DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA) -- Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are a marginalized group that faces numerous challenges, including unemployment and limited access to loans. 

Despite the existence of disability laws aimed at ensuring that PWDs are empowered to become productive members of society, many of them struggle with unstable occupations and a lack of financial resources. 

Rey Antonio Bustamante, an amputee, shares his struggles in earning a livelihood. 

"Mahirap ang buhay, nakakapagod, at malungkot. Dahil mag-isa lang ako, wala akong naaasahan para sa tulong pinansyal sa oras ng kagipitan (Life is tough, exhausting, and lonely. Since I live alone, I have no one to depend on for financial assistance in case of an emergency)," Bustamante lamented.

Now, the 55-year-old native of Talisay town is happily part of the Camarines Norte PWD Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CNPWDMPC). 

Bustamante is joined by 47 other PWDs who were recruited by the Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and given a seminar on how cooperatives work. 

The PDAO is an office of the provincial government that implements policies, plans, and programs for promoting the welfare of PWDs. 

Dr. Rex A. Bernardo, the head of PDAO, said the seminar's primary objective was to educate PWDs about their responsibilities as members of the cooperative. 

CNPWDMPC general manager Ferda Abando shared that the cooperative was established to provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities. 

It offers loans for personal needs and business ventures to help them overcome their financial struggles, she said. 

As a person with a physical disability, Abando uses her farm business as a source of livelihood.

She also shared that she was once a beneficiary of the cooperative when she borrowed money for additional capital. 

The cooperative has a total equity of more than P200,000 and currently has 104 members, including Bustamante and 47 other PWDs, who were recently admitted. 

According to Bernardo, CNPWDMPC started as a credit cooperative on October 8, 2021, and was the first of its kind in the province and the whole Bicol region. 

It was then converted into a multi-purpose cooperative in December 2023. 

Bernardo said members who received loans have livelihoods such as rice retailing, sewing, copra production, selling fish, vegetables, and other items. 

The PWDs should pay off their debts if they have any loans, so that it won't adversely impact other members, he said. 

“The cooperative requires a firm commitment from its members, which will ultimately improve their lives,” he added. 

As a multi-purpose cooperative, CNPWDMPC supports additional ventures like tote bag making, catering services, and online selling, he said. 

Members also have the opportunity to benefit from livelihood assistance provided by various government agencies, he added. 

Bernardo encouraged friends and relatives of PWDs to join the CNPWDMPC. 

Senior cooperative development specialist Manuel Odi of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist said RA 9520 or the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 allows any persons to join a registered cooperative..

However, they are required to attend an education seminar on cooperatives before becoming a member, he added. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)