CEBU, Philippines – Persons with disabilities (PWDs) from various regions in Visayas and Mindanao recently finished vocational courses from the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center 11 in Labangon, Cebu City.
During the center’s 33rd graduation exercises, over 70 PWDs received their diplomas in different courses.
Twenty-five of them graduated in therapeutic massage, ten in basic cosmetology, ten in basic sewing, nine in commercial cooking, five in consumer electronics, four in computer technology, three in commercial arts and crafts, one in electronic motor repair, and one in home aide service.
In her remarks, Department of Social Welfare and Development operations division chief Belma Rago challenged the graduates to “enhance their capabilities and explore the world by availing of the wide variety of the services and trainings designed by the government and made available for them to compete with the growing demands and opportunities in the market.”
Graduates who received special awards were Rica Buna from Borongan City in Eastern Samar, Andrian Mondero of Tabogon in Cebu, Joel Petalcorin and Teresa Masecampo of Labangon in Cebu City, and Romelyn Baulita of Tacloban City. Those who passed in the Alternative Learning System were also given by the Department of Education certificate that qualifies them to enroll in college courses.
AVRC training center superintendent Herminia Cabahug said that 82 percent of their graduates last year are now employed. — AJ de la Torre/LPM (THE FREEMAN)