Barangay Sauyo officially adopts Ateneo students’ “Project Tahan’ay” for PWD Sector

On 6 May 2024, Project Tahan’ay: Capacitating PWD Org Leaders in Brgy Sauyo Towards Embracing Parental Involvement for Disability Awareness and Advocacy, a two-semester development initiative, concluded with a formal turnover meeting during the Barangay Council's regular session in Barangay Sauyo, Quezon City. The project, aimed at co-creating educational modules with the leaders of the Persons with Disability (PWD) Federation and empowering them to champion disability sensitivity and awareness in their community, was led by a dedicated group of Ateneo AB Development Studies students.

The team, known as Team PWD, ‘Nak! (Pwede, Anak!), was comprised of Napia Faye Begtang, Christine Noelle Choo, Andrea Ysabel Concepcion, Monique Bianca Cruz, Christian Dasalla, Tala Ysabel dela Peña, and Andrea Gayle Rosales. Dr Mark Anthony D Abenir, the course coach for DEV 107: Project Management, guided their efforts.

The project was carried out in partnership with the PWD Federation of Barangay Sauyo under its President, Ms Melinda C Blando. This collaboration was further strengthened by Kagawad Luz P Savilla, Chairperson of the Barangay Committee on Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities, and her assistant, Mr Sandrex Terrobias.

Through this partnership, Project Tahan’ay successfully developed and implemented educational modules aimed at helping the PWD Federation leaders promote and sustain disability awareness and sensitivity within their community.

Project Tahan’ay is a significant development initiative in Barangay Sauyo. The project comprised four essential workshops—Hikayat, Likha, Pagsasanay, and Tanghal—focusing on co-creating educational modules with the leaders of the Persons with Disability (PWD) Federation of Barangay Sauyo. These modules covered essential topics such as the different types of disabilities, inclusive language, empowerment, and the various services available to assist persons with disabilities within the barangay.

To further equip participants as local pioneers of disability awareness and sensitivity, the project included facilitation skills workshops led by Ms Vina Vidal Vicente of BV&S PPL Biz Corp. During these sessions, participants gained valuable insights into effective facilitation, public speaking, and creating safe training environments. These skills are crucial for promoting disability awareness and fostering an inclusive community in Barangay Sauyo.

The official turnover of Project Tahan’ay was a notable event attended by representatives from the PWD Federation of Barangay Sauyo. Its President, Ms Melinda C Blando, led the delegation, along with area leaders Ms Belen Roma, Ms Nelsie Bahandi, and Ms Rubilyn Gemparo. The Barangay Sauyo Council, composed of Kgd Karina Joyce Quilo-Diaz, Kgd Rizza Magtibay, Kgd Carlo Apo, Kgd Symond Del Mundo, Kgd Camille Dela Cruz, Kgd Dindo Alvarez, and SK Chairperson Bryan Rolly Maliwat, also played a crucial role in the event. Punong Barangay “Kap Noel” Vitug and Kgd Luz Savilla led the proceedings, highlighting the collaborative effort and commitment to disability awareness and advocacy within the community.

Under Kap Noel Vitug's leadership and the staunch support of Kgd Luz Savilla, the Barangay Council passed Barangay Resolution 069, formally adopting Project Tahan’ay into various initiatives to support persons with disabilities in Barangay Sauyo. This resolution underscores the Barangay Council’s commitment to provide financial, logistical, and social support to the PWD Federation for conducting inclusive language workshops across the community.

Additionally, the Barangay Committee on Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities, led by Kgd Luz, will integrate Disability Sensitivity and Awareness Workshops (DSAW) into the training structure for Barangay staff, utilizing the modules co-created with the PWD Federation. Printed materials will be available at the Barangay Hall for public access and dissemination.

With the barangay's backing, the PWD Federation of Barangay Sauyo leaders plan to implement a dry run of their first workshop this June, marking a significant step towards enhancing disability awareness and fostering an inclusive environment in the community.

For additional information about the DEV 107: Project Management course, the students behind PWD, ‘Nak!, the project itself, and key leaders of the PWD Federation in Barangay Sauyo, visit the team’s social media pages on Facebook (PWD, ‘Nak) and Instagram (@pwdnak2324). Inquiries can also be sent to their email address at pwdnak@gmail.com.

Team PWD, ‘Nak! extends their heartfelt gratitude to their sponsors: Nestle, the German European School Manila, and the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Social Development, Environment, and Community Engagement (OAVP-SDECE) of Ateneo de Manila University. Their support was instrumental in the success of this project.

Photos courtesy of Christine Choo, Tala dela Pena, and Sandrex Terrobias