Orthopedically handicapped trainees at the sheltered workshop namely (L-R): George Aguilar, 65; Francisco Sanchez, 65; and Aurora Pastor together with Ms. Alicia Uson, a mother of a Child with Disability

“Mula nang sumali ako rito (sheltered workshop), napagtanto kong may silbi at nakakaambag pa rin kami sa komunidad kahit na matanda na kami at may kapansanan (Since I joined the sheltered workshop, I realized that we can still contribute to the community despite being old and with disability),” Aurora Pastor, 60, testified.

Aurora is orthopedically handicapped and enjoys making dishwashing liquid.  She is proud of her product because it is good for cleaning tiles.

Aurora is one of the 17 trainees at the Sheltered Workshop for Older Persons (OPs) and Persons with Disability (PWDs) who availed skills training on commercial cooking, candle production, dry goods printing, sewing, mug printing, massage therapy, among others.

The Sheltered Workshop is one of the best practices of the Municipality of Asingan that caters to all interested and qualified OPs and PWDs as a stepping stone to become trainees at the Area 1 Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC 1) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1). This is a pilot project of the DSWD Central Office through the Social Technology Bureau in coordination with the Local Government of Asingan. It is a community-based facility designed to provide work training and productive employment for OPs and PWDs by producing and selling goods or services.

According to Asingan Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Teresa O. Mamalio, since the shelter was established in 2006, 75 clients were already served, and some of them are now employed and running their own businesses.

Atty. Joshua V. Viray, Acting Mayor, emphasized that the OP and PWD sectors should be given priority, and they should directly benefit from all programs and services designed for them. He is also honored that other municipalities in Region 1 are replicating the Sheltered Workshop. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya)