PWDs get break in San Fernando

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement a literacy program that would empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) in San Fernando City in La Union.

Dubbed “I LOVE PWDs,” the project aims to develop a desirable working knowledge and proper attitudes, values and skills in PWDs to assist them in their daily lives.

“I LOVE PWDs” stands for Interactive Learning Operations Via Education for Persons With Disabilities.

Under the project, 35 teachers who have undergone special training will conduct free home learning sessions for PWD beneficiaries.

They will use the five learning modules of the DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) in writing, communication, numeracy skills, critical thinking and problem solving, as well as administer a moral recovery program.

To date, 50 persons with disabilities are beneficiaries of the project in different places in the Ilocos.

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman said the project had been a big help to the PWD sector in the region as it opened more opportunities for them.

She encouraged other DSWD Field Offices to adopt the program.

Dr. Edwin Ferrer, DepEd-ALS officer in charge, noted the PWDs gained self-confidence.

“They are not afraid of other people anymore. Their learning capacity is also enhanced,” the DSWD quoted Ferrer as saying.

DSWD Field Office I Director Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo said the project was essential to help prepare persons with disabilities for higher learning in formal or nonformal institutions like the DSWD Area 1 Vocational Rehabilitation Center.—Cynthia D. Balana