KUMALARANG, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – The Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) here, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided significant support to a visually impaired student in the province.
Hanna Tamonan, a second-year student of the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College (ZDSPGC), received a live-in job opportunity, designed to enhance her skills and promote financial independence. This initiative is a result of PDAO’s school-based advocacy aimed at empowering the Persons with Disability (PWD) sector.
With the support of DOLE, PDAO provided Tamonan with fifteen sacks of rice as part of their livelihood assistance program. This effort is part of PDAO’s broader mission to empower individuals with disabilities, helping them become self-sufficient and support their families.
Tamonan expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the assistance, noting how this opportunity has opened doors for her to explore entrepreneurship.
I am very grateful to be part of this livelihood program because it has opened a door for me to become a small entrepreneur. Your program is truly a blessing to all PWDs, as it allows them to explore entrepreneurship without worrying about where to start or how to secure business capital,” she said.
“Words cannot fully express how thankful I am, but I pray to God to guide me and help me grow this business to show my gratitude,” she added.
PDAO Head Miriam Acosta-Llanos reaffirmed the office’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs), emphasizing a holistic approach to support their overall well-being. She praised Tamonan for her resilience and determination despite her blindness and assured continued support for her education and future endeavors.
“We believe in the potential of every PWD, and we want to see them succeed not just in their studies, but in life as a whole. We are committed to providing her with income augmentation to help ease the financial burdens she faces, and we will also advocate for her right to free education to ensure she graduates. We want to see her fulfill her dreams and reach her full potential, and we will stand by her side every step of the way,” she said.
Through initiatives like this, the Provincial PDAO and its partners continue to create opportunities for PWDs, fostering their ability to lead purposeful lives. The assistance provided is not just about sustenance but also about planting the seeds of a brighter future for individuals like Tamonan. (JPA/HTB/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur with reports from PWD News Corner)
