Differently abled graduate from DSWD training center

Close to 80 physically challenged individuals graduated from the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center 11 yesterday in barangay Labangon.

Included among the graduating students are blinds, deaf, handicaps, and other physically challenged persons who have finished a vocational course after a 10-12 month training in the center.

AVRC is a training facility for the differently abled established by the Department of Social Welfare and Development as provided for in Republic Act 2615 in 1959.

DSWD-7 information officer, Jaybee Carillo said that AVRC is an avenue for those people who are discouraged because of physical limitations to still find self-worth.

“We are giving them the chance to experience normal life so to at least lessen chances of them ending up in streets and beg,” she said.

The students in the center can choose from among 10 major courses offered by AVRC from commercial arts and crafts, computer technology, and therapeutic massage for the blinds, among others.

DSWD-7 regional director, Teodulo Romo himself, acknowledged the graduates during the commencement exercises.

Aside from their graduation certificates, model students received training tools that would help them develop their skills.

The Department of Education has also issued to the graduates certificates for alternative learning system that would accredit the graduates to land a job despite being high school undergraduates. However, the certificates cannot be used in applying for college.

AVRC superintendent, Hermenia Cabahug has also assured that they have done their best to give the graduates job placements as they have coordinated with various private and non-private employers.

In the celebration of Labor Day today, Cabahug emphasized that it should not only be normal employees that should be recognized but might as well find inspiration from the physically challenged workers who might even be valuing their work more than those who have complete faculties. — Anthony S. Teo, UP MassComm intern/MEEV