The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II of DSWD 7 received donated equipment comprising twenty desktop computers, a tarpaulin printer, and a heat press machine worth PHP 1.5 million from Bingo Plus Foundation, Inc.
BPFI executives and officials such as Chief Operations Officer Celeste Jovenir, Executive Director Angela Camins-Wieneke, Program Manager Paul Tamayo, and Program Officer Matthew Cabamalan handed the equipment to DSWD on August 30, 2024, at the AVRC II compound in Brgy. Labangon, Cebu City.
AVRC II Center Head Dr. Jera D. Armendarez and DSWD 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero received the equipment that meets the expressed needs of the center for skills improvement and capacity building of clients enrolled in various training courses offered by the center.
The donated equipment manifested a fruitful collaboration between the BPFI’s corporate initiative “Future Smart E-Plus Center Program,” which aims to improve the digital literacy of its chosen beneficiaries, and the “Adopt-A-Center” project of DSWD Partnerships and Building Resource Mobilization.
A social development arm of the DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, BPFI pioneered live streaming and digital bingo operations in the country that invests in the potential of young Filipinos, helping them chart a brighter future and be a collaborator towards a digitally advanced and resilient country, thereby creating a tech-empowered future.
According to Jovenir, while they pioneered technological advancements, they also wanted to invest in Filipino potential for using technology. “We want young Filipinos to become digital-savvy and ready to take the challenge of the ever-challenging digital landscape in the country,” she said.
She added that the given equipment to AVRC is an opportunity that can change the course of many lives.
“The equipment will help the manpower and placement services of AVRC because the trainees will be taught crafting basic resumes and searching potential employers online, on top of improving their skills in basic computer operation,” Lucero said.
Director Lucero expressed her utmost gratitude to BPFI for extending their generous support to AVRC II, especially in potentially expanding services with the new equipment.
In addition, BPFI’s donations will significantly improve the center’s ability to support its clients through vocational training courses. The tarpaulin printer and heat press machine have been the expressed needs of the center in the design specialization.
Dr. Armendarez said that this newly added equipment will expand the scope of their training courses. “Our trainees under the Commercial Arts will find it very useful if they want to seek employment in creative industries or possibly venture into the business of commercial printing.”
The benevolent endeavor of the foundation for both the center and the persons with disabilities sector is a testament to the effectiveness of public-private partnerships.
As the center provides access to free training courses suitable for PWDs, the donated equipment will help unlock the potential of PWDs, empowering them toward independence, and creating opportunities as they embark on their pursuit for employability and independence. ###
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