This article was first published on DOLE by Aldrin l. Apolonio
DOLE grants CAR disabled workers’ group P320-K for livelihood.
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday lauded the DOLE-Cordillera Administrative Region for its effort to build the capacities of disabled persons in the region. “I am happy to know that the regional office, in carrying out DOLE’s social protection mandate, are helping the disabled by ensuring their rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance,” Baldoz said after receiving the report of DOLE-CAR Regional Director John Henry Jalbuena.
DOLE-CAR recently released P323,711 in DOLE grants to two associations of disabled persons. Director Jalbuena said the Kapansanan Association of Bangued, Inc. was granted by the DOLE P250,000 for its 24 masseurs and masseuses, while the Stimulating Therapeutic Massage Center, Inc. with 26 members, was granted P73,000 for its reflexology and massage center.
“The grants will be used by the two associations for the purchase of new equipment to enhance their members massage services,” Jalbuena said. “These grants are part of DOLE-CAR’s capacity building program which aims to develop, nurture, and sustain income-generating and job-creating enterprises across the region,” he added.
Jalbuena further emphasized that the DOLE-CAR does not only focus in providing financial assistance, but also in enabling communities and workers’ groups manage their community-based enterprises. He pointed out that under R. A. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Disabled Persons, disabled persons are recognized as equal members of Philippine society. “We are committed to promote and achieve inclusive growth by helping vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society, such as the disabled, earn a living by supporting their livelihood enterprises that harness their skills and local resources,” Jalbuena said.
