Ability Beyond Disability

The chair is easy to overlook at first glance. Made of rattan woven in the traditional sulihiya style, it appears modest—functional, even unassuming. Yet this chair once supported one of the most formidable minds of the Philippine Revolution. Designed for Apolinario Mabini, who was rendered paraplegic by polio, it tells a story not of limitation, but of resilience and intellect.

With its gently reclined back, foot support, and rotating armrests that doubled as a writing table, the chair was adapted to Mabini’s needs. From it, he drafted documents that would help define the First Philippine Republic. Despite his physical condition, Mabini rose to become its first Prime Minister, shaping the nation’s government and laws through the power of his ideas. 

His paralysis confined his body, but his mind ranged freely—arguing for independence, democracy, and moral governance, even while in exile. It was this unwavering commitment that earned him the title “Utak ng Rebolusyon.”

Today, Mabini’s story unfolds quietly within the Mabini Campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Tucked away from the city’s constant motion, the Apolinario Mabini Shrine stands as a space of reflection.

More than a repository of artifacts, it serves as a reminder that leadership is rooted in principle and clarity of thought, not physical strength.

On December 10, 2025, the shrine reopened to the public in a ceremony titled “Ang Pormal na Pagbubukas ng Dambana ni Apolinario Mabini.” The event marked a renewed effort to preserve and share Mabini’s legacy with a wider audience. At a time when questions of leadership, integrity, and nationhood remain pressing, Mabini’s ideals continue to resonate.

The reopened shrine now features restored spaces, newly arranged exhibits, and interpretive displays that offer visitors a more personal understanding of Mabini’s life and philosophy. A key highlight of the revitalization is its inclusive exhibition design. 

In partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the Rotary Club of San Juan del Monte and Touch the Artist’s Vision (TAV) introduced tactile 2D panels and 3D objects, allowing blind and visually impaired visitors to experience the shrine in meaningful ways.

The reopening brought together historians, educators, government representatives, and heritage advocates—each drawn by a shared respect for the country’s past. Their presence underscored the shrine’s role not only as a historical landmark, but as a living space for dialogue and learning.

In remembering Apolinario Mabini, the shrine offers a powerful lesson: disability does not define a person.

What endures are ideas, values, and the courage to shape a nation—even from a chair woven of rattan, guided by a mind that refused to be confined.

Written by: PP Annette Esparaz and Good President Shena Jaye Quitoriano, Rotary Club of San Juan Del Monte