The DSWD Field Office 7-Central Visayas conducted a general assembly with the former Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II trainees on February 15, 2025, at the covered court of AVRC II.
It gathered 193 former trainees from different PWD Federations in Cebu province and representatives of various self-help groups for persons with disabilities.
For over fifty years, the AVRC II produced 2,137 graduates from 1975 to 2024, who received free training courses and vocational rehabilitation from the center.
The general assembly aims to gather the former trainees and share with them the developments and plans of the association, as well as elect a new set of officers who will reinforce the commitment to support the sector of persons with disabilities in terms of network and inclusivity.
Center Head, Dr. Jera C. Armendarez, gave an overview of AVRC II’s programs and services while emphasizing the opportunities available to them at the center. “Each year, we are producing graduates, and we want them to have this community that helps them find opportunities while serving as a support group for their development as PWDs,” she said.
She believes that through the association of former trainees, AVRC II can strengthen the ties of those who graduated from the center and continue to make progress after graduation, either gaining employment or livelihood, in the hopes of helping those future graduates.
She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the achievements of the Alumni Association by reinforcing the connections among graduates and empowering their network. The Alumni Association of AVRC II is the first for all DSWD-established AVRCs in the country.
“We sit on the shoulders of those who established the association, which continues to grow today. We hope that our efforts will lead to prosperity and further development for the graduates,” she added.
The DSWD operates AVRCs throughout the country, including the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Metro Manila, AVRC I in Dagupan City, AVRC II in Cebu City, and AVRC III in Zamboanga City.
Outgoing association secretary, Mr. Joseph Jumantoc, also gave a lecture on the disability rights and laws that protect the sector, along with the history of the association.
“This general assembly marks a significant step in engaging and empowering us, PWDs. It is a huge responsibility, but we are certain that the next set of officers will continue to bring progress to the sector,” Jumantoc explained.
New set of officers
The election of a new set of officers was conducted and facilitated by the AVRC II staff.
Outgoing officers each shared their reflections and highlighted their accomplishments during their term from 2022 to 2024.
Dr. Armendarez led the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected officers of the Alumni Association for the term 2024-2027. Mr. Hilario Barriga, Jr. from the Federation of PWDs in Danao City is the newly elected president.
In addition, the association elected a new vice-president, secretary, treasurer, auditor, and five public relations officers, each representing different disability categories, including orthopedic, visual, intellectual, and deaf.
The new officers will continue fostering a more engaged alumni community, promoting connections, and encouraging mutual support among AVRC II graduates.
The AVRC II Alumni Association currently has 193 registered members. ###
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