Some 91 persons with disabilities have officially completed their social and vocational training at the National Vocational Training Center (NVRC) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Quezon City.
“This milestone is a testament to their perseverance in overcoming challenges and their unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. Each graduate embodies the spirit of resilience, complementing that with hard work, determination, and support, any obstacle can be overcome,” Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, and Attached and Supervised Agencies (ASAs) Elaine F. Fallarcuna said in her message during the 70th commencement exercise of the NVRC for the persons with disabilities on Friday (May 10).
With the theme “Do rise for success, persons with different abilities as productive members of society”, the graduation ceremony marked a momentous occasion that empowers and acknowledges persons with disabilities, according to the DSWD official.
“These graduates have not only embraced their unique talents and abilities but have also exemplified unwavering determination, resilience, and dedication throughout their vocational and rehabilitation journey,” Asst. Sec. Fallarcuna said.
The DSWD asst. secretary said the NVRC is a non-residential facility of the DSWD Field Office National Capital Region that provides programs and services to assist enrolled persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in developing their independent skills and positive attitude.
“It provides a learning environment that enables persons with disabilities to return to their communities as better individuals in terms of making decisions, articulating their ideas, relating to people, and improving economic conditions,” Asst. Sec. Fallarcuna pointed out.
The graduates underwent skills training on housekeeping and janitorial services, dressmaking, adaptive computer for the blind, massage therapy, beauty care and hairdressing, computer software, food service management, and social rehabilitation.
Jude Anthony Oriondo, who hails from Samar province, started his Adaptive Computer Technology for the Blind at the NVRC in May 2023 and officially completed the course this year, including the social preparation lesson.
“Hindi ko sukat akalain na kaya palang mag-computer ng blind. Dito ko po nalaman na kaya naman. Maganda po siyang start, parang new start na rin para sa akin,” Jude said.
(I never imagined that blind individuals could use computers. Here is where I learned that it’s possible. It’s a good start, like a new beginning for me as well.)
As a blind person, the training helped Jude in acquiring new skills that he can use in his current job at the Action Center of Quezon City District 3.
“Lubos na pagpapasalamat . Sana ay mas marami pa silang maturuan na kagaya ko. Kasi po maganda kasi itong platform na ito eh para mabigyan ng chance ang mga PWDs na mag-shine din sa life at mabigyan ng bagong simula. Sobrang salamat po sa DSWD, sa NVRC,” Jude stated.
(I am deeply grateful to the DSWD. I hope they can teach more people like me. Because this platform is really good to give PWDs a chance to shine in life and to have a fresh start. Thank you very much to the DSWD, to the NVRC.)
Asst. Sec. Fallarcuna acknowledged the invaluable support of the NVRC staff and the relatives of the graduates who played a pivotal role in encouraging and guiding the persons with disabilities in shaping their success.
The Asst. Secretary assured the DSWD’s continuous support for the vulnerable sectors in achieving their full potential through the various programs and services offered at the NVRC.
“As these graduates embark on the next chapter of their lives, the DSWD, through the NVRC, reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for all individuals,” the DSWD executive said.
The NVRC, as a learning environment for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, aims to help its enrolled trainees achieve the best possible adjustment to their disabilities and work toward social reintegration. #
