53 PWDs graduate from year-long training

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/411490160357/53-pwds-graduate-from-year-long-training
• Saturday, March 25, 2017

By VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO (JNPD/VHS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – Fifty-three persons with disability (PWDs) from Regions 1, 2, 3, and the Cordilleras proudly marched in the 54th graduation rites held Wednesday in Dagupan City.

Elizabeth Manuel, training center superintendent of the Area I Vocational and Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) based in Dagupan City, said the annual graduation marks another milestone for PWD citizens and creates opportunities for them as partners for change.

“After a year of training, we share the joy with you as you feel renewed hopes for a brighter tomorrow and we are happy that we are instrumental in making your rights real,” Manuel told the graduates.

Purita Cueto, senior manpower development officer, presented to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) the graduates who finished the comprehensive social and vocational training courses on dressmaking (6), tailoring (7), cookery (10), massage therapy (18), beauty care and hairdressing (7), men’s hair cutting (6), and social rehabilitation (1).

Miguel Limon, regional program coordinator of the (NCDA) who represented Acting Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga, said he felt the excitement of the graduates to spread their wings and look for their place to maximize their learning and skills.

Limon said NCDA is happy whenever they learn of PWDs who become successful in their chosen endeavors because it is an indication of the Council’s success in pushing for programs and policies for PWDs.

“You have fought battles beyond compare and you have proven that disability is not in anyway a deterrent to succeed in life,” Limon said.

Two former graduates of AVRC also gave their profound gratitude to the institution as they are now relishing good jobs.

Grace Balbin (visually-impaired) is now an online-teacher and Annie Rose Rumbaua (orthopedically-handicapped) is now a chef in a university cafeteria and has represented the Philippines in an international competition in France.