One of the non-residential care facilities of DSWD that focuses on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) celebrated its 61st founding anniversary. Under the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region, the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC), then known as Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, was established in year 1954.
The anniversary carries the theme “Paghahanda sa Hamon ng Pagbabago,” Mr. Fausto Santos welcomed the attendees by saying “ang NVRC ay naging sandigan ng mga may kapansanan na lumalaban ng patas sa hamon ng pagbabago sa kanilang buhay. Ito ay pagpapakita na lalong tumitibay ang kinabukasan ng mga taong may kapansanan, salamat sa NVRC.”
Meanwhile, Councilor Jessica Daza of District 4, Quezon City graced the event as the guest speaker. She said that she is happy that an establishment such as NVRC exists to care for PWDs. She also encouraged the staff and clients of the center to continue imparting the message of hope for PWDs within Metro Manila.
Part of the program is the awarding of plaques of appreciation to partners of the NVRC. Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan was joined by NVRC center head Ms. Edna J. Sacedor and Councilor Jessica Daza. Present to receive their plaque were representatives from the Rotary Club Manila Metro, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Tan of the Rotary Club Manila Metro pledged support for the center by providing computer sets. This simple gesture, he says, will benefit PWD clients especially the trainees in computer literacy.
Also awarded were the staff of the center that excelled in their fields of expertise. Some of the awardees were; Ms. Rowena Belizario as Best Social Worker, Ms. Flor Cecille Calabazaron as Best Supervisor, Ms. Michelle Addatu as Best Technical Staff (Professional Category), Mr. Eric Monteverde as Best Technical Staff (Sub-Professional Category), Ms. Jasmin Flores as Best Allied Staff, Mr. Ramon Vargas Jr. as Best Administrative Support Staff, and Ms. Lerma Gonzales as Best MOA Worker.
One of the highlights of the event is the Coin/Bill Line Commitment Ceremony. Done for the first time, Ms. Edna Sacedor explained that the ceremony aims to help a trainee who is in dire need of financial assistance.
A one-time event, the gesture symbolizes solidarity and compassion to help others. She further clarified that the act does not warrant dependability to the center, but instead fosters perseverance to strive for the realization of their dreams.
The lucky trainee to receive this one of a kind endowment is Mr. Edwin Borromeo, 29 years old from Luzon Avenue, Quezon City. Married with two (2) children, he began his training at NVRC last November 2014.
To be able to attend his daily training, Edwin has to walk from his home in Luzon Avenue and travel all the way to NVRC, a grueling 1 ½ hour trip to save his allowance that he sets aside for the needs of his family.
While receiving the gift, Edwin was speechless, he could hardly speak between sobs. In his message of thanks, he said that “Maraming salamat po sa DSWD-NCR at lalo na sa NVRC sa pagkakaloob ninyo sa akin ng biyayang ito. malaking tulong po ito sa akin lalo na sa pamilya ko. Inspirasyon ko po sa araw-araw na paglalakad ko papuntang NVRC ang mga anak ko at ang pangarap ko na balang araw, makapagpatayo ako ng aking sariling electronic shop.” Mr. Borromeo is taking up Consumer Electronics, one of the courses offered at the NVRC.
During her message, DSWD – NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan took pride at NVRC for being one of the oldest established centers of DSWD nationwide. Further, “hindi dahilan na may kapansanan ang isang tao para hindi maging kapakipakinabang sa kanyang pamayanan.” Bonoan said.
NVRC is a non-residential institution that provides rehabilitation programs and services to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other special groups to live a productive and satisfying life. There are other Area Vocational Rehabilitation Centers but the NVRC is managed by DSWD-NCR and is located in Project 4, in Quezon City. ###