Five (5) residents of the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) affirmed their potentials when they passed the recently concluded national licensure examination for massage therapists handled by the Department of Health (DOH).
These are Adcar Salmorin, Lopez Ananayo, Cherryl Astroga, Sheryl Tasara and Rosendo Farnacio, who are all visually impaired.
Salmorin recalled that Gladys Las Marias, his trainer at NVRC, congratulated him through text message that he is one of the top five (5) in the oral and practical examinations among the 1,166 passers nationwide.
“Masaya ako. Tanging gusto ko lang ay makapasa sa pagsusulit. Hindi siya naging madali lalo na sa may kapansanang tulad ko. Kahit nag-aral akong mabuti, pakiramdam ko babagsak pa rin ako, kaya sobrang saya ko nang lumabas na ang resulta at nakapasa ako. (I am happy. I only want to pass the examination. It is not easy especially for person with disability like me. Although I study hard, I still felt that I will fail until the results come out),“he narrated.
They completed massage therapy course at NVRC for nine (9) months and were referred to massage clinics for employment. Eventually, their employers required them to get a license as one of the requirements of DOH.
Thus, they re-enrolled at the center for massage therapy review course from July to November 2013 wherein they attended review class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“We are really proud of them because they have maximize their highest potential towards achieving better quality of life. May they serve as inspiration to all our residents to also pursue their dreams,” Edna Sacedor, Center Head, claimed.
The passers took their oath as licensed massage therapists and as members of the Philippine Association of Massage Therapists on April 28, 2014 at Amoranto Stadium, Quezon City.
NVRC promotes the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disability. It offers vocational skills training and opportunities for employment leading to integration into the mainstream of society. It is accredited by DOH to provide massage therapy course and the only training institution that provides free massage therapy training. ### (Story by: Ms. Flor Cecille Calabazaron, Senior Manpower Development Officer, NVRC )
Please refer to:FO-NCR, Social Marketing Office