The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II of DSWD in Central Visayas received a certificate of donation from the Bingo Plus Foundation, Inc. in the amount of Php 1.5 million worth of equipment on July 27, 2024, at SM Seaside City, Cebu.

Through the “Adopt-A-Center” Program of the DSWD Partnerships Building and Resource Mobilization Office, Bingo Plus Foundation, Inc. identified the AVRC II as one of their beneficiaries of the “Future Smart E-Plus Center Program,” which aims to improve the digital literacy of their chosen non-residential and residential care facilities.

Bingo Plus Foundation, Inc. donated 20 desktop computers, a tarpaulin printer, and a heat press machine to AVRC II through a ceremonial turnover during the partner’s Bingo Plus Day Carnival in Cebu.

The sets of equipment given to the AVRC II meet the expressed needs of the center for the skills improvement and capacity building of clients enrolled in various vocational rehabilitation training courses, such as Commercial Arts and Crafts, which specializes in mug and t-shirt printing, among others.

According to OIC-Center Head Florita Q. Dabon of AVRC II, the equipment will be beneficial in adding more specializations, such as tarpaulin printing. “We have no tarpaulin printer or a heat press machine yet in the center. With these additions to our equipment, we can capacitate our clients with the latest technology trends in commercial printing,” she said.

The free training courses are among the many services offered by AVRC II that aim to provide clients such as persons with disabilities with skills to become competitive in the labor market and venture into entrepreneurship.

Executives of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its development arm, Bingo Plus Foundation, Inc., said that the company is helping the sector be mainstreamed in the community using digital literacy. Hence, desktop computers will aid them in their search for employment and improve their basic computer skills.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. President Andy Tsu and Vice President for Investor, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability Celeste Jovenir, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Rafael Jasper Vicencio, and DSWD 7 Assistant Regional Director for Operations Juanito C. Cantero attended the turnover ceremony.

In a response message, ARD for Operations Cantero expressed his appreciation for the donors showing genuine care for the sector. He hoped this endeavor would forge future collaborations with DSWD and the group. “The new equipment would be instrumental in enhancing the skills of our clients in the AVRC II, as well as boost their confidence, making them competitive in the labor market,” the director said.

Bingo Plus’ donations will significantly improve the center’s ability to support its clients through vocational training courses and auxiliary services. Digital literacy is vital in empowering persons with disabilities toward independence and improving their quality of life. ###

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