Bontoc PWD group gets P480-k livelihood project

By Christy Che-es and Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province - An organization of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in this capital town has ventured into sell and repair of assistive devices or mobility aids under a government P480,000  project.
    This, following the turnover of mobility aids and supplies, and a complete set of tools for repair services to LAYAD Organization -PWDs on July 19 at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
    The supplies and equipment totaling to P480, 660 were funded under the Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Project.
    In support of the government's mandate to assist vulnerable sectors of the community as well as to protect the rights and promote the economic empowerment of all PWDs, the Bontoc LGU through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) provided technical assistance to the LAYAD Organization-PWDs to avail of the said program.
    The mobility aids include 11 different types of wheelchairs, four types of walkers, 23 types of crutches, and 40 different kinds of equipment and tools. The livelihood project intended to the LAYAD Organization-PWDs came in timely as the country observes the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, held annually every 3rd week of July.
    Aside from the livelihood assistance, the Bontoc LGU has provided the organization free skills and entrepreneurial training in partnership with DOLE and Mountain Province State Polytechnic College(MPSPC).
    Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey encouraged the differently-abled persons not to let their disabilities hinder whatever dreams they have.
    According to him, PWDs are one sector of the society that should not be left behind, but instead be, given equal opportunity.
    “PWDs need more than what we can give them, thus the need to understand their needs and capabilities prompting government agencies to provide them the opportunity for work and make them more productive, self-reliant and empower them to become active,” he remarked.
    The mayor also advocated for a more prosperous and developed Bontoc.
    "Amidst the virus that we are currently battling, let us continue working together to achieve a more developed municipality," he added.