On May 2, 2014, DOLE-NCR through the Quezon City Field Office joined in the celebration of PWD day by conducting job, trade and scholarship fairs with the following partners: Bigay Buhay Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Office of Congressman Alfred Vargas, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Association of Local Service Contractors (PALSCON), Diocese of Novaliches, SM City (SM City CARES), DepED, TESDA, DOST, SSS and Phil Health. Fourteen (14) employers participated in the job fair with two hundred thirty five (235) PWD job applicants.
Ronald Abello, the Project Coordinator of BBMC said that the 1-day event gave our PWD brothers and sisters the opportunities to gain employment, engage in livelihood activities, showcase their talents and skills and continue their studies. Fr. Nonnette Legaspi of Christ the King Filinvest II Parish explained that the event is not only focused on the job fair but also including the trade and scholarship fair. According to him, the trade fair will let the PWDs with existing small businesses to display their crafts and to sell these products to others. The scholarship fair will let those PWDs who were not able to finish their studies to continue their education through Alternative Learning System (ALS) of DepEd and Vocational and Technical courses offered by TESDA.
Richard Arcenio, General Manager of BBMC who is also a differently-abled person shared his insights about the event. He said that for over 23 years of BBMC, it was the first time that they conducted a job, trade and scholarship fair because they would like to extend their help to the people with disability. The event served as an advocacy campaign that will let others recognize the strengths and abilities of the PWDs. He also emphasized that the theme “Just 1: PWD Day” means that even for one day, we must allow the PWDs to prove their worth in our society and that no one is left behind whether you have physical, mental or emotional incapacities because all of us must exercise our rights and duties as Filipino citizens. Mr. Arcenio gave thanks the government agencies, private and social investors who gave their time in helping the PWDs.
Assistant Secretary Gloria Tango of DOLE Worker’s Welfare, Social Protection and Internal Affairs Cluster gave thanks to the BBMC for making this one-day event possible. She highlighted the importance of social protection for the vulnerable sector like the PWDs that forms part of the strategy to concretize the thrusts of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan. Therefore, the Department of Labor and Employment implements livelihood programs such as Tulong Alalay para sa Taong may Kapansanan (TULAY) which PWDs can access to achieve a decent employment and to improve their living.
Lastly, Congressman Alfred Vargas of the 5th District of Quezon City promised that he will continuously help the PWDs by giving them livelihood opportunities through his PWD Office and by passing his bill entitled ‘PWD Economic Independence Act’ that will let the Filipino people acknowledge the rights of our brothers and sisters with disabilities.
Congressman Vargas said: “We are in a very inclusive city, therefore whether you are male or female, child or adult, PWD or not, we have equal rights and opportunities in life that we must exercise and cherish.” by: Katrina P. Laurente
Folks, those who have friends with disability please do share this one. Project SELP Cebu will launch the second JUST 1 Event at SM City Cebu tomorrow, June 20,2014. JUST 1 is an advocacy and networking event component of Project SELP or Support the Employment and Livelihood of Persons with disability.
So, please give your support to our brothers and sisters with disability and attention METRO DAVAO!!! Watch out for the 3rd and last league of JUST 1 Event here in Davao to be held on July 17, 2014 at SM City Ecoland. Annex
Leave a Reply