In celebration of Women with Disabilities Day (WWD), DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas underscores its advocacy efforts for women with disabilities, while highlighting its ongoing support for the sector through vocational rehabilitation.
As part of the Women’s Month celebration, the last Monday of March is dedicated to honoring women with disabilities, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 744. This observance aims to raise awareness of advocacy, enhance the capabilities of women with disabilities, and increase their participation in economic and social activities.
DSWD provides persons with disabilities access to vocational rehabilitation at the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II in Brgy. Labangon, Cebu City. The center offers free training courses and social rehabilitation that promote their holistic development and well-being.
Dr. Jera C. Armendarez, Center Head of AVRC II, emphasized, “Through the AVRC II, DSWD is committed to creating an environment where women with disabilities can achieve their full potential by providing them with equal opportunities to thrive and develop essential skills.”
AVRC II has produced numerous individuals who have passed through the facility’s training programs, helping them lead independent lives.
“Over the past fifty years, DSWD 7 has proudly graduated a total of 748 female trainees from AVRC II, offering a variety of courses that have prepared them for both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities,” Dr. Armendarez shared.
The celebration of WWD serves as a timely reminder to the public of the AVRC II that offers programs and services designed to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
This year’s theme, “Kababaihang May Kapansanan: Katuwang sa Pag-angat sa Bagong Pilipinas,” bank on women’s contributions—regardless of their disabilities—in being contributory to nation-building.
In line with this, DSWD 7 and AVRC II remain committed to empowering more women with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation. “The doors of AVRC II are always open to welcome them on their journey toward rehabilitation. We believe that women’s empowerment knows no bounds, and that women have the strength to lead, succeed, and inspire others with their stories,” Dr. Armendarez shared.
The facility offers a range of courses, including dressmaking, basic cosmetology, massage therapy, commercial cooking, and domestic work, all of which are accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and lead to national certification.
Interested individuals can visit their local Social Welfare and Development Office or Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to receive a referral. They can also walk into the facility Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call (032) 261-0001 for more information.
Women with disabilities
Two female graduates of AVRC II have successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship. Genda B. Libradilla now runs a massage service at the Shang Town Center in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, while Erwinalyn D. Singuran manages her own tailoring business.
Genda’s life took a challenging turn when she lost her vision after giving birth to her second child and later separated from her husband. Struggling with her independence, she turned to AVRC II for massage therapy training. There, she found strength in connecting with others facing similar challenges and learned valuable life skills. She also found new inspiration through a fellow trainee, who later became her second husband.
After completing her training, she became a certified massage therapist. Despite setbacks during the pandemic, she continued to offer services to friends and family. When the local government invited her to provide therapy at a mall, Genda saw an opportunity to train her family. Together, they launched their own massage business at a small space in Shang Town Center, Lapu-Lapu City.
Her business has since grown, employing fellow AVRC II trainees and providing for her family. Genda is committed to expanding her business and supporting more persons with disabilities, continuing to enhance her skills and advocate for PWD rights. She credits AVRC II for giving her the tools to succeed and transform her life.
Meanwhile, Erwinalyn D. Singuran’s journey has been shaped by perseverance and a desire to create a better future for herself and her family.
In 1990, due to financial difficulties, she dropped out of high school to avoid being a burden on her family. However, after learning about a free training program for persons with disabilities at AVRC II, she enrolled and gained valuable skills in dressmaking.
After graduating in 1992, Erwinalyn worked for several companies before deciding to start her own dress shop in 1999. Her business, offering gowns for rent and services for special occasions, has also faced challenges but remains successful due to the financial management skills she learned at AVRC II.
Ewrinalyn throughout the years.
Today, Erwinalyn is proud of how far she has come and is grateful for the skills and confidence AVRC II gave her to build a better life. She hopes her dress shop will continue to thrive until her retirement.
Both Genda and Erwinalyn’s stories are both success stories of women with disabilities. Through their courage, dedication, and the skills provided by AVRC II, they have not only built businesses but also created a sense of pride within themselves and the community of persons with disabilities. ###
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