEAP, Inc. ako at naka-kwentuhan ko ang mga lider ng mga kababaihan, at nalaman at mas nabuksan ang isip ko sa mga needs ng community, I realized again that the world is bigger than sports. Naremind ako na kailangan pa rin ng pag-aaral at edukasyon tungkol sa mga pinagdadaanan ng mga persons with disabilities. Now, I’m more motivated to help my community, and I hope that through my work, I will be able to reach out to more women with disabilities in different areas of the country and work together on ways to meet their needs.” 

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

GCash Ignites Support for the Community through Advocacy Partnerships

GCash is deepening its commitment to financial inclusion and progress for all by partnering with organizations that support the PWD community. Inspired by the story of Paralympic champion Adz Dumapong, GCash is taking concrete steps to empower individuals with disabilities.

To kick start 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, further solidifying its dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). GCash further pledged to integrate comprehensive policies, innovative programs, and accessible spaces for persons with disabilities by 2025, with the help and support of the NCDA. 

GCash has also partnered with WOW LEAP Inc. to pledge support for their capacity-building programs. In collaboration with Visa, the company has also donated wheelchairs to the Philippine Orthopedic Center, with hope that these will help them retain their independence and enhance their quality of life. 

Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Businesses and Wealth Management of GCash

“We are proud to partner with organizations like the NCDA and WOWLEAP, Inc. to support the PWD community,” said 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 collaborating with like-minded organizations to develop comprehensive programs tailored to the needs of the PWD community, so they may fully thrive in the inclusive society we are all building together. 

Just like Adz, you can also become a champion for the PWD community. With GCash, your transactions can serve as support for other persons with disabilities and para-athletes, para sa pag-angat ng panalo ng bawat Pilipino. Watch Adz’s inspiring story in the full “Adz” short film on YouTube here.