Individuals with a disability who want to work in an agricultural setting might face challenges that can impact their productivity and quality of life. Thus, the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 7 would want to address this challenge and provide better access to the person with disability with agricultural opportunities.

Hence, on May 31 – June 2, 2022, a Health and Wellness Training for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) was conducted in Bacong Central Elementary School, Bacong, Negros Oriental. A total of 20 participants from the municipalities of Bacong, Dauin, Dumaguete City and Valencia from the province of Negros Oriental were able to complete the three-day training.

Overall, the training aims to develop the knowledge, skills, attitude and spirit of differently-abled persons to engage in basic home vegetable/herb gardening.

During the course of the three-day training participants were able to learn about the rights, privileges and benefits of PWD’s and promote their active participation in the society; common ailments and their home intervention remedies; medicinal plants for treatment of common illness; local medicinal herbs and vegetables; healthy lifestyle and seek proper health care services; how to prepare home remedies for common ailments; and how to Formulate Farm Plan (FARMACY) and establish home garden.

Cristino L. Villamor, Jr. from St. Peter Academy of Alegria Foundation Inc. (SPAAFI), Algeria, Cebu; and Florenda P. Villamor from LGU-Alegria, Cebu shared their expertise while Ryan Joshua Villena served as a member of the training management team.

“Sa tulo ka adlaw nga training, daghan mi nahibal-an sama sa pag-gama ug juice nga tangland, pipino, ug uban pa. Sa maong training, ma improve na unya ang among mga panginabuhi isip usa ka PWD kay magamit man namo n inga mga kahibalo sa among pag-uli. Daghan salamat!” said Ingracio D. Pintor – one of the training participants.

Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Jorge F. Trinidad, Project Officer, via jftrinidad64@yahoo.com.