Skills dev’t set for disabled persons in Bataan

BALANGA CITY – The Provincial Welfare and Development Office here is setting-up a skills training program for some 1,300 registered differently-abled persons in Bataan to improve their well-being. Marilyn Tigas, Bataan provincial social welfare and development officer, told The STAR that the PWDO staff is preparing a comprehensive study of the skills, educational levels, character and other fields of interest of differently-able individuals in the province to determine what livelihood projects are suited for their competency.

Tigas said that Bataan Gov. Enrique “Tet”Garcia Jr. and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan have allocated funds to step up employment and business opportunities for them as part of their commitment to provide sources of income for handicapped individuals.

Short training courses such as therapeutic massage, food production, painting and other handicraft ventures are included in the long-range development plan for differently-abled individuals in Bataan.

Many of them have been enrolled at the Bataan Polytechnic State University (BPSU) as Iskolar ng Bayan, free college education program of Garcia and Rep. Albert Garcia of the province’s second district.

Tigas said some disabled persons with impaired hearings have excelled in their chosen business ventures and have been meritoriously recognized in their respective communities.

Aside from jobs and business activities, Congress has enacted a law giving additional incentives to persons with disability. – Raffy Viray