Now in its eighth year, the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II of DSWD Field Office 7 launched the Search for Mr. and Ms. National Disability Rights 2025, which ended the National Disability Rights Week celebration.

The inclusive pageant showcased trainees with disabilities, who are hard of hearing, visually impaired, and orthopedically challenged, highlighting their talents, confidence, and advocacy for disability rights.

The search included a preliminary competition with talent performances on July 17 and an aqua therapy activity on July 18 at Alta Resort in Cordova, Cebu, and a grand finale on July 23 at the AVRC II Multi-Purpose Hall.

Aligned with the theme “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,” the center introduced an online People’s Choice Award, won by Faith Justine P. Contado and Ronald A. Leguiz, both hard of hearing. Dr. Jera C. Armendarez, Center Head and Training Superintendent II, said the initiative aimed to give trainees broader visibility and a sense of pride.

During the finale, candidates performed in denim attire and formal black-themed wear. Special awards given included Talent, Production Number, Aqua Therapy, Denim and Formal Attire, Photogenic, and People’s Choice.

Former AVRC II trainees from the Helping Hands Organization served as judges, presenters, and performers during the awarding ceremony.

Candidates joined two Q&A rounds on inclusion, empowerment, and advocacy—first with all participants, then the top five finalists. A sign language interpreter supported hard-of-hearing contestants.

James Ian B. Casalta, a visually impaired massage therapy trainee, and Ms. Edsel Jean M. Caranoo, a hard-of-hearing pre-vocational trainee, were crowned Mr. and Ms. National Disability Rights 2025.

“NDR Week highlights the talents and confidence of persons with disabilities, promoting inclusion and empowerment,” said Dr. Armendarez.

She noted that the Search for Mr. and Ms. NDR goes beyond a pageant; it is a platform for self-expression and advocacy. Winners will serve as DSWD ambassadors, inspiring others and championing disability rights in their communities.

Casalta, who also won the Male Best in Talent award, expressed surprise at making it to the top five finalists. He admitted that he thought others were more deserving. “I really didn’t expect to win, but I’m truly happy and grateful that the judges chose me,” he said.

When asked about the most pressing issue faced by the disability community, Casalta pointed to the lack of job opportunities, particularly for the visually impaired like himself. “PWDs face many challenges in finding employment, but I encourage those who are struggling, like me, to visit AVRC II and undergo training that can help them find work or start a livelihood,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Ms. NDR 2025, Caranoo—who is hard of hearing, shared her pride in joining the search shortly after entering AVRC II. “I was happy because I’m very new here. It’s only been a few days since I arrived, but I already feel overwhelmed by the warmth and support,” she said through a sign language interpreter.

Caranoo is currently attending a pre-vocational class before beginning formal skills training. She dreams of becoming a chef in a five-star hotel so she can better support her family. “My husband and I are both deaf and mute, but I consider it a blessing that our son can speak. As a mother, I have to work hard for him and for our family,” she expressed.

Both Casalta and Caranoo will serve as ambassadors of DSWD’s training facility, inspiring more persons with disabilities to visit AVRC II and take advantage of its free training programs.

Inclusive engagements for PWDs

As part of its advocacy, AVRC II held a series of welfare activities for staff and trainees on July 17 and 24, 2025, featuring traditional Filipino games.

Informative sessions covered key disability laws, including the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (RA 7277), Accessibility Law (BP 344), and Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313).

To support holistic development, AVRC II partnered with the Bureau of Fire Protection for fire safety training and with Land Bank for financial literacy and digital banking orientation.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also conducted a hands-on session on the new polymer banknotes, highlighting their features and proper handling.

These initiatives aim to foster inclusion and empower persons with disabilities with practical knowledge and life skills.

Learn more on AVRC II’s official Facebook page: Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II. ###