kaban galing - front cover - galing pook

members and are now giving them more employment and income
opportunities. Federation members have taken over many odd jobs at
the Provincial Capitol, such as janitorial services and maintenance of
buildings and grounds. They operate the Waste Redemption Center,
collect waste paper and recyclable materials from the offices, thus
reducing the garbage problem, and contributing to the maintenance of
a clean and healthy environment.
In the Capitol Park, the lagoon canteen, boating, wishing well and
biking facilities were turned over to the federation. The lagoon itself is
seeded with tilapia fingerlings every year by the members. They sell the
fish harvest raw or cooked. The federation also manages the new
canteen-restaurant constructed at the Capitol Park. In addition, they have
a tailoring and dress shop, run a massage parlor and other enterprises.
The federation employs 26 personnel with an average income of P1,500
a month, plus free meals, snacks and lodging. At present the federation
operates on a revolving capital of more than half a million pesos. With
the progress of its canteen, restaurant, shops and other economic
enterprises, capitalization will eventually increase, enabling the creation
of more jobs.
By co-managing projects at the Provincial Capitol, the federation
has helped the provincial government save on public funds. Since they
earn from their businesses, they do the janitorial and maintenance
services as volunteers.
An Inspiration for All
The PWDs of Nueva Vizcaya serve as a living example of self-reliance
and industry In the past, they were served because of their disability.
Now they serve the community because of their special abilities. They
are no longer mendicants at the fringes of society, but productive
members and entrepreneurs.
The program, though, still needs to reach out to other PWDs. But
with the federation going strong, more PWDs will surely come into its
fold.
They Used to Have a Handicap 113