Vocational center graduates meet for alumni homecoming

CEBU – The Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) graduates of the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center from Visayas and Mindanao gathered recently for AVRC’s first alumni homecoming held at its facility in barangay Labangon, Cebu City.

AVRC held its first homecoming since its establishment in 1974. Aside from alumni PWDs, former center staffs also came to renew old acquaintances and meet new alumni.

AVRC is a non-residential facility of the Department of Social Welfare and Development that provides rehabilitation programs and services to PWDs.

Its goal is to give opportunities to PWDs to live a useful and satisfying life.

AVRC has four branches nationwide based in Regions 1, 7, 9 and the National Capital Region.

It has been existing for over three decades and has already produced and provided job placements to hundreds of successful PWDs in various vocational courses such as consumer electronics, carpentry and woodworks, therapeutic massage, computer technology, dress and apparel technology, motor rewinding, handicraft and cosmetology.

DSWD reported that most of the PWD graduates are now gainfully employed whether through open or self employed or sheltered workshops.

In a press release, AVRC Alumni Organization president Romulo Capillanes expressed thanks to the center for initiating the gathering and for making them into an alumni association.

Capillanes said he hopes to expand the membership from the current 73 members.

He encouraged others to come out and register to avail of the benefits and programs they are creating. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM (THE FREEMAN)