Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are sometimes regarded as incapable to manage things and are dependent on others. But in Ifugao, this sector proved that they can live normally and they try to excel in the field of business.
The Ifugao Federation of PWDs Inc. (IFPWDI) is managing well the multipurpose building at the capitol compound in Lagawe town that houses the income generating activities of the members.
IFWDI’s vision is to serve a majority of the members through various income generating activities.
Ester Bulahao, PWD focal person of the provincial government, shared that the group wanted a sheltered center where they could gather, talk about their concerns and work as a group and market their different products.
In 1997, the provincial federation officers made a resolution for then Governor Ildefonso Dulinayan requesting for a building for PWDs. The provincial government granted the request allocating P1 million purposely for the construction of the building. It went further by providing a strategic location for the PWD center at the capitol compound which is accessible and visible to the public.
The PLGU added P400,000 the following year for the completion of the building.
“The PWD center started to offer only massage services in 1998 but in 2010, the federation accessed the amount of P200,000.00 from two board members of the province and started the May “K” canteen selling snacks for capitol employees,” Bulahao narrated.
After two years of properly-managed operations, the canteen accumulated savings that led to its expansion to serve meals and catering services.
To maximize the utilization of the PWD center, some income generating activities were added to the massage services and the May “K” canteen to help more members gain a livlihood to support their families.
At present, there are also photocopy services and shoe and umbrella repair services at the Center.
Managing these income generating activities of PWDs is not easy considering their physical in capabilities. Bulahao disclosed that they also experienced troubles especially in handling financial resources of the canteen but through their perseverance and dedication, they were able to solve the problems.
Today, the PWD center is continuously generating income for the benefit of the organization and to some employed PWDs as well.
Daniel Gano and Jayson Dinamling, in-charge of the shoe and umbrella repair and photocopy machine, respectively, attested that the PWD center is a big help to them as PWDs and to their families.
“Through our work, we can earn for for ourselves. We want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the people who supported the establishment of the center that is helping our sector,” they said.
With the money they are receiving monthly, the canteen cashier and the massage therapist said they are able to help their siblings with their allowance.
The IFPWDI members hope that the center will become a cooperative someday to help the thousands of registered members in the province.
“We are soliciting the support of the public to help us fulfill our dream by patronizing our services,” they stated. **JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao
