EASTERN SAMAR, Philippines – For most individuals, securing a job is a milestone. And for individuals with disabilities (PWDs), it’s typically an uphill battle – and excelling within the function is one other story.
In Llorente, a quiet city in Jap Samar, the narrative shifts. Within the city, three native authorities staff – Jose Bonga Jr., Engineer Eduardo Altar, and Kristofferson Cruz – are breaking obstacles. Their tales present how inclusion and alternative, paired with grit and willpower, can remodel lives and enrich communities.
In a rustic the place employment stays a distant objective for a lot of PWDs, their achievements present what’s attainable when society dares to consider in capacity over limitation.
Guiding folks
Recognized to many as “Kuya Jose-Jose,” Bonga is likely one of the first faces one encounters on the Llorente municipal corridor, the place he has labored as an info desk aide beneath an informal work contract since 2022. Counting on crutches on account of a congenital limb deficiency, Jose navigates his workday with ease and dedication.
“Nagpapakiana hira haak hit mga opisina… information hit mga tawo,” he mentioned. (They ask me in regards to the workplaces… I get to information folks.)
Jose’s journey to employment started with the encouragement of his household after graduating Okay-12, who believed that working would carry him extra success than staying dwelling.
“Han pag-apply ko hin trabaho dinhi, nagkukuri na liwat ak [hat] ha balay, asya it nga nagmalaka kuha ak hin trabaho, nag-apply,” he recalled. (I used to be already battling simply staying at dwelling, so I made a decision to search for work and utilized.)
Adjusting to his new function was made simpler by a supportive work atmosphere. Whereas occasional encounters with prejudice exist, he focuses on the optimistic relationships he’s constructed along with his colleagues.
“Danay mataray, gin-iisgan ak… maraot [it] kulaw,” he mentioned. (Generally they’re impolite, they scold me… they take a look at me badly.)
For Jose, his job is not only about incomes a residing but in addition about proving his functionality and independence.
Energy and resilience
Engineer Altar’s story started in childhood when he developed swimmer’s ear, resulting in vital listening to loss. With out entry to medical remedy, Eduardo grew up navigating a world that usually appeared silent.
“Han una kay waray kami kwarta para han medisina, so amo adto pinabay-an nala anay,” he mentioned. (Again then, we didn’t have cash for drugs, so I simply needed to reside with it.)
Regardless of this, Eduardo pursued his ardour for fixing home equipment reminiscent of damaged washing machines and electrical followers, a talent that ultimately led him to a profession in engineering.
Now a vocational faculty administrator on the Llorente Technological Institute (LTI), he has risen above his challenges whereas actively advocating for PWD rights.
Eduardo fondly recalled his journey within the workforce: “Ma-apply ako han electrical engineer place kay mayda hira want, asya nag-submit ak.” (I utilized for {the electrical} engineer place as a result of they wanted one, so I submitted my utility.)
In 2013, Eduardo was lastly capable of afford a listening to assist, which reworked his every day life. But even along with his success, he hasn’t forgotten the sting of discrimination. In highschool, a trainer as soon as mocked him, calling him “bungol” (deaf).
Eduardo turned the hurtful comment right into a joke: “Magaano maak kay asya maak hin, a minimum of gwapo.” (I don’t thoughts as a result of that’s who I’m, a minimum of I’m good-looking.)
As an adviser to Llorente’s PWD neighborhood, Eduardo urged others to make use of their challenges as stepping stones.
“Stepping stone para dire kita pumadara hit masisiring hit iba, lugod himuan, dire mawad-an hin paglaom,” he advises. (A stepping stone so we don’t dwell on what others would possibly say, however as a substitute take motion and by no means lose hope.)
Imaginative and prescient past sight
For Cruz, fondly referred to as “Topher,” being a visually impaired member of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood has by no means been a big hindrance.
“By no means has my incapacity affected me. Para haak, regular nala nga dire na makita hin duha nga mata,” he mentioned confidently. (For me, it’s regular to not see with each eyes.)
He misplaced his eyesight in childhood after an accident involving a brush strand, which he humorously substitutes with a barbecue stick when telling the story for comedic impact. Regardless of this, his incapacity has by no means stopped him from absolutely embracing life.
After spending 14 years in Manila working as a private secretary and managing a parlor, Topher returned to Llorente searching for a less complicated and extra inclusive life. He now works as a liaison officer for the native authorities, incomes P250 a day.
“Easy la it akon kinabuhi, importante might pagkaon hin tulo ka beses ha adlaw,” he shares. (My life is straightforward; what’s essential is having meals to eat thrice a day.)
Because the president of Llorente’s PWD neighborhood, Topher has been advocating for higher advantages and alternatives for PWDs, reminiscent of an annual one-sack rice subsidy for his or her members. He ensures members are registered and encourages them to embrace their id.
“Dire ka mahadlok pag-come out. Pakita nga an pagiging PWD o LGBTQ+ dire dapat ikahuya. Kay an ginbubuhat han iba, kaya gihapon naton,” he says with conviction. (Don’t be afraid to come back out. Present that being a PWD or LGBTQ+ is nothing to be ashamed of. What others can do, we will do too.)
Listening to the tales of the three, it turned clear that generally, probably the most significant empowerment comes by employment – offering them with the chance to earn a residing and construct a greater life for themselves. By way of their work and dedication, Jose, Eduardo, and Topher present that their disabilities have formed – not restricted – them.
“Ma-inborn man o madire, kay mayda hiton maupay nga plano para hit aton mga kinabuhi,” Eduardo says, affirming his religion within the human potential. (Whether or not inborn or not, there’s a good plan for our lives)
The city might not but provide information canine or state-of-the-art accessibility options, however it has made strides in fostering inclusion for its PWD neighborhood. In Llorente, dignity isn’t outlined by limitations however by the quiet resolve to redefine what it means to reside as in a different way abled. – Rappler.com
Efren Cyril Bocar is a scholar journalist from Llorente, Jap Samar, enrolled in English Language Research on the Visayas State College. A managing editor of Amaranth, Cyril is an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow of Rappler for 2024.
