The Japanese government, through the Embassy of Japan, has provided livelihood assistance to persons with disabilities (PWDs) at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan in Cainta, Rizal.

The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) is a program for providing equipment to improve the livelihood of persons with disabilities.

Tahanang Walang Hagdanan President and CEO Felix “Nonoy” Gonzalez Jr. thanked the Japanese Embassy for the machinery it donated.

For her part, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Angelita Evangelista said the project was conceptualized earlier this year. It amounted to P3.2 million and consisted of specialized equipment for woodcraft, metal craft, and handicraft used in manufacturing eco-bags, wheelchairs, and other products.

Virginia Rabino, Planning Officer II of the National Council on Disability Affairs, said that according to the International Labor Organization, employment opportunities for PWDs are lower compared to non-PWDs.

Yurie Mukaigawa, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, said, “It’s a great honor to join the turnover of the project.”

“This initiative is made possible through the GGP, with the ODA (Overseas Development Assistance),” she added.

“Through this program, the Embassy of Japan is fully committed to supporting Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sector,” Mukaigawa said.

The Japanese government has extended $55,229 worth of tools, machinery, and facilities for the improvement and upgrade of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan to enhance employment opportunities for the 290 PWDs employed by TWHI.

“We look forward to the continued success of TWHI,” Mukaigawa said.

Mukaigawa added that they have been extending help to TWHI every year and to local government units in the Philippines twice a year, providing ¥10,000, or about P80,000, worth of school buildings or classrooms through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Rizal Gov. Nina Ricci Ynares said she joined Rabino last Tuesday for the PWD event.

Ynares shared that she had visited Tahanang Walang Hagdanan in St. Paul, Pasig, during her second year of high school, under teacher Ylagan.

She thanked the Embassy of Japan for the successful turnover of the project, calling it a proud moment to showcase the talent, skills, and dedication of PWDs.

She added that Rizal province remains united from the Capitol to the barangays.

“More than anything else, moral support is a big help,” Ynares said.

She also mentioned that the Rizal provincial government procures chairs from TWHI and distributes them to Antipolo City.

Ynares stressed that the international community continues to acknowledge the talents and skills of Filipinos.