Fifty-one (51) PWDs who have successfully completed one-year social and vocational training courses at DSWD’s Area 1 Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC 1) in Dagupan City are now ready to join the mainstream of workforce in Region 1.
AVRC 1 management announced that most of the graduates this year are already employed. Such is among the most significant accomplishments of the Center for the PWD sector.
The AVRC 1 is serving PWDs from Regions I, II, III, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). It offers short courses such as Dressmaking, Tailoring, Cookery, Massage Therapy, Beauty Care and Hair Dressing, Men’s Hair Cutting, Computer Course, and Bread and Pastry Production.
Vergel F. Deciles, an orthopedically-handicapped most outstanding graduate from Mapandan, Pangasinan is a TESDA NC II holder on Cookery and Bread and Pastry Production and is currently engaged in buy and sell.
Dir. Alicia Bonoan from DSWD – Protective Services Bureau, the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the recently held 55th Graduation Exercises, was represented by Ms. Annily Burgo. In her message, Dir. Bonoan reminded the graduates to accept every opportunity and every challenge that may come along their way despite having disability and that they must learn to live well and to never give up.
The activity was also graced by officials from partner-agencies and supporters including friends, families, Local Social Welfare and Development Officers, Government and Non-Government Organizations, and Self-Help Group leaders.
AVRC 1 Training Center Superintendent II Elizabeth C. Manuel posted a challenge to the PWD graduates. “After this day that you have graduated, the self-pity and hopelessness should already stop. Now is the time for you to show your abilities rather than disabilities,” Ms. Manuel said. She also urged them to keep up the good work and to prove that PWDs are partners in the developmental change for progress. (By: Iryn D. Cubangbang, IO II with report from Ms. Baby Janet Cruz, AVRC 1 – Manpower Development Officer)
