The Oasis - Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc.

February 2011
The Oasis
Inside this issue:
Message from the
CEO
2
Training in
Austrailia
2
The Official Newsletter of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc.
Success Stories….
3
We will continue to grow and develop our services to be more
My Years at
Tahanang Walang
Hagdanan...
4
Advocacy Projects
5
What’s New...
6
News Bits….
7
Volume 7 No. 1
responsive to the needs of PWD as TWH turns 38
Community Based
8
Rehabilitation
Program
Events….
9
Joy C Garcia - Consultant
Managing Staff:
Thess Lloren
Maricel Candole
Jerry Olmeda
Contributors:
Virgie Montilla
Mr. Hans D. Lau
Teacher Au
Angel Villafuerte
It is always through the
Divine Providence that
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan
still exists. Now on its 38th
year, TWH continuously serve
more Persons With Disability
(PWD). The programs and
services have evolved over the
years. They have become more
responsive not only to orthopedically impaired but also to
the Hearing and Visually Impaired as well through the
community based approach.
More than three decades
is a long period but along this
journey, there were some ups
and downs and thousands of
PWD benefitted from the programs and services. From doing simple repairs, we now
manufacture wheelchairs and
educational materials. From
knitting in the late 70’s, we
now have sewing, one of the
most profitable activities we
engage in not to mention packaging services where most of
the workers even those with
severe disability are accommodated.
Now at 38, new opportunities came for PWDs.
Through our partners Mr.
TWH grounds
Hans D. Lau and Mr. Patrick
Jang, another avenue opened
to employ PWDs in English
Online Teaching and Dental
Laboratory which have employed ten PWDs. Along this
development, Job Placement
program continues to draw
support from employers. Everything TWH does aim to enhance the lives of persons with
disability.
The experience with typhoon Ondoy which caught
everybody unprepared,
prompted TWH to focus more
on Disaster Management. A
Team was organized to map
out plans and execute them in
times of disaster. Strong linkage with relevant stakeholders
is being worked out to expedite rescue operations to
PWD who are most vulnerable in times of calamities.
Training on Psychosocial
Care in Crisis and Disaster
Management was conducted
to increase capacity in disaster preparedness and Occupational Health and Safety
Measures. Through the assistance of CBM, AAR Japan,
Circle of Friends Foundation,
Zuellig Pharma, PHAP Cares,
Rotary Club of Manila Metro
who donated brand new
machines and equipment, we
are now back to full production capacity. We produce
orders from DepEd, Latter
Day Saints, Handicap International, UNICEF and other
clients. The new equipment
have helped us double our
production capacity.
“Sustainability, Empowerment and Care for Environment”, will be our guiding
principle for the years to
come, inspired by the Foundation for Sustainable Society
(FSSI).
Thanks to our Partners,
Donors, Supporters, NGOs,
DPOs, CSOs the LGUs the
Government and Private
Agencies supporting our
cause.
Mylene Felix
ADVOCACY … LOBBYING IN CONGRESS organized by
Dra. Zenaida Martinez
FOUNDATION for THESE-ABLED, INC.
volunteer editor
Page 2
The Oasis
FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO
Manuel V. Agcaoili
President/CEO
The year 2010
proved to be a very significant
year for Tahanang Walang
Hagdanan and the communities we serve. Our organization grew stronger as we continue to establish new services
that aim to enhance the lives
of people with disabilities and
their families. One of the projects implemented through the
assistance of the PhilippinesAustralia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) is the
implementation of a Microfinance program in response to
the growing needs of PWD
entrepreneurs for financial
access and capacity building.
It is worthwhile to note
that TWH has been able to
assist 361 poor entrepreneurs. Of this total, 40 are
persons with disability engaged in various businesses
like; internet café, buy and sell
activities, and fishing. Based on
the outcomes, in just a short
span of time, the program has
been able to chalk up a substantial number of positive
changes in the lives of the
members. One disabled member was quoted sharing his
experience “I am able to save
some extra income from fishing
while doing business at the same
time”. The owner of the internet café, a wheelchair user
states, “I had to ask my wife to
quit from working as a sewer to
focus on our small business since
we earn more than what a factory worker makes”. There are
other testimonies that would
validate the measure of the
program’s success and we are
confident that we are creating
a more lasting impact on the
lives of the people we serve
without sacrificing its sustainability.
Alongside new projects
and services, TWH Management continued to develop
new strategies and plans leading the organization towards a
more comprehensive direc-
tion anchored on the threebottom line approach which
will be the key drivers of
change to influence our future.
Patterned after FSSI
(Foundation for a Sustainable
Society, Inc) our partner in
community Development.
TWH will be --* Socially Equitable to
implement inclusive development programs that will create a positive impact on the
lives of PWD and his community.
* Economically Viable to
include new and appropriate
strategies that would ensure
the viability of our fundraising
and livelihood programs in a
competitive market.
* Ecologically Sound as it
participates in the protection
and rehabilitation of our environment that would build a
brighter future for the next
generations.
Maraming salamat po!
Training in Australia…. Joy Cevallos-Garcia
On November 11, 2009, after a rigorous application process, I finally received a success notice of my application for the
Endeavour Executive Award in Australia. Together with Lita
Evangelista, Workshop Operations Director of TWH, we flew
to Australia in March 2010. When we left the country the
summer is about to reach its peak, we enjoyed the wonderful
weather in Australia and the warm accommodation from our
host organization, House With no Steps, thru Mr. Andrew
Richardson.
My stay in Australia was very enriching. The interactions I
had with the managers of varied businesses and fund raising
activity was a great experience. We have done our research
in several organization like the House with no Steps- our host
organization, Cerebral Palsy/Spastic Center, Endeavour Foundation, Northcott Disability, and Independent Living Centerleading organizations in Australia providing services to persons
with disability.
I believe that this experience has increased the potential
to foster ongoing collaboration and net working with the organizations mentioned above. With my exposure in several
livelihood and social services program, I brought home new
ideas that we can replicate and modify in our local setting.
Likewise, I have seen the difference on how persons with disability are subsidized by their government, how are they well
accorded with social services that can be the basis of our lobbying efforts to our national government. I learned more
about persons with intellectual disability that if given proper
training and support they can be productive as well.
On a personal note, as far as mobility is concern, being
alone with no personal assistance is a challenge because of the
hilly landscape of Sydney and other regions we have been to.
However, I was able to overcome my fear because of the
many devices that could help my mobility. To mention a few,
a slider, which I used when I transfer from the wheelchair to
the bed or to the car. And the hand extension use to pick up
things on the floor or beyond my reach. I find them interesting
as it helps mobility of PWD. I brought them home for product
development in our workshop. I have seen those devices and
new technologies showcased in the Independent Living Center
Back home, I intend to work more on management style
and improving company’s image thru effective marketing paraphernalia, profiling and documentation. Introduce new ways of
fund raising to raise more awareness and generate funds. Enhance work safety through Occupational Health and Safety
and Automation of the Human Resource Department and
Accounting system especially with the volume of varied materials we need to maintain in our inventory.
Not only did my Endeavour Executive Award allow me to
develop greater knowledge, new and innovative approaches in
management but I also gained unforgettable friends. My warm
appreciation to the Department of Education, Employment
and Workplace Relations, Australia and my host organization,
House with no Steps for giving me the opportunity to participate in this prestigious Executive Award program for professional development.
Volume 7 No. 1
Page 3
Success Stories...
Frederick, PWD fisherman
availed loan from TWH microfinance, he bought his own
fishing net and now enjoys
additional income from fishing.
Prior to his loan, he used to
borrow his father in law’s fishing materials and gives equal
share to his father in-law whatever is generated. Now that he
owns his own fishing materials,
his net savings has increased
and deposits them as CBU in
his account.
Domingo D. Literal
Diligent, patient and hardworking are qualities that best describe Domingo Literal. Doms
to many of his friends, was
stricken by poliomyelitis when
he was 1 year old. While feeling trapped in his province, he
dreamt of looking for his self
worth somewhere. Strong
determination led to TWH
where he started as cost controller in 1997.
Training in Australia….
In 2005, he was awarded Best
Employee because of his exemplary performance in his job.
While working , he attended
afternoon classes at the ICCT
(Institute of Creative Computer Technology) supported
by Sr. M. Valeriana Baerts
Foundation. He graduated with
a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Computer in December 22,
2009. At present, he works as
computer administrator and
I.T. supervisor at TWH.
Page 4
The Oasis
MY YEARS AT TAHANANG WALANG HAGDANAN, INC.
Ma. Lorette P. Sta Ana, Executive Assistant
Chairman of Board
My 34 years at Tahanang
Walang Hagdanan is something to be treasured for the
rest of my life. I can remember from the very first time I
joined in 1976, to what was
referred to as the as the “halfway Home” in New Manila,
Quezon City, known as Bahay
San Antonio, housed at the
office of House of Ramie. This
was my beginning.
I can still vividly recall the
day that Sr. Valeriana took
me first at Cainta site, (it was
ricefield then) and uttered a
challenge “are you ready to
join the fight”? So to carry on
the fight, Sr. Valeriana got a
temporary office in Cubao in
1977, where I started to work
on my own files, until it accumulated and transferred finally
in Cainta in 1978.
I could proudly say that I
grew up with Tahanang
Walang Hagdanan. I saw how
it developed which we call
now an “oasis”. I have seen
the struggle of the disabled,
since its full blast construction
in 1977, where I had the opportunity to be part of such
undertaking to meet the con-
struction moguls (A. Manalac
Construction, Comptech, Mr.
Swartley, Ecco-Asia, etc.), how
every set-up was nicely
planned be it for Workshops,
Offices, or Housing.
As the construction went
on, I had this great opportunity
to witness the different organizations here and abroad,
the people behind it, who
came to render financial assistance and all-out support for
this worthwhile undertaking.
It was through Belgium,
which gave a 75% grant, Germany, (thru Helping Hands
International) and Australia’s
Mr. F. Lionel Watts, of
House With No Steps, who
ignited the flame, when he
accepted the invitation from
Sr. Valeriana to visit the Philippines. He paved the way for
this great milestone, a dream
turned into REALITY-the rest
is history as the saying
goes…………..
At TWH, I had been a
witness to all the activities,
met most, if not all, local and
foreign, able and disabled applicants, benefactors or plain
walk-in visitors. I must say that
working at TWH had given me
a sense of fulfillment assisting
my less privileged brothers and
sisters, including my own disabled sister who knew Sr. Valeriana and was instrumental in
my having joined the TWH
staff.
My endless thanks to everyone………………………
keep up the good work!
Page 5
Volume 7 No. 1
ADVOCACY PROJECTS…
The TWH Chorale
The TWH Dancers
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan
benchmarks in raising awareness with regard to the physical capabilities of persons with
disability was realized last December 2, 2010 at the Philamlife Auditorium. The show
“Beyond Limits” showcased
excellent dance performances
in wheelchair ballroom dancing
together with their professional dance instructors from
BMG dancers, headed by Mr.
Bong Marquez. Through this
event we were able to promote advocacy of disability
issues and mobilized support
from our stakeholders and
partners. It was partly sponsored by the National Commission for culture and the
Arts and co-sponsored by
Gerry’s grill, Circle of Friends
Foundation, Inc. AFAD, Acquire Asia, Dentamaxx,
NCDA, A. Brown Co., Alee
Benson, Golden Powder Coat,
Manila Bulletin, City of Pasay,
San Miguel Corporation, Zuellig Pharma, Sen. Ferdinand R.
Marcos, Jr., Center Industrial
Supply Corp., Bantay Kalikasan
Travel and Tours, Vichem
Chemicals, Mayred Zapra,
CBM, Philamlife, and Outbox
Media Production Agency. It
was graced by various performers such as; Ms. Regine
Tolentino, Tippy Dos Santos,
Fatima Soriano, The Angelos,
Silent Steps of St. Benilde,
Rondalla On Wheels, Doctors
on Call. The show was hosted
by our dear friend Bb. Pilipinas
Universe-2002, Ms. Karen
The Rondalla on Wheels
Agustin Ostrea and Mr. DJ Jack Melo of Tambayan
101.9. Directed by Ed “Boy” Vinarao. We were
assisted by our media partner and events organizer
Outbox Media Production Agency thru Ms. Rossel
Taberna and her staff, also NBN Channel 4 for the
full coverage of the event.
Upcoming Events….
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan hopes to organize and
whatever obstacles and barriers they may encounter along the
hold the very first “ACCESS 20/RACE TO SUCCESS” in
way. We invite everyone to participate on this one of a kind
December in line with the International Day of Persons
amazing race.
with Disability. The project aims to promote camaraderie
among the team players. We are inviting companies to participate on the race and include one PWD in each team.
The competing teams will race around the Metropolis for
three days and will be required to use any means of land
transportation to be able to finish their task. In doing so,
they will have the opportunity to check on the accessibility
features of the transport system and will have to overcome
A block screening is scheduled in July in line with the National
Disability Prevention Week at SM Supermalls, one of the fund raising projects of TWH.
We are currently developing a volunteer program specifically designed for specific needs. To all those interested in doing
volunteer work, please feel free to call our office at 655-0055/6554580.
Page 6
The Oasis
What’s New....
DENTAMAXX, INC
Dentamaxx, Inc. is the subThe Junior Dental Technicians
sequent development of Pro-
PWD trainees and additional office
staff for telemarketing.
Dent Laboratory and founded
last November 2009 to provide
training to Persons with Disability
to become professional dental
technicians. TWH is grateful to
Mr. Hans D. Lau, Master Dental
Technician, for helping us create
work opportunities for PWDs.
We are pleased to announce
Mr. Hans special thanks goes
to their Senior Technician Mike
Manzano, Karl Taroy and Filmore
Ansay who not only secure the
production but also assist Mr.
Hans in the training program. At
the same time by having able bodied incorporated into the daily
lives of PWDs will create better
that the first batch of Trainee’s,
understanding on the capabilities
namely Marie Concepcion, Froilan
and difficulties of PWDs.
Duldulao and Jerrold Pete Mangliwan have successfully completed
their one year training program
and now are employed with Dentamaxx, Inc. as Junior Dental
Technician. They are now preparing to take in the second batch of
We are also glad to inform
that Tahanang Walang Hagdanan,
Inc. existence and incredible works
is gaining vast exposure in the field
of Dentistry due to regular marketing and seminars/convention
attended by Dentamaxx.
Mr. Hans with jr. dental techs.
NANOOM ENGLISH ONLINE TUTORIAL
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan,
Inc. and Nanoom English (Korean
Company) tied up their partnership last March 2010, the partnership aims to address job placement for persons with disability as
well as able-bodied individuals. It
gives training to potential individuals to teach English as a secondary
language (ESL) to non-english
speakers. It is initially spearheaded
by Korean university students and
professionals and soon will include
students from Japan and China. It
offers enriching, challenging and
dynamic environment which promotes team spirit and growth in
all aspects for its employees.
Seven (7) PWD staff and instructors compose the initial group.
The following qualifications are
required:
·At least a Bachelor’s Degree
·Good command of the English
language
·Very good communication skills
·Passion to teach
·Skilled in MS office application
·Capable of multi-tasking, creative
and well organized
·A good team player who can
also work independently
·Willing to attend a one month
training
Resumes may be forwarded to
TWH or directly to Nanoom office at the AIC Building, TWH
compound.
V o l um e 7 N o . 1
Volume 7 No. 1
Page 7
News Bits….
•
Sir Joel Cruz celebrated
the 10th anniversary of Aficionado in September. It was a
day full of fun and excitement.
Gifts and prizes were given to
each one who participates in
the program.
ary. This is the sixth of their
annual visit.
•
Ann Nasyon and Family
from Florida USA visited TWH
last January and shared their
blessings.
•
Our very own Rene Bengson won the living room showcase and Rosalina Violata won
the kitchen showcase, major
prizes during ABS-CBNs Umagang Kay Ganda last December
where, TWH was invited as
guest audience.
•
Evangelista family from
Hawaii spent time with TWH
community and serenaded us
with beautiful songs last Janu-
PWD Entrepreneurs….
TWH family with Joel Cruz
ang
Umag
Kay
with
Ganda
hosts
a and
Donit
r
Ginge
Beatriz Caranog (Store)
Beatriz is a wheelchair user married to a disabled worker
of TWHI. Leon, her husband works in the woodcraft department used to be the only bread winner of the family.
With the high cost of living not mentioning the rental fees,
Leon can not afford to support all his family’s need. While
Leon is at work, Beatriz is left at home taking care of their
child. Since she can not work, she thought of opening a sarisari store so at the same time she can earn a living while
looking after her child. Beatriz opened a sari-sari store
starting with a few stocks. Daily sales were reflowed to
sustain the store. Having limited stocks, some customers
just passed her by.
Joel Estable (Internet Café)
Joel was afflicted with poliomyelitis when he was 3 years
old. Physical disability did not stop him from being productive and making life meaningful. He finished computer technology at EARN Vocational School in Las Pinas. His family’s
business sense proved a strong influence on Joel who ventured in internet café in 2009 and expanded in 2010 thru
the Microfinance program of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan.
Aside from his regular work as cost controller, he now
earns extra income from his internet café managed by his
wife Rodalyn. His two daughters serve as their inspiration
eldest is now in high school and the youngest was afflicted
with cerebral palsy also wheelchair dependent.
With the loan from the TWHI microfinance, they added
more stocks from junk foods, to beers, softdrinks and eload. Now, they have a variety of stocks to sell and they are
not loosing any customers anymore. With the income from
the store, Beatriz was able to augment the family income
and is now able to pay their rent, bills without delay. And
she is happy managing her own business while in the comfort of her own place.
Page 8
The Oasis
COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION PROGRAM
· To increase capacity in disaster preparedness among TWH
staff and workers, a seminar on
Psychosocial Care in Crisis
and Disaster Management
was conducted by the Department of Health thru the
assistance from CBM. About
60 participants from TWH and
other PWD organizations joined
the training. The goal of which is
to transfer the skills in stress debriefing management.
· On the first week of December a seminar on CBR orientation
was conducted for the new volunteers giving emphasis on the spirit
of volunteerism and genuine service. Other participants came
from the Rizal Council of Persons
with Disability. Ms. Rita Aquino, a
CBR consultant was the speaker.
· 25 participants joined the
seminar for Parents Awareness
held on the third week of December 2010. Parents of PWDs
should be equipped with the
knowledge on handling a PWD
member and the laws protecting
the rights of their disabled member. Hence, this training was all
about.
Botika ng Barangay – continues to serve the community in Jala
-Jala, Rizal where CBR conducts
its programs and services. It is
being run with the supervision of
the Municipal Health Office for six
years now.
Education program – In partnership with Assisi Foundation, 41
students are given the opportunity to attend school; 9 in elementary, 26 in high school and 6 in
college level. The parents and
students were asked to volunteer
their time as part of their community service. Below are the projects they conducted in 2010 feeding for the children and tutorial.
PWD Entrepreneur
Some of the parents during their community service
In partnership with Our Lady of Peace
and NHORDOFF
Lip cleft palette patient
Before and After
MICRO FINANCE – thru the
assistance of the Philippines –
Australia Community Assistance
Program (PACAP) who provided
the seed capital, Microfinance
project started in January 2010
under the mentoring of CARD
Bank. Several trainings on capacity building were conducted for
the project management team
and the members as well.
Total members assisted
in 2010:
PWD – 29
Family of PWD – 13
Women – 303
Canteen— 1
Francis is an amputee with
one child. He used to work
with a foundation running several outlets of computer related services. Having realized
the demand for his skills in
computer, he hoped to run his
own business someday if finances permit. Using his own
computer at home, Francis
started producing PVC IDs,
photo editing, printing and
producing key chains. When
TWHI microfinance became
operational, Francis availed a
loan to purchase additional
equipment for his business.
Now, he is producing personalized key chains with varieties
of design and getting orders
from the business center and
other novelty stores. Due to
the increasing demand of his
products, Francis decided to
quit from his job and managed
his own business at home.
Page 9
Volume 7 No. 1
Events….
•
DepEd officials conducted
their first inspection on the
educational materials to ensure
that quality passes the required
standard.
•
Engr & Mrs. Aurora and Felix M. Gonzalez celebrated their birthdays on January 14
and 25th respectively. The day ended with a mass.
Ms. Karen Agustin-Ostrea in partnership with Ever Bilena conducted a free seminar on Image Enhancement first of the series of
trainings for this year. The office staff learned how to put on make
up, care for the skin and dressing up.
Malacanang—International Human Rights Day
Page 10
The Oasis
…...PWDs at Work…..
Maraming Salamat po sa inyong lahat…...
Sr. Marieke Gielkens, Leo Nielsen,
family and Relatives
Helping Hands Inter-
national
Page 11
Volume 7 No. 1
TRAININGS AND SEMINARS 2010
Enhancing Self-esteem among the Physically Challenged:
Toward Best Practices in TWH
January 5 – June 30
TWH 34 PWDs
In partnership with Ms. Sally Ward
Artwork Seminar
May 1 – 2
TWH, PWD Artists
Workshop was conducted to enhance artist’s skills
Chorale Workshop
TWH 27 participants
Thru the grant from National Commission for the Culture and
the Arts
Participants of the workshop joined the Beyond Limits show at
the Philamlife Auditorium. It aims to raise awareness on the potentials of PWDs in the Arts and Culture
Psychosocial Care in Crisis & Disaster Management
May 12-14 / August 2 – 4
Jala-Jala, Rizal 65 participants
Training was conducted by the Department of Health
Thru the grant from CBM, series of trainings were identified as
part of Disaster Preparedness
Stress debriefing and skills transfer
Trainer’s Training
TWH 27 staff
Conducted by the Latter Day Saints Charities
The training aims to prepare the PWDs for their future and
work on their career path
Computer Training
Beginners & Moderate Users
TWH 20 staff
Conducted by Domingo Literal
Training on Silkscreen
June 3-4
TWH 17 workers
Thru the grant from the Philippines Australia Community Assistance Program
This livelihood training was conducted to equip PWDs to more
feasible income generating activity
Disaster Management
July 9, TWH
27 participants joined the training conducted by Ms. Valerie
Scherer, Emergency Coordinator of CBM
Participants gained significant lessons during the training and
formed a Disaster Management Team who will be tasked to map
out plans for execution in times of disaster.
Teaching English as Second Language
March 15 – April 30
TWH 16 PWDs
Prerequisite for NANOOM English applicants
Orientation on Department of Labor’s Regulations
September 25, TWH
The Management attended the orientation conducted by the
officers from DOLE
Giving emphasis on Drug Abuse, Sexual Harassment and HIV
Endeavour Executive Award
March 29 – July 2
Sydney, Australia
Ms. Lita Evangelista and Ms. Joy Garcia
Advent Recollection and Values Formation
November 27, TWH
In partnership with the Spirit of Love Community
Creating Opportunities for Persons With Disability
TWHI is a non-stock, non-profit organization that was founded in 1973 to
provide programs and services to persons with disability (PWD). All these are
geared to uplift the lives of PWD - by becoming self sufficient and contributing
members of our society. TWHI is a social enterprise with social services component as well. Livelihood programs started in the late 70's in response to the grow-
Tahanang Walang
Hagdanan, Inc.
175 Aida Street
ing need of PWDs in need for employment and become productive individuals.
We manufacture wheelchairs and other mobility aids, educational materi-
Marick Subdivision,
als, manipulative toys and novelty items. We accept sub-contract jobs in packaging
Cainta, Rizal
and sewing. We accept donations of recyclable materials such as used household
Philippines 1900
furniture, office equipment, used clothes, scrap papers, and plastic bottles. What
Phone: (632)655-0055
you consider trash can still help those who have less in life. Thank you for support-
Fax: (632)655-4580
E-mail:
ing our cause in creating more opportunities to persons with disability.
admin@tahanangwalanghagdanan.org
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