MARAGONDON, Cavite- According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWD), PWDs include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. (DOH, 2014)
In the Philippines, the results of the 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH, 2010) reveal that of the household population of 92.1 million, 1.443 million Filipinos or 1.57%, have a disability. Region IV-A, with 193 thousand PWDs, was recorded to have the highest number of PWD among the 17 regions (PSA, 2013).

Thus, the Agricultural Training Institute Region IV-A in partnership with Terra Verde Ecofarm, Inc. conducted Rediscovering Health and Wellness from Nature: A Practical Application for the Person with Disabilities (PWDs).

The training generally aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants and acquaint them with the DOH-approved medicinal plants, culinary herbs, their uses and benefits and use these in making alternative healthcare and wellness accessible in the countryside to improve the quality of life.

A total of 23 participants comprised of Lingkod Banahaw Multi-purpose Cooperative members from Candelaria, Quezon including staff from Municipal Social Welfare Development Office and ATI IV-A attended the said training.

Pablo T. Aranas, General Manager of Lingkod Banahaw Multi-purpose Cooperative, shares that he appreciated the actual and interactive activity during the training and they will apply what they learned in their own farm. “Taos-puso po ang pasasalamat ng Lingkod Banahaw sa inyong lahat sapagkat ito pong gawain na ito ay matagal na naming inumpisahan. Since 2010, nasa organic farming na po kami, ngayon pong 2018 nasa basic pa lang po kami hanggang ngayon. Lahat ng aming natutunan dito gagawin namin pag-uwi sa Candelaria,” said Aranas.

The training was held last May 15-17, 2018 at Terra Verde Ecofarm Inc., Maragondon, Cavite.