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The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II of the DSWD Field Office 7-Central Visayas marked a special occasion on February 14, 2025, as it hosted a Valentine’s Day activity.

From left: Dr. Jera C. Armendarez, Center Head of AVRC II, delivers an inspiring message to the participants, while a couple of persons with disabilities share a heartfelt romantic duet.

In its second year, AVRC II brought together trainees with varied disabilities to celebrate love, inclusion, and community inside the training facility.

The activity was filled with lively music, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement as select trainees showcased their talents through singing, dancing, and spoken poetry.

According to Dr. Jera C. Armendarez, the center head, many people mistakenly believe that persons with disabilities cannot experience love due to their limitations. “There is a misconception that PWDs cannot fall in love. Through this event, we want them to understand that love is for everyone, and they too deserve to experience and express love,” she said.

She added that the event aims to allow PWDs to appreciate the concept of finding a partner within the sector, who often are misunderstood in terms of their capacity for romantic relationships.

The date-matching highlighted the event, where trainees were each given a broken piece of a heart and tasked to find an individual that matched theirs. Once paired, the couples engaged in conversation and danced to the tune of romantic and love music.

The couple that most displayed compatibility got the “King and Queen of Hearts 2024.” AVRC II also gave awards to the “Best Dressed” and Darlings of the Crowd male and female trainees, who captivated fellow participants with their charisma and charm.

The AVRC II Valentine’s Day celebration features the Best Dressed Couple, the King and Queen of Hearts 2025, and the Darlings of the Crowd couples.

Armendarez explained that vocational rehabilitation offered by the AVRC II also involves helping persons with disabilities to develop a deeper understanding of love and relationships. “We want them to find meaningful relationships grounded in shared beliefs, which will lead to lifelong partnerships, families, and a greater sense of community by showing kindness, care, and compassion for their fellow PWDs,” she added.

As the event concluded, trainees and staff left the celebration filled with love, joy, and anticipation of continuing this tradition of having a meaningful celebration of Valentine’s Day in the years to come. ###

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