Persons with Disabilities (PWD) prove that their disabilities will not hinder them from becoming productive and talented citizens as seen from their performances during the “Able” concert in Davao City, Oct. 1, 2016. (Photo: Brenda P. Milan)
DAVAO City, Nov. 1, 2016 – To showcase not only their talents but also their victories amid struggles, some persons with disabilities (PWDs) took part on Oct. 1 in a benefit concert at the RSM Even Center in Juna Subdivision, Matina in this city.
Dubbed “Able”, the concert featured performances from residents and alumni of Our Lady of Victory Training Center to shed light on the hidden life of PWDs, one of despair to a life of victory brought about by other people’s compassion.
“It’s the story of the disabled who are now enabled,” said Arturo Milan, president of the Our Lady of Victory Training Center, located in Babak, Island Garden City of Samal.
Livelihood training
He added that the concert wants to create awareness about the work of the Our Lady of Victory Training Center, saying there are a lot of PWDs who need help, and the center is open to them.
Founded by Sr. Cecilia Woods, a Maryknoll Sister 35 years ago, the center is where people with mobility disabilities can receive rehabilitation and training for livelihood to make them productive when they return to their families.
Those who finished their training years ago are already living productive lives with the creation of the ADAP Village in Indangan, Davao City and the Sakadab Village in Tugbok, Davao City.
Enabling the disabled
Performers from the Our Lady of Victory Training Center and the two villages joined in the concert that turned a spotlight on the story of PWDs. Talents from the University of the Immaculate Conception also joined in the performances.
Milan said the concert was successful because of the support of people who do not have disabilities but who have become instruments to enable the “disabled”.
Proceeds from the concert will be used to finance the operations of the Our Lady of Victory Training Center. (John Frances C. Fuentes / CBCP News)
