The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II, a non-residential facility for persons with disabilities in DSWD Field Office 7, was granted the status of ‘Center of Excellence’ for meeting the highest standards in service delivery.

The issuance of a 7-year Certificate of Level III Accreditation was recommended by the Standards Bureau of the DSWD Central Office for the continuous improvement and sustainability of processes and facilities that are conducive to vocational rehabilitation.

Strategies were employed towards the attainment of this vision. This includes improving mechanisms for multidisciplinary case management, building a network of opportunities through partnerships, and tapping more volunteers to augment service delivery.

Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero commended the efforts of the center, headed by its former Training Superintendent II Graeme Ferdinand D. Armecin, for leading the way. “The credit goes to the entire workforce of the center for having the dedication to keep the facility at par to the standards and true to its statement of quality policy,” she said.

This recognition prompted the facility to continue serving more PWDs with the highest standard of service.

224 clients served in 2023

The center caters to individuals with disabilities of vision, hearing, speech, mobility, and those with other forms of physical, mental, and social impairment, as well as those belonging to special groups willing to undergo vocational rehabilitation.

In 2023, the center reported a total of 224 clients served with various services such as community-based skills training, job placement, rehabilitative service, technical assistance, vocational training, and provision of prostheses. 

Of the 224, 148 are male clients and 82 are females. 

93 of them availed the vocational rehabilitation service. This allows a client to acquire knowledge and skills on a specific vocational course for a duration of nine (9) months and prepare them for possible employment. 

To prepare them for eventual employment, 53 were endorsed to the different on-the-job training in the fields of commercial cooking, computer systems servicing, dressmaking, massage, electronics system servicing, and basic cosmetology. Some 42 of them graduated from their chosen training course.

However, the success indicator of AVRC II lies in the number of rehabilitated clients considered for open employment and self-employment. The center reported 22 rehabilitated individuals who achieved rehabilitation goals and maintained three (3) months of employment after finishing their OJT and graduating from the program.

Open employment means one is placed or employed in a competitive industry having the same level with normal laborers. While self-employment allows graduates to produce income using their own resources or utilizing financial or technical assistance from other entities.

OIC Center Head Florita Q. Dabon said that the center is leveraging partnerships with the private and public sectors to offer opportunities to the graduates, especially those rehabilitated.

“Our partners are instrumental in facilitating services and resources for our clients. Their generosity allowed us to extend our services in terms of nutritional guidance, provision of assistive devices, food augmentation while on training, and character development initiatives, which are all crucial for economic independence.” she said.

Currently, the center engages with 35 partner individuals and institutions in various service capacities and six (6) local government units to facilitate referrals, on-the-job training, job placements, and starter kits to help clients in their entrepreneurial ventures.

Gearing up for 50 years

Founded on November 24, 1974, AVRC II celebrates 50 years of providing opportunities for the sector through improved well-being and sustained livelihood or employability towards self-reliance.

The kick-off started last year with the unveiling of the anniversary marker, which bears the theme “Innovating and Flourishing in the Golden Horizon, Excellence in Transforming and Empowering Lives.”

Advocacy efforts will be embarked on to reach more in the region and the rest of its covered areas in both Western and Eastern Visayas regions. This includes information dissemination, engagement with LGUs, and highlighting of successful alumni over the years. ###

 

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