DAGUPAN CITY: Disability is never an impediment for a person to realize a dream.

This was proven by a 51-year-old person with disability (PWD) who managed to climb the ladder of success and become one of the respected women leaders in Pangasinan.

She is Aileen Peteros, a resident of Mangaldan town who was born in 1971. She is the youngest of three children of Ernesto and Gloria Tanguilig.

Peteros was born with a clubfoot deformity in her right foot.

She experienced bullying during her elementary and high school days because of her disability.

“That is the biggest burden that I experienced, to the point where people imitated the way I walked just for the fun of it,” said Peteros in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.

Because of bullying, Peteros felt insecure and apprehensive that she may be physically inferior to others.

“I cried a lot and just sulked in the corner. I started asking myself ‘Why am I like this? Why was I born?’ I started blaming God and my parents for why I am like this,” she recalled.

With her disability, Peteros was unable to walk like a normal person would and yet she overcame the challenges. She believed in herself that she can do more and be even better than others.

“Then I had a realization and acceptance that I was born this way. There is nobody to blame. I have learned to accept this without bitterness,” she related.

According to Peteros, she would not have done it without her family’s support. She even recalled how her father always encouraged her to finish her studies.

“He always encouraged me to finish my studies. He said he did not have proper education and because of this, I have become his dream, that I needed to finish my studies,” she said.

Because of her solid support system within her family, she overcame her fears and insecurities. She eventually earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History at the University of the Philippines in Baguio City.

“From there, the opportunities kept on coming,” she added.

Her first employment was with the Office of Executive Secretary during the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

In 2010, Peteros started working as a job order employee at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Dagupan City and got a permanent position in 2016.

After three years, she was assigned to lead LTO Bayambang Extension Office, Agoo District Office, and Lingayen District Office that paved the way for her promotion.

At present, Peteros is now serving the public as the district head of LTO San Carlos City District Office.

“I feel grateful because my capabilities were recognized at the LTO,” said Peteros, the only woman with disability in the entire LTO nationwide who became a district head. “I’m grateful because they treat me here the same, like I am not a PWD.”

LTO San Carlos City also covers San Carlos City, Mangatarem, Malasiqui, Bautista, Urbiztondo, parts of Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, Basista and Bayambang. The district office offers services such as registration, licensing, as well settlements of fines.