A story of humanity hides inside the Green Kapé

Inside the Green Kapé that is situated inside the dedicated green spaces of the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium or otherwise known as the Tala Hospital. (Photo Courtesy: PIA-NCR) 

The concept of inclusive social change has long been regarded as a far-fetched reality for many given the various challenges faced by modern society. 

To reach the most sought-after change to happen, people constantly rely the leap of their fate on country leaders and those who hold the mightiest social power. 

However, contrary to popular belief, changemakers need not to take root in policymakers neither someone rich, nor famous. 

As cliché as it may seem, change can begin from ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things out of good will to inspire positive social outcomes.  

Modern Changemakers

In Caloocan City, there exists a partnership that works hand in hand to improve the lives of vulnerable groups, particularly those persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

These contemporary agents of change are seen in the organizational identities of the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium (DJNRMHS, also known as the Tala Hospital) and the Livelihood, Education, and Rehabilitation Center (LERC). 

A partnership that sparks a constructive collaboration between the public sector and civil society towards paving the way for the empowerment of the PWD community. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.13 billion people or 16 percent of the world’s entire population experience disability on top of health inequities as of March 2023. 

In the Philippines, the 2010 Census of Population and Housing revealed that an estimated 1.4 million out of 92.1 million household population had significant disability. 

The said figures essentially demonstrate the crucial importance of establishing a disability-inclusive society to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progressive change. 

Making change happen

The DJNRMHS, being the only third-level government medical facility in Northern Metro Manila, continuously strives to contribute to the well-being of communities. 

Through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Tala Hospital hopes to serve as a beacon of light among those in great need. 

Nonetheless, the evolutionary change that everyone dreams of witnessing does not simply occur overnight but rather over time. 

In this regard, the Tala hospital and LERC is revolutionizing the way how the country can weave a stronger social fabric;

Improving social equity

Disability does not equate to inability. 

PWDs indeed have the fighting chance to aid in the achievement of an inclusive and transformative social change if given the opportunity to foster a sense of process ownership. 

“We have to change our perspective on persons with disabilities. We should disassociate them from the concept of medical and charity model into a transformative, inclusive development model based on human rights,” LERC Administrator Richard Arceño stated. 

To institutionalize the efforts that are geared towards the empowerment of the sector, the Tala Hospital launched the Marker for the Third Decade of Persons with Disability (2023-2032) which will anchor all the disability inclusion initiatives, particularly in the advancement of local circular economy. 

Generating economic profitability

PWDs significantly experience social injustices when it comes to their inclusion in the labor market. They are often discriminated against and neglected on the basis of work capacity which limits their economic participation. 

In reality, disability is a result of unequal access to economic opportunities and not the ones that are manifested physically or mentally. 

What impairs the PWDs from realizing their full potential is not their actual condition but rather the lack of empathy and humanity in the society. 

The Green Kapé inside the Tala Hospital is the direct translation of the goal of enabling the differently-abled. 

It is a coffee shop that is completely managed by the PWD community from the LERC. Some of them are baristas who make savory cups of coffee while some of them serve the role of a baker to delight guests with delectable pastries.

“It’s not only about income. It’s about dignity and inclusion of persons with disability and it’s about community participation, about social interaction,” Arceño highlighted. 

Joan Quirobin, 27 years old, is one of the store attendants in Green Kapé. From a previously self-doubting individual, she is now an empowered woman who knows how to value her capability to live a fulfilling life. 

“Nakatulong ito sa mga PWD lalo na sa pagbibigay ng trabaho. Malaking opportunity po ito sa amin,” (This has truly helped the PWDs especially in terms of providing livelihood. This is a huge opportunity for us),” said Quirobin.

Caring for the environment 

The establishment of the Green Kapé does not simply facilitate the provision of livelihood but the creation of green jobs. 

As a matter of fact, all the resources that have been utilized to build the coffee shop were upcycled materials. 

The railings surrounding the Green Kapé were made from hospital beds that are no longer in use while the plant holders were made from the old stairs of the Tala Hospital. 

Green Kapé’s makeshift interior and exterior design. (Photo Courtesy: PIA-NCR)

The PWDs in livelihood training at the LERC also helped transform the old sewing machine into a sustainable coffee table and other recycled materials into ceiling and chairs. 

An old weighing scale in the hospital was also upcycled as a makeshift PWD walkway for the differently-abled individuals who likewise want to indulge in good coffee and good conversation at a breathable green space. 

Green Kapé’s makeshift interior and exterior design. (Photo Courtesy: PIA-NCR) 

Chief Nurse Samuel Sumilang of the Tala Hospital who are among the well-meaning individuals behind this initiative expressed the commitment of the DJNRMHS in replicating the integration of green spaces in schools and barangays within the community. 

In line with their outstanding commitment to attain food security, the LERC and Tala Hospital is closely working with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to improve the access of PWDs to additional sources of livelihood as well as to affordable agricultural products.