AFP scores big win with PWDs

MANILA, Philippines - Military officers are used to taking risks on the battlefield, but when they hired deaf-mutes John Ray Carpio, 27, and Audie Pelayo, 24, it was a risk they were not quite used to.

But the 7th Civil Relations Group, the employer of Carpio and Pelayo, are now reaping the rewards, as the military now have skillfully-made posters and tarpaulins while helping its two differently-abled employees design their future.  

Pelayo was hired last August while Carpio started working for the military the following month. Both are graduates of Applied Deaf Studies from the College of St. Benilde in Manila.  

Lt. Col. Samuel Sagun, chief of the 7th Civil Relations Group, admitted that they were initially cautious about hiring the two PWDs (persons with disabilities).

But Sagun said the risk was worth it as the two are diligent and are performing beyond expectations.

“Their output may not be perfect but they exceeded our expectations. They are very focused,” he said.  

Sagun said innovations in mass media have benefited people with disabilities.   

“The era of new media has leveled the playing field for PWDs. They can read because everything is projected on the Internet,” he said.

Carpio and Pelayo are paid P6,000 monthly and are given extra allowances for special projects. The two are not yet permanent employees and are getting a salary lower than those with regular positions. 

But Sagun said the two enjoy a flexible time schedule and work about four hours daily.

“We are asking the General Headquarters to make them regular employees,” he said.  

Carpio and Pelayo took part in key projects including the preparation of materials for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 75th anniversary last December.

Carpio, who handles multi-media communications and graphic designs, said he is thankful that the AFP gave him the opportunity to use his skills.

Carpio lost his hearing after his mother suffered from German measles during the first month of her pregnancy. His drive to work for the military is not surprising, as he is very proud of his grandfather who is a war veteran.  

“(The soldiers are) very good to me…I look good (to the) people (here),” Carpio told The STAR in a handwritten note.  

The two meet deadlines, fix the computers in their office, joke around with co-workers through sign language, and join athletic activities.  

“We are empowering them by believing in their capabilities. We give them a chance to prove their worth and to work with other people. Their contributions to our office, to the armed forces and society, are important,” Sagun said.