As part of the government’s effort to recognize the persons with disabilities (PWD) sector, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-9  in collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO)- Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU) conducted a 13-day livelihood training for members of the PWD organization of barangay Cawit.

The training involved the making of bags and slippers intended to help provide income-generating activities and ultimately empower PWDs.

In his message during the culminating ceremony, TESDA-9 Director Vincent Cifra the training is one of the numerous measures undertaken by the agency in line with President Duterte’s thrust to reach out to the vulnerable sector such as PWDs who are in dire need of life skill trainings and workshops.

Cawit PWD president Bernadeth Julian thanked the Barangay Council led by Chairperson Serbelio Molina together with Geronimo Bendico, TESDA personnel to include Rosa Gregorio, the bags and slipper-making trainior and the PDAU Unit as well as the Zamboanga City PWD Federation for the opportunity to undergo the life skill training and make them productive citizens in the society.

The PDAU-CSWDO created through Ordinance 354-2009, continues to monitor the needs and concerns of PWD stakeholders in the city.

In the coming days, the PDAU-CSWDO will unveil Ordinance 505, which mandates the provision of cash benefits to PWDs in the city, which was signed by Mayor Beng Climaco last May 6. (PDAU-PR)