DSWD-7 Conducts Employers’ Forum for PWDs

In observance of the 36th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week celebration, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 through its Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC) recently conducted an employers’ forum to encourage more business owners and entrepreneurs to hire persons with disabilities
(PWDs).

“As part of our continuing advocacy in promoting the principles and practices on equal participation of PWDs in the society, we are exerting efforts so that PWDs can be mainstreamed in the programs and services of various government agencies, non-government organizations as well as other concerned stakeholders,” said Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat.

DSWD 7 Informationm Officer Kerwin Macopia said Seven (7) companies participated in the forum namely; Dunkin Donuts, Ruiz Derma, Central Lumber, JobsVille Recruitment Agency, Support Save Solutions Inc., ePerformax Contact Centers & BPO and FORCE Manpower Services.

Macopia said the participating companies expressed their willingness to train PWDs on the skills needed by the company and possible accommodation for an On-the-Job Training (OJT) and eventual hiring of PWD workers depending on their work performance.

Macopia added that employers suggested there should be Sensitivity Training and Simulation Activity to the company staff to prepare them on how to handle and manage the would-be PWD employees.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has also given a special day for PWDs to apply a new or renew their passports on July 23, 2014 at the regional consular offices.

According to Macopia, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared July 20, 2014 as the national registration day for voters with disabilities and provided transportation facilities to the registration venues, from the barangay to the municipal level.

He also said this year’s NDPR celebration adopts the theme, “Talino at Paninindigan ng Taong may Kapansanan: Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran,” which is also a part of the 150th birthday of Apolinario Mabini, the role model of Filipinos with disabilities.

Image Credit: www.fo7.dswd.gov.ph