UMWAD Project Newsletter July 2010

8/13/2019 UMWAD Project Newsletter July 2010

1/5

1

Umwad PanayUMWAD Projects Newsletter Issue 2, July 2010

The Road to Autonomy... To avid paperback readers, this refers to a title of a

book written by Jean Beaton which talks about parenting and family. Pub-

lished in 2003, the book aims to provide help and hope to families of children

with disabilities, especially sensory impaired children.

To DPOs of Batad, San Dionisio, Concepcion, Barbaza, and Laua-an, the road

to autonomy denotes another meaning. To them, it means the road to inde-

pendence and self-sufficiency, and the capacity to act as agents of change

instead of just mere beneficiaries. This road begins here, and it begins now.

In a move to realize their future autonomy, the DPOs of the mentioned munici-

palities began to develop their fundraising capacity by undergoing a training

on proposal writing conducted by the Handicap International - UMWAD Pro-

ject from May 25-28 (Iloilo) and June 1-4 (Antique). This is the initial step of a

long process that will lead to a submission of project proposals developed by

DPOs to prospective funders including their own local government units.

While it is still a long road ahead, hopes are high that the DPOs will be able to

pull it through. And who knows in the end, these same DPOs will be the author

of a book with the same title - with the aim of providing help and hope to otherDPOs who also wish to achieve autonomy. [J. Rom]

DPOs begin their long Journey to Autonomy

Panay CBR Project is now

the UMWAD Project!

UMWAD, which means

progress in Ilonggo, isnow recognized as the

name of the project after

getting positive reviews

in its first issue (April 2010).

The UMWAD Project aims

to support DPOs in Panay

Island to be autonomous

and become integral

actors in local develop-

ment. Its vision is that

DPOs will play a vital role

towards the progress of

their respective commu-

nities.

Members of Disabled Peoples Organization (DPO) brainstorm on the components of a project proposal

Photo by Cindy Blasurca


2/5

2

Activities in brief

Advocacy Training in Antique

DPO members of Laua-an explaining their advocacy plan

To improve DPO advocacy skills, the UMWAD team conducted a

training on advocacy for 11 DPO members and 5 CBR workers of

Laua-an & Barbaza from April 21-23, 2010 at the session hall of

Laua-an. The training focused on how to develop an advocacy

plan and how to present it to different types of audience. This is

the first of a series of trainings aimed at increasing the capacity of

DPOs to co-implement their municipal CBR action plans.

Antique DPO Officers and CBR Teams in Session

By: Cindy Blasurca

Just within the month of June, Handicap International

conducted two training workshops in Antique. These are still part of

the series of trainings that aim to capacitate the officers of Dis-

abled Peoples Organizations to become active member of the

community and CBR teams that spearhead the implementation of

the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program in their respective

municipality.

DPO members of Barbaza & Laua-an ponder on their project proposal

UmWARD IN FOCUSBy: EDWARD T. ELLO

New Arrival

After a long search for the position

of Community Organizer (CO) tocomplete the dynamic team, we

warmly welcome Ms. Jayrose

Jaja Plana. She is a graduate of

Bachelor of Science in Political Sci-

ence-Community Development

from University of the Philippines in

the Visayas - Miagao, Iloilo. She

previously worked at TSKI (Taytay sa

Kauswagan, Inc.) - a micro finance

institution, as Community and Enter-

prise Development Assistant han-

dling community development pro-

jects of the organization. She also

pursued her Masters in Business Ad-

ministration in Philippine Christian

University Iloilo Extension to further

enhance her learning. As an initial

plan, she will be assigned to one of

the three municipalities in Northern

Iloilo (Batad, Concepcion and San

Dionisio) currently handled by Mr.

Raphy Imperial.

Newly hired CO Jayrose Plana

UMWAD Team finds a new way to

relax

In my own personal capacity I offer

arnis (art of stick fighting) / martial

arts training every Saturday that

promotes healthy lifestyle as it re-

moves stress from a long week of

work. This weekend training also

refreshes my skill and makes up for

missing my martial arts sessionswhen I was still in Manila.


3/5

3

The participants from Barbaza and Laua-an learned basic

knowledge and skills on project proposal development last June 1-

4 from the training held at the University of Antique in the munici-

pality of Tibiao. It was technical in nature but they expressed fulfill-

ment having learned something new and useful.

On June 24-25, they gathered again in Oak Brook BeachResort located in the municipality of Hamtic to familiarize the art of

events organizing. They did not only learn more but also enjoyed

the other municipalitys camaraderie. They said they are looking

forward to more learning-but-fun capacity building sessions.

DPO members of Laua-an & Barbaza pose at the end of the training

Advocacy Training in Iloilo

12 DPO members and 5 CBR workers from Batad, San Dionisio &

Concepcion, together with 5 representatives from the Office ofPerson with Disability Affairs (OPDA) office in Iloilo City joined the

advocacy training held from April 28-30, 2010 at Paon Beach Re-

sort in Estancia, Iloilo.

The training was hosted by the municipality of Batad and was

graced by the presence of outgoing mayor Elvira Alarcon. The

participants were taught on the basics of developing advocacy

plans and presenting it to a specific target audience such as local

government officials. These advocacy plans will then be high-

lighted during the National Disability Prevention & Rehabilitation

(NDPR) week in July.

Participants of the advocacy workshop were all smiles at the end of the training

Saori bids farewell to the team

After 2 years as JICA volunteer, oc-

cupational therapist (OT) Saori Sato

finally said goodbye to the UMWAD

team during her farewell party last

June 6. Saori is a major part of theteam starting with the Hilwai Project

in 2008, where she unselfishly dedi-

cated her time, energy, and exper-

tise to persons with disabilities and

CBR workers alike.

Among her major contributions are

the OT services and development

of adaptive devices for children

with disabilities, training & capacity

building of CBR workers, and the

development of a CBR handbook

for CBR workers (still to be vali-

dated).

Saori is now back in Japan and we

wish her all the best in her future

undertakings.

Saori (middle) is flanked by Sheila (L) &

Cindy (R) during her farewell party

Upcoming activities (3rd Qtr):

July 13, 16, 20, 21, 23 - Municipal

stakeholders forums in Batad, San

Dionisio, Concepcion, Laua-an &

Barbaza respectively

July 17-23 - NDPR week celebration

August 18-20 - Budget develop-

ment workshop

September 8-10 - Effective commu-

nication workshop

September 30 - Provincial stake-holders forum (Antique)


4/5

4

Proposal Writing Training in Iloilo

12 DPO members and 6 CBR workers from Batad, San Dionisio, and

Concepcion were trained on the basics of proposal writing on

May 25-28, 2010 at the Sealips Restaurant in San Dionisio. The train-

ing focused on developing the capacity of DPOs to write their

own project proposals starting with understanding the basic ele-ments of a proposal and the requirements to complete it. Partici-

pants were also given tips on how to present their proposal to pro-

spective donors.

Tatay Jose Bajada in action during the proposal writing training

It was however sad that an unfortunate incident happened to-wards the end of the training. Jose Bajada, one of the leaders of

DPO Batad, suffered a stroke and passed away the following day.

He will be missed not only by the people of Batad but to everyone

who knew him to be a strong disability rights advocate.

Events Organizing Workshop in Iloilo

DPO members of Concepcion at the end of the workshop

Tribute to Tatay JoseBy: Cindy Blasurca

Jose Bajada, 48 - a staunch

PWD advocate, a strong leader, a

friend we all miss

You are one of the few wholeads by example, who fights for

what you deserve and who strongly

believes that persons with disability

should be given same opportunities

and rights as other members of the

society enjoy.

You are a significant part of the

Umwad Family that makes it whole.

But, now you are gone. One long

month had passed and we are

missing you.

Wherever you are, trust us that

we will continue what you have

started and we will do much better

each time to advance the cause

of persons with disability.

We will always remember you

Missing YouBy: Cindy Blasurca

Youve been gone for not so long

But for me it seems like eternity

Though I know youre just anywhere

Its sad cause I cant feel you near

I long for your presence, Im goingcrazy

They say I must move on with my

life

And that I can go wherever I want

to

This I know but Im really missing you

In focus: SEALIPS Resto ManagerBy: Raphy Imperial

Mr. Eduardo Samonte, manager of

Sealips in San Dionisio, mentioned

that the restaurant started its op-eration last Jan 7, 2010 and Handi-

cap International-UMWAD Project

was the first organization who used

their facility (project orientation).

He admitted that he had difficulties

in catering persons with disabilities

(PWD) since his restaurant has no

accessibility features. But he readily

made adjustments by installing a

ramp during the proposal writing

training last May 25-28. We do

hope that the ramps are perma-

nently installed after the training

and other establishments will follow

his good example of providing ac-

cessibility features for PWD.


5/5

5

9 DPO members and 11 CBR workers from Batad, San Dionisio, and

Concepcion joined hands for a successful staging of the events

organizing workshop Concepcion last June 17-18. The workshop

was a venue to practice how to organize an event in preparation

for the NDPR Week on July 17-23 where DPOs are expected to

lead the weeklong activities.

STAFF TRAINING / DEVELOPMENT

Jasper Rom of Handicap International - Philippines was one of the

participants chosen for the Training of Trainers for Community-

based Rehabilitation (CBR) through an inclusive development ap-

proach. The training was joined in by 17 participants from Thailand,

Indonesia, Myanmar, East Timor, Vietnam and the Philippines and

was conducted from June 7-18, 2010 at the Asia Pacific Center for

Disability (APCD) in Bangkok, Thailand.

The training aimed at developing trainers and facilitators in CBR

activities, promoting an inclusive development approach to CBR,

and develop strategies based on local situations and needs. The

main facilitators were Dr. Maya Thomas of India and Ghulam Nabi

of Pakistan together with the training staff of APCD. More informa-

tion can be found at www.apcdfoundation.org.

Handicap International (HI) is an independent international aid

organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict

and disaster.

Working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable

groups throughout the world, our action and testimony are fo-

cused on responding to their essential needs, improving their livingconditions and promoting respect for their dignity and their funda-

mental rights.

With a network of eight national associations (USA, Belgium, Can-

ada, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and UK), Handi-

cap International, founded in 1982 and co-recipient of the Nobel

Peace prize in 1997, has programs in 60 countries and acts in both

emergency and development situations.

Handicap International - Philippines

12th Floor, Valero Tower

122 Valero St., Salcedo Village

Makati City, Philippines 1223

[email protected]

www.handicapinternational.ph

DID YOU KNOW THAT . ?

Edward Ello is an expert in modern

arnis and martial arts. He is a certi-

fied Arnis Guro from the National

College of Physical Education of

the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ngMaynila, President of KAIKIJUTSU

BLACK BELT ASSOCIATION from 1995

2003, and Chief Instructor (Martial

Arts) of DFA Kaikijutsu Mega Gym.

Edward (L) during an exhibition

Raphy Imperial is an expert moun-

tain bike rider and loves to com-

pete in mountain biking competi-

tions. He occasionally goes to work

using his mountain bike as a form of

regular exercise. Raphy is also an

outreach mobile team leader,

street educator, and team driver in

his previous work at Doctors withoutBorders (MSF).

Jasper Rom is an avid chess player

on a comeback trail. He placed

5th in the Iloilo Paraw Regatta

Rapid Chess Tournament in Febru-

ary this year, 7th in the Mayor Tre-

nas Cup last March, and 2nd dur-

ing the 6th DWP All-Panay Chess

Tournament last May 22-23. He

rose into the Philippine chess scene

during the 2000 National Chess

Grand Prix in Manila: http://news.google.com/newspapers?

id=QVM1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZyUMAAAAIBA

J&pg=2367%2C2431474

Jasper (L) contemplating his next move

UMWAD Project Office

56 Quezon St., Arevalo

Iloilo City, Philippines 5000

Tel. (+63 33) 501-9690

UMWAD Project Newsletter July 2010

Documents

Transcript of UMWAD Project Newsletter July 2010