Richard Arceño, an advocate of disability inclusion. (Photo by: PIA-NCR)
Disabilities, whether physical or mental, can be limiting for people who are born with it, especially if the built environment they live in excludes them from participating in social life.
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) also face stereotypes, discrimination, and barriers in their daily lives which deny them the chance to freely express themselves and explore their potential.
Richard Arceño, born with severe congenital deformity, once thought that his disability would hinder him from expanding his horizons until he chose to overcome limiting beliefs and start working towards his dreams.
Richard’s early years
55-year-old Richard is the tenth-born child of his family. Growing up, he always struggled dealing with the physical limitations that came with his disability.
“My life is not easy. Nagkakasakit lagi, tapos ‘yung school na pinasukan ko mula elementary hanggang college, hindi accessible sa akin,” said Richard.
(My life is not easy. I am always sick and the schools I attended from elementary to college were not accessible to me.)
According to Richard, his family even discouraged him from attending college because of the discrimination that he might face. However, this did not stop him from continuing to pursue his dreams of finding a space in society.
Richard sought refuge in an orphanage where he learned to tend to his own needs by coexisting with other differently-abled children. This experience also gave him the opportunity to have his first motorized wheelchair which allowed him more freedom in terms of mobility and accessibility.
Richard’s education
Despite the challenges, Richard made his way to finish his studies with a degree in Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy back in 1993.
He actively engaged in activities that promote accessibility for the differently-abled. By composing several songs, Richard and his circle of friends in college were able to generate funds to make the school he attended accessible.
“Wala akong magagawa sa disability ko pero may magagawa ako para baguhin ‘yung environment. So I led a campaign para baguhin ‘yun,” said Richard, citing his contribution in making the Trinity University of Asia (previously Trinity College) the first barrier-free university.
(I cannot do something about my disability but I can do something to change my environment. That’s why I led a campaign to change it.)
Richard also obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 1996. Although he initially dreamed of becoming a lawyer, he grew a strong interest in spearheading movements that advance the rights of PWDs.
Richard’s contributions to disability inclusion
Richard has organized various groups to help create a more inclusive society for PWDs. Nonetheless, he recognized the need to spark a sustainable change at a policy level.
He became one of the youngest sectoral representatives of the National Anti-Poverty Commission in 2001 and this paved the way for the establishment of the Livelihood, Education, and Rehabilitation Center (LERC) in Caloocan City, a facility that caters to the welfare of PWDs.
It also laid the foundation for the formation of the Bigay Buhay Multipurpose Cooperative (BBMC) which is entirely organized, owned, and managed by PWD communities whose work is centered on providing livelihood opportunities. At present, BBMC offers free training to PWDs who aspire to become a baker in a PWD-run bakery called Pan de Cooperatiba.
Richard’s strong commitment to fostering disability awareness and inclusion has likewise been instrumental in the advancement of pertinent Philippine laws that champion the rights of PWDs including the Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law, Republic Act 10524 or the Act Expending the Government Positions Reserved for PWDs, and Republic Act 10070 or the Act Establishing Institutional Mechanisms to Ensure the Implementation of Programs and Services for PWDs, particularly the establishment of Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
To extend his advocacy to international communities, Richard took on the pivotal role of being one of the advisers in crafting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Richard’s present and future days
Richard has explored the world while carrying with him the hope that someday, PWDs will have a better place to live in. However, it took him one outward look at the potential of local partnerships to realize that positive change can start anywhere.
He has dedicated his full time as the Administrator of the LERC to forge a network of support for the PWD community in Caloocan starting with the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium (DJNRMHS).
Together, the LERC and DJNRMHS implemented initiatives that did not only provide livelihood opportunities for PWDs but also helped the creation of green jobs.
By bringing together stakeholders from the national government such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the beneficiary communities of LERC and DJNRMHS are able to contribute to circular economy projects while earning a living.
Among the notable circular economy projects that stemmed from this partnership include the establishment of a PWD-run coffee shop called Green Kapé inside the DJNRMHS and the Greenhouse Facility which grows food for patients through the localized employment of “Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers” (TUPAD) beneficiaries.
In light of his notable contributions in creating opportunities for PWDs to thrive, Richard received an accolade from the 2024 DOLE Livelihood Program Awards.
“Ang award hindi yan para buhatin mo ang sarili mo. ‘Yan ang magsasabi sa’yo na marami kang pwede pang gawin at ‘yan din ang magsasabi sa’yo na hindi mo ‘yan nagawa ng ikaw lang,” said Richard, stating that the P50,000 grant he received along with the award will be used for the expansion of Pan de Cooperatiba to provide additional livelihood opportunities for PWDs.
(That award is not meant to glorify yourself. That will tell you that you can still do more and that will tell you that you did not achieve it alone.)
In line with the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, the LERC and DJNRMHS honored the partnerships that paved the way for the localization of disability-inclusive programs.
The celebration of IDPD at the DJNRMHS served as a platform for the discussion of critical themes that contribute to the evolution of discourse regarding disability.
Disability does not impair one from becoming an instrument of change that benefits everyone. This is the message that Richard aspires to leave behind as he continues to pave the way forward.
“Wala kang magagawa sa disability, andiyan na ‘yan. Pero ang magagawa mo, ang attitude mo baguhin mo at magdasal ka na makatagpo ka ng mga tamang tao,” said Richard.
(You cannot do something about your disability. It will stay with you forever. But what you can do is to change your attitude and pray that you meet the right people.)
To be an active champion of disability inclusion is a great place to start in ensuring that the future of the nation is characterized by a culture of humanity for the differently-abled. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
