Businesses urged to hire PWDs

CEBU, Philippines - In order to broaden the opportunity for the People with Disabilities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 has encouraged entrepreneurs and business owners to hire PWDs in their establishments.   

“Even if they have impairment, they still have the same capacity as that of normal persons and they can still use whatever skills and knowledge they have in order to live and survive,” said DSWD-7 Director Mercedita Jabagat.

Jabagat believed that PWDs have capabilities that can be useful despite their physical impairment.

In line with this, in order also to increase awareness on the values and behavioral norms of PWDs, the DSWD through the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC) conducted a PWD Sensitivity Training for partner employers.

The training was also attended by other potential employers and AVRC II advisory council members.

“This kind of activity will give the partner employers increased awareness on the values and behavioural norms of PWDs,” Jabagat said.

The orientation was followed by a simulation activity participated in by the participants. They were blindfolded while taking their meals, moving around the place and communicating only through sign language.

During the activity group assessment, some employers shared that their PWD workers have set an example with their dedication and hard work. Also discussed were the dynamics of different PWDs who are deaf, visually-impaired and orthopedically-impaired.

Participants from the Business Process Outsourcing industry plan to tie-up with AVRC II for projects and expressed willingness to conduct trainings for PWDs who are interested to work in the industry.

The activity was participated in by 54 representatives from Dunkin Donuts; Ruiz Cosmetics Surgery Center, Inc.; ePerformax Contact Centers & BPO; Teleperformance (Aegis); Makimsa Apparel; YMCA; Negrense Marine Integrated Services, Inc.; Salon de Rose; Patrice Salon; Wellmade Motors & Development Corporation; St. Mark Hotel; Signa Modena; Cebu Downtown Lions Club; Don Bosco Technology Center; Department of Trade and Industry; Department of Labor and Employment; Department of Interior and Local Government; Cebu City’s Department of Manpower Development and Placement, and other civic organizations.  (FREEMAN)