PWDs: Never losing sight of a brighter future
Despite their visual impairment, Rose was able to realize a long-held desire by never losing sight of a brighter future.
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can now look forward to a brighter future after the City Government assisted them in opening a massage parlor for the blind through a collaborative effort of the Office of the Market Supervisor, City Traffic Office, Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
It all started when Rose, a blind massage therapist, approached Mr. Bien Sabado, a PWD member working at City Hall, who helped Rose and her colleagues see a glimmer of hope.
Rose Pamado and her colleagues see their new business, Rosas Massage Parlor, as a promising light in their dark world, as well as a new hope for improving their standard of living. Vice-Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil led a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the old City Hall Building to mark the official opening of the said business.
Rose had been a massage therapist in Davao City for nearly 16 years. Because of the restrictions that brought her to Koronadal, the pandemic had greatly hampered her ability to earn a living.
By paying ₱100 for a 30-minute half-body massage and ₱200 for a one-hour full-body massage, a client will now be able to help blind or visually impaired people while receiving the therapy. They also offer ₱300.00 home service. The blind massage therapist claims that their massage reduces heart rate by activating the relaxation response. It also increases mental alertness by relaxing the body and mind and removing stress. According to them, it is beneficial to the heart and blood circulation.
“Basi amo na ni ang katuparan sang akon pangandoy nga mag-angat sa kinabuhi. Among gisaad ninyo, kutob sa among makaya nga mga bulag, maningkamot kami mubangon nga mapalambo namu ang negosyo nga inyong gipiyal”. (“Perhaps this is the fulfillment of my wish to alleviate my life status; We promise, as far as we blind people are concerned, we will try to get up and improve the business that you entrusted to us)”), Rose declared with teary eyes.
Meanwhile, Vice-Mayor Araquil announced that he will enlist the help of the aforesaid PDWs in the “medical mission” to be launched by the joint force of the executive and legislative departments. One of the services to be provided is free massage, dubbed “Haplos ng Kamay ni VM”.
“Naisip namon nga magtap kami sa inyo organization at ang magiging parter naming ay kayo. Magkakaroon kayo ng talent fee during medical mission at kayo ang magmamassage, free massage from Vice-Mayor’s office” (“We thought we’d tap into your organization, and you’ll be our partner; you’ll have a talent fee during the medical mission, and you’ll be the massagers, with free massage from the Vice-office.”), in her speech, Vice-Mayor Araquil addressed the PWDs.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer Haydee Anunciado,RSW, on the other hand, said that they would like to model the livelihood project after that of Tagum City, where a portion of the night market was given to PWDs to offer their services and sell their products. Anunciado hopes that a specific fund will be allocated to improve the lives of PDWs; in the meantime, the officer hopes that the said business will be a good start while waiting for the allocated fund.
Meanwhile, PESO Manager Bernard Taperla stated that they are considering offering capacity building and more employment opportunities to PWDs in order to improve their standard of living. As a result, relevant offices such as the PESO and CSWDO plan to dedicate a space for PWDs who want to sell products and foods in order to earn money.
The said massage parlor was built through the collaborative efforts of the Office of the Market Supervisor, under the enthusiastic leadership of Mr. Junard Manansala, who initiated the provision of manpower and materials, and the City Traffic Office. While temporarily off the streets, the traffic officers made an effort to help with the structure’s construction.
Meanwhile, Ms. Djoanna E. Duco, PDAO Coordinator, helped to make the project a reality. A song dedicated by the President of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) adds color to the occasion.
Small steps and a glimmer of hope will soon become big steps and enormous aspirations for the people who are limited but not deprived- the PDWs- if they do not lose sight.