The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II held an alumni gathering and a concert for a cause at its covered court in Brgy. Labangon, Cebu City on September 28, 2024, to celebrate its 50th founding anniversary.
Homecoming has been a tradition in AVRC II and coincided with the yearly anniversary celebration attended by former and current trainees to reconnect with others who share a common vision for the sector of persons with disabilities.
AVRC II believes that allowing its former trainees to revisit their roots and reunite with other persons with disabilities will foster solidarity and make them more recognized as an equally significant sector in achieving societal growth.
The homecoming carries the theme: Innovating and Flourishing in the Golden Horizon, Excellence in Transforming and Empowering Lives. The event highlighted the talents of persons with disabilities. The former trainees also held an orientation, discussion of the Bawal Ang Bastos Law, and a general assembly that would unite efforts and discuss plans for strengthening the group.
Center Head Dr. Jera C. Armendarez is excited to meet all former trainees and organize them to be a socially responsible group. “The homecoming atmosphere focused on showcasing what the center has done for the sector, layout plans, and strengthening their ties to AVRC II as their common ground,” shared Dr. Armendarez.
The AVRC II management acknowledges the shared responsibility towards contributing to the journey of the persons with disabilities sector—spanning a generation of opportunities, connections, shared vision and stories, and the celebration of inclusion and diversity.
On a video message, Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero reminded the former trainees to become unified as products of AVRC II and show their support for incoming trainees. “May your stories of perseverance become a living testimony to what people with disabilities can do for themselves. May you shine brightly and become a guiding light for others. AVRC II is your home, and let us fill it with hope through your contributions to society,” she said.
She added that the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas, which operates the AVRC II, reaffirms its commitment to its members that while one may leave its halls, the essence of being part of a community must remain forever entrenched in the hearts of persons with disabilities.
Performances from the Cannabis Salad, center’s social work interns and staff, and Destined Blind Band, capped off the celebration.
The AVRC II Alumni Association currently has 116 members. Some have established their enterprises, and some have their desired field of work. ###
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