The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II of DSWD Field Office 7 successfully revived its training camp for trainees with disabilities. The event was held from May 22 to 24, 2025, at the AVRC II grounds in Brgy. Labangon, Cebu City.

With the theme “Empower, Explore, and Excel: Every Camper Matters,” the three-day camp brought together trainees and staff in physical, creative, and reflective activities—all aimed at fostering personal growth, sportsmanship, and holistic rehabilitation for persons with disabilities.

Participants were grouped into six teams: Blue Eagles, Team Ignifelis (Orange), Yellow Fin, White Storm, Team Red Lions, and Green Archers.

The camp featured a variety of engaging activities such as banner-making, fitness sessions, obstacle courses, relay races, a bonfire, the search for the Camp Ambassador, and communal meals shared in between.

Campers took on a mix of physical and mental challenges including solving puzzles, decoding clues, and racing through obstacle courses. Highlights included a memory game, three-legged race, a “Speak What You Feel” task using Braille cards, a human tunnel, and a muddy crawl—each one crafted to test reliance, communication, and team coordination.

AVRC II Training Center Superintendent Dr. Jera C. Armendarez, MD, MDM, MPH, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “We saw that our trainees longed to create meaningful memories with their fellow trainees and experiences like these. We responded to that longing because we believe it is an essential tool in supporting their overall well-being and development.”

She also shared that the success of the camp was made possible through the generosity of the staff, who collectively contributed financially to cover expenses such as food and other essential materials. “Additionally, a portion of the trainees’ gratuity pay was set aside for this camp, with their full agreement to save a small part of their funds for the experience,” she added.

The revival of the camp not only rekindled a cherished tradition but also reaffirmed AVRC II’s commitment to providing inclusive and empowering experiences for all its trainees—an initiative that will surely become a valued addition to the roster of meaningful activities for persons with disabilities who aspire to train at the facility.

Camp Ambassadors

The highlight of the camp was the search for an ambassador, a showcase of creativity, confidence, and leadership among trainees with disabilities.

Candidates walked the runway in eco-friendly, recyclable costumes—designed and crafted by trainees and staff from each team. Each contestant faced a question-and-answer portion focused on leadership and ambassadorship, particularly on how they can inspire and make a positive impact within the disability community.

Welmar Limosnero-Claverol of the blue team, a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a Deaf individual, was named AVRC II Camp Ambassador 2025. Benjie Cabayles of the red team was named first runner-up, while Charito Rosalina of the green team took home the second runner-up title—both remarkable Deaf individuals.

She expressed deep pride in representing both the Deaf and LGBTQIA+ communities. “Through this opportunity, all of us trainees were able to showcase our talents and break stereotypes. I’m truly grateful that the contest promoted inclusivity and gave everyone the freedom to express themselves,” Welmar shared.

For Welmar, her disability is never a barrier to what she can achieve. She believes that the disability community also deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

The Most Creative Costume Award went to blind participants Meriam Maderazo and Kevin Alcovers of the yellow team, recognized for their avant-garde costume designs.

Sailing life’s waters

One of the most inspiring moments of the camp was a motivational talk by Atty. Charisse L. Piramide, a sign language interpreter for the Philippine Accessibility Disability Services (PADS) Dragon Boat Team.

She encouraged campers to “row harder, recover quicker, and keep moving forward—no matter the tide,” drawing from her experiences as a dragon boat paddler to emphasize the strength, teamwork, and resilience of the disability community in overcoming life’s challenges.

Her message deeply resonated with the participants, many of whom reflected on their own journeys at AVRC II. Some shared how the training empowered them to rise above personal obstacles and become stronger, more determined individuals—proving that their dreams are just as valid and attainable in the pursuit of an inclusive society for all.

Exhibit of creative talents

No camp is complete without the showcase of team banners and the presentation of team chants—a vibrant display of teamwork, creativity, and talent.

Campers demonstrated their creativity and camaraderie through energetic group chants and yells that reflected their team spirit.

Each team also designed and crafted their own banner using a variety of art materials. These banners, proudly bearing the teams’ names and identities, were displayed throughout the three-day camp.

Teams with the most creative banners and performances earned additional points toward their overall camp score.

After the lively group presentations, campers engaged in a reflective activity where they wore sheets of paper on their backs, allowing peers to anonymously share positive feedback and constructive observations—fostering deeper connections and self-awareness.

The activity encouraged self-awareness and empathy, with campers keeping positive notes as tokens of encouragement and burning negative ones as a symbol of growth.

Dr. Armendarez shared that the true impact of the camp lies in the laughter, stories, unique perspectives, and meaningful moments exchanged within the camps—memories that AVRC II hopes will continue to foster lasting connections within the community.

The three-day camp provided a space for diverse expressions and gave trainees with disabilities a platform to share their unique perspectives.

It concluded on a high note, filled with celebration and gratitude, as all participants were awarded certificates. The experience embodied the essence of the DSWD’s mission: “BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD.” ###