By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
CAINTA, Rizal — The Japanese government, through the Embassy of Japan, on Thursday (Oct. 23) turned over the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Project (GGP) to the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWHI) in Barangay Sto. Domingo here.
The TWHI is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization (NGO).
The GGP is a project for the provision of equipment for improving the livelihood of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Cainta, Rizal.
Felix “Nonoy” Gonzalez, Jr., TWHI President and CEO, said that he would like to thank the Japanese embassy, the Japanese people.
Gonzalez would also like to thank the Japanese government for the machineries to be turned over to the TWHI for the benefit and welfare of PWDs in Cainta.
He also would like to thank Dr. Angel.
Angelita B. Evangelista, TWHI EVP/COO, said that the project was conceptualized earlier this year which amounted to
P3.2 million that consisted of specialized equipment for the woodcratt, metal craft, and handicraft for the manufacture of ecobags, wheelchairs and other products by the TWHI.
“More importantly, this project is about people,” Evangelista said.
The ceremonial key was turned over by the Embassy of Japan to the TWHI.
Virginia S. Rabino, Planning Officer II, of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), said that according to the ILO, the employment opportunities to PWDs is lesser compared to non-PWDs.
The TWHI has been a partner of the NCDA for more than five decades.
The TWHI is an active member of the NCDA Executive Committee.
Rizal Provincial (1st District) Board Member Atty. Maria Kaye Ylagan was also present.
Yurie Mukaigawa, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, said “it’s a great honor to join the turnover of the project.”
“This initiative is made possible through the GGP, with the ODA (Overseas Development Assistance),” she added.
“Through this program, the Embassy of Japan is fully committed to support Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sector,” Mukaigawa said.
The Japanese government has extended US$55,229 worth of tools, machineries, and facilities for the improvement and upgrade of TWHI to improve the employment opportunities of the 290 PWDs employed by TWHI.
“We look forward to the continued success of TWHI,” Mukaigawa said.
Mukaigawa said that they been extending help to the TWHI every year and to the local government units in the Philippines twice a year 10,000 Yen or P80,000 worth of school building or classroom, through the JICA. .
Rizal Gov. Nina Ricci Ynares said that she was with Rabino last Tuesday for the PWDs.
Ynares had been to Tahanang Walang Hagdanan in St. Paul Pasig during her Second Year High School Days, especially with teacher Ylagan.
Ynares cited the continuous inspiring stories of the TWHI.
She thanked the Embassy of Japan for the successful turnover of the project.
Gov. Ynares said that it’s a proud moment to show the talent, skills, and willingness of the PWDs.
She added that Rizal province is not only number 1, but is united from the Capitol to the barangays.
“More than anything else, morale support is a big help,” Ynares said.
She added that Rizal province is procurement chairs from TWHI and distribute them to Antipolo City.
Ynares stressed that the international community has been acknowledging the talents and skills of the Filipinos.
The TWHI is producing handcrafted toys for children and wheelchairs, the materials of the wheelchairs are imported from Ireland, Belgium, and Germany. ###
