Activity Report from Philippines for March 2008

(From Regular PCIL On-line Meeting on March 10, 2008)

HACI – Cebu
HACI is undergoing the dissolution process. There will be board meeting tomorrow. I cannot give you much at this time. On Wednesday, we will have IL meeting to discuss on how do you carry the IL in the future after HACI’s dissolution. HACI IL team will meet on Wednesday, March 12. Johnny and I will make a follow up visit with Therese and Nelbert (both SCI) whom we visited last year. We will find out if our Cebu Velez General hospital will allow us to have an office inside their campus after the international convention this March 27 to 29. Their contact, Dr. Jorgen Lim is still busy on their convention. The Cebu IL Team is not yet resolved whether they will form a new organization or will attach themselves to existing organization.
(Tess Chua and Johnny Cacanindin)

HACI – Cagayan De Oro
We just had a successful IL and PC one-day seminar here with the help of mam TESS. I had given my report and financial expenses, pictures to HUMAN CARE. We had an audience with our Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno fora lot since our Cong. Rufus Rodriguez promise for the infra but the Gov. declined our request…we will look for another donor will be our next move. This is the construction of an Independent Living Center-our version of OSCA. We donated a wheelchair form the 7th day Adventist to a gunshot SCI patient at the German Doctors’. The housing program of Habitat for PWDs will be launched this April. That’s all for now.
(Ike Ampo)

Life Haven & SCI Foundation
We (SCIF & LHI) are still looking for funds to conduct another peer counseling workshop. The original plan is to do the seminar workshop this March, however, due to budget constraints, we will move it to another date if we can raise the necessary funds. We visited a CP person (a quadriplegic on wheelchair who can barely move his limbs) in jail last March 4, 2008. He is in prison for about 5 years already for raping a young girl. They vehemently deny the accusation despite the court of appeal reaffirms the decision of the lower court. The case is now in the Supreme Court. It is being handled by the Department of Justice and was referred to the Public Attorney’s Office. We visited him to let him know that there are group of persons with disabilities who cares and empathize for him. We also wanted to see his condition inside the prison. He was so happy to see us and he narrated his story to the group. I met with Dr. Istvan Patkai and Violeta Bayato of CBM, they are in-charge of CBM’s Community Mental Health Program. I found out that they are now doing a lot of awareness campaign to help persons with mental illnesses including those with epilepsy. Information disseminated are substitute low-cost medicine, how to treat people with this kind of disability, etc. The program is geared towards community support, thus, making the community aware of their condition and therefore making them to respond better with their needs. Dr. Istvan is interested with what we are doing in the IL movement, particularly peer counseling among other services and activities we are doing. In the end, we can work together to bring this benefits to people with mental illnesses. They recognize us as a cross-disability group and they are very happy to know this.
(Edwin De Villa and Abner Manlapaz)

Activity Report from Philippines for Feb 2008

Report per organization as follows:

- Report of SCI Foundation by Edwin de Villa
The success of the recent Independent Living and Peer Counseling training conducted by Life Haven in partnership with SCI Foundation boosted the initiatives of persons with disabilities in the City of Santa Rosa, Province of Laguna. Three citizens with disabilities from the city of Santa Rosa who received the training, wholeheartedly embraced the concept and philosophy of IL. As a result, the three trainees are helping Edwin to initiate and to start a group in Santa Rosa that would be recognized by the LGU and will be part of the City Social Welfare Department’s initiative to form a Federation of PWD groups within the community.
This coming March 14 – 19, SCI Foundation intend to conduct another Independent Living and Peer Counseling training at The Richville Hotel, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Target participants will be from Tagaytay City, Province of Cavite and Metro Manila.

Interactions:
Question: Who will fund the Independent Living and Peer Counseling Seminar workshop on March 14-19? (Ike)
Answer: We are looking for sponsors from government offices and private companies. (Edwin)

- Report of HACI de oro by Dr. Ike Anpo
1. HACI Cagayan De Oro is finalizing the preparation for the Independent Living Program and Peer Counseling Training and Workshop with close coordination with Tess of HACI Cebu. It will be held on February 21, 2008.
2. Mr. Renan Abas, an SCI individual with cervical level joined their fellowship with Canadian Missionaries. Ike is inviting Renan to attend on February 21 ILP/PC Training and Workshop.
3. Ike helped a friend who suffered spinal cord injury due to gun shot wound 2 months ago to avail of a wheelchair from the 7th Day Adventist (a Religious organization).
4. Usual Radio program every Sunday with new time slot from 5:00 to 5:30 pm.

- Report of HACI Cebu by Teresa “Tess” O. Chua
1. HACI is in the process of Dissolution. They had meeting with their partner, the Redemptorist Fathers and HACI IL team members, 4 out of 9 HACI IL team members were present. Present were Johnny, Dario, Gigi and Tess.
2. Redemptorist Fathers will continue their support to the IL movement in Cebu. They are now thinking whether they will form a new organization for IL Team or they will attach to one of the existing organizations for IL or other organization that will adopt IL program. Nonetheless, they are exploring the idea of inviting PARM doctor to be part of the new association or organization. Everything is sketchy at this time but the IL activities continue.
3. At this time, they have submitted ILP material to Dr. Velez of Cebu Velez General Hospital with the hope that they will have an office inside their compound to make them more visible to the community. Velez Hospital caters to Class BCD.
4. Tess hopes to have more time on ILP starting March as she have tendered her resignation to work as part time accountant. She is looking forward to learn from each other.
5. Tess and Irah visited an 8 year old boy, a banker friend of Tess referred him to the group. The group wanted to refer the boy to Leliani Fund. He was contracted with Meningitis when he was 4 months old. He underwent surgery when he was 8 months old to have a tube connected to drain the fluid from his brain. His father takes care of him since then. Irah is now working her way to document his case so the group can make referral to other organization who can help him.

- Report of Life Haven by Abner Manlapaz
1. On January 13-17, Life Haven and SCI Foundation conducted the IL peer counseling seminar workshop in Jalajala, Rizal. It was funded by DOH thru NAPC-PWD. Participants came from Nueva Ecija, Sta. Rosa, Rizal, Batangas and National Capital Region (NCR). The workshop generates positive feedback from the participants. Increased activities are expected from their areas especially that each of the 3 provinces intends to replicate the seminar in their place.
2. SCI Foundation & Life Haven is looking for funds to conduct another peer counseling workshop this come March, 2008.
3. The Sub-committee on Independent Living under the National Anti-Poverty Commission – Persons with Disabilities Sector (NAPC-PWD) is writing a report about the IL movement in the Philippines. I hope that your organization can provide some reports which have been successful from the past years.

Interactions:
- Tess and Johnny expressed their intention to send their testimony and activity report to include in the reports being prepared by the Sub-committee on IL of NAPC-PWD. They expressed how their life was change since they attended their first IL seminar.
- Abner reported the updates in APNIL meeting. Discussed were the activities and agreements in Global IL Network, updates on IL movement in Thailand which Shoji reported during his visit in Nakhonpathom last December 2007. Abner also informed the group that APNIL website is now very informative. The website will be linked to other IL networks from around the world. Local websites of APNIL members shall also be linked to APNIL. Abner encourage the group to send to APNIL their website as this is good promotions for all.

HCA Plan to conduct seminar in the Philippines anytime around early June. They wanted to know what Philippines need so HCA could prepare to increase Philippines capacity. Peer counseling, IL Program or Personal Assistant service are example that Philippines might be interested. The group could not decide at the moment and suggested that the group will set a meeting with Shoji to assist on the assessment of the group as to what is needed by Philippines to increase the capacity.

Beautiful Gate Foundation’s Proposal:
Beautiful gate foundation of Malaysia is proposing for partnership to hold here in the Philippines one of their performance tour. They are 28 persons (performers and necessary staffs) in the tour and seeking assistance for accommodation and domestic transportation. The proposal is still being translated from local language to English. Once finished, they will send us the copy for our reference. Partner organization can raise funds thru their performance.
Ike requested for a video clips showing their performances.
All agreed to discuss this matter further after receiving enough information regarding the performance tour.

The Latter Day Saints thru AKAP-PINOY will be donating wheelchairs across the country. Requirements are social case study and picture of the recipient. It is expected to arrive sometime March this year.
Ike would like to follow-up on the 2nd hand wheelchairs and accessible vehicle from Japan.

Abner informed the group about the home-based work opportunity. Requirements are: 1) Must be a person with disability; 2) proficient in English; and 3) can use internet effectively. Interested applicants should send their complete name, mailing address, email address, and telephone numbers.

Minutes were kindly taken by Tess Chua.

Activity Report from Philippines for Jan 2008

January 5, 2008

- HACI Cebu by Patrick Cacanidin Jr.

December 29, 2007, Tess Chua and Johnny Cacanindin visited NL, 35 years old, a computer engineer, married with three children and had a vehicular accident on December 19, 2006. He has had Spinal cord injury and now a quadriplegic.

We have a meeting scheduled next week to talk about having an IL office in Cebu Velez General Hospital.

Last December 9, 2007, HACI had a general meeting and majority of their members proposed to dissolve HACI. However, those who are involved in IL are intact and intend to continue our activities

- HACI De Oro by Dr. Ike Anpo

We requested COA (Commission on Audit) to sponsor the venue of the proposed IL and PC training but unfortunately denied for the facilities would have been occupied then. The scheduled IL and PC orientation was rescheduled to be conducted this January since the funds and the venue were not available at the time. HCA sent the money order last December 20 and we received confirmation from Postal Office yesterday (Jan 4, 2007) that the funds have arrived. We have coordinated with Ms. Tess Chua for the activity to be conducted on January 24, 2008 and expect an attendance of 20 persons more or less.

We do a regular promotion of IL and PC program through a radio show at RMN – DCXX every Sunday, 2:30 – 3:00pm called “Kumusta Ka, Igsoon” (How are you, my friend). The program solely tackles issues, concerns and updates of Persons With Disability. We are also promoting the continuous registration of PWDS

We held Christmas parties for children with disabilities with STAC (Stimulation and Theraputic Activity Center project) – German Doctors sponsored by the MASONS and other parties with local and national offices.

Three days ago (Jan 2) a 9y.o. child with SCI level T4 due to gunshot was referred to us and now undergoing rehab at the STAC and I think he needs a body brace. We also referred him to an Adventist NGO who gives wheelchair to indigent PWDS. The Country Manager of German Doctors’, Mr. Dietmar Schug, informed me also of a 34yo. male who is now with SCI due to gunshot also and he promised to set a meeting for us

- Life Haven Inc. by Abner Manlapaz
We managed to prepare and submit a project proposal for Panibagong Paraan 2008. We are also preparing for the upcoming IL Peer Counseling Seminar Workshop to be held at Jalajala, Rizal this January 12-17, 2008. This seminar workshop is funded thru NAPC-PWD by DOH

- SCIF by Edwin de Villa

We will be joining the IL PC training conducted by LHI this Jan 12 -18.

IL Activity Report from HACI Cebu in Philippines

Report by: Teresa “Tess” Chua

1. During the 3rd week of September, I and Ella Clark, our VSO (Volunteer Service Organization – a Non Government Organization based in England) volunteer professional met with Dr. Jorgen Lim, a rehab medicine doctor for referrals on clients. We are referred to the chief of clinics of Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital, the Provincial hospital of Cebu. We were not able to make an appointment yet. Will work on it next week.

2. On October 8, 2007 Johnny, Ella, Irah and I visited a client, TS, who underwent surgery on her spine. We will visit the family and discuss IL to the family once the father is available. She is a referral of Dr. Jorgen Lim. The father is working in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, a city outside Cebu City, thus he is available only during weekends.

Prior to our visit last October 8 in the hospital, I have met TS and her parents at Dr. Lim’s clinic. Dr. Lim introduced me to the family and told them about Independent Living program. The parents wanted to know more on the IL concept. Besides, Johnny had made few phone calls with TS.

3. On October 9, 2007 Johnny and I had a meeting with our partner, the Redemptorist Fathers, represented by Ms. Armi and Mr. Karl Quisumbing. The survey they conducted within their parish showed only one possible candidate for IL. Thus we are requesting the Redemptorist if we can use their fund for the city wide IL program instead of Parish based. Ms. Armi is the one to convey the request to Fr. Leo, the Parish Priest during their weekly meeting on Thursday.

4. We are preparing an article for newspaper release with Johnny as our success candidate on IL program. We have also asked the permission of the Redemptorist Parish to allow us to post the article of Johnny’s story in their bulletin and also asking for volunteer PA.
Please refer to the write up about Patrick “Johnny” Cacanindin Jr. below

5. There is another client, the person had swimming accident, similar case with Johnny. I need to call for visit.

My Name is Patrick Mutia Cacanindin Jr. “Johnny”

My name is Patrick Mutia Cacanindin, Jr., I was born on June 8, 1969 in Oroquieta City, Mindanao but I grew up with my parents in Cebu City where I had my elementary, high school and half of my college days. I am now 38 yrs. old, weighs around 165 pounds and with the height of 5 feet and 10 inches.

I had a very active life before my accident. I used to go to the gym and had my Progressive Resistance Training (PRT), play soccer and was a captain ball in our school soccer team and a YMCA trained swimmer. I basically aimed to stay in tiptop shape because I wanted to become a part of the US Navy Paramedical crew. I took up and finished Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the same reason.

All dreams and hopes ended when I met a diving accident February of 1991 at the age of 21 in Mindanao that dislocated my cervical four and five. A spinal cord injury which made me a quadriplegic, meaning, paralyzed from the upper chest going all the way down; my lower extremities can’t move while I got few movements left in my upper extremities but none on my fingers because they are almost clenched. My life took a 180 degree turn from a very active lifestyle into an inert and dependent existence. I was once a health buff and now a struggling health seeker, so, when you come right down to it, an energetic life which took an uncontrollable fierce turn and then hastily halted.

I live an extremely different life after the accident – it revolved and evolved inside my room for several years. I never bothered to get involved with the outside world for I was thinking that it would be awfully intricate for me to adjust knowing that I will be on a wheelchair and at times need to be carried, accessibility was also one of my immediate concerns During that time, I never talked to people aside from my parents and close relatives for I was still trying to get through the depression stage.

Though a lot of people like my parents, relatives, Nonoy Concha and Minda Zoriaga (HACI members) have tried to encourage me to go back to mainstream society, I never really bothered. Nonoy Concha and Minda Zoriaga introduced the HACI (Handicapped’s Anchor is Christ Incorporated) organization to me but I was never interested in becoming a member with the notion that there’s nothing I can do if I join in because I can barely move. Until the time came when Tess Chua (also a HACI member) invited me to a Peer Counseling Seminar conducted by trainers from Human Care Association. Though I only had a smidgen of confidence that I can finish the training, I still attended.

That was the first time I stayed over a week away from my parents and away from my comfort zone. I thought I’d never finish the seminar because I had a lot of concerns and apprehensions. It was not really that tough for me but I was not really that comfortable because of a pressure sore. But I learned lots of things that made me what I am now. It opened my then closed world to which heaps of people especially my parents really appreciated.

It was then that I became a member of HACI. Realizing that if I could’ve joined at an earlier time, I could’ve done so much with my life; given my life a purpose and live blissfully.

Fortified with the confidence that I gained from the seminar even though I know that situations will not be as easy as the first seminar workshop that I’ve attended, I accepted the immense opportunity offered by Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) of Thailand in cooperation with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) of Japan to undergo a training/seminar on Independent Living (IL) Program and Peer Counseling in Bangkok, Thailand last February 27 to March 18, 2006. It was my first trip abroad. I also had the same predicament this time like the first seminar I have attended, a pressure sore but a bit bigger yet I came home with two certificates at hand.

As I have expected, I learned, discovered and ascertained vast things for a (Person with Severe Disability) PWSD to pursue his life and live contentedly. I am very lucky that I have gone through that seminar workshop because it has empowered and endowed me the basics of Independent Living Program, how essential Peer Counseling is and the vital utilization of Personal Assistant (PA) Service. The latter has an enormous effect in my life because with the consequence that I am in presently, PAs serve as my arms and legs on carrying out my daily activities and other things that I want to do. Especially now that I am living alone with my PA because my parents moved back to Mindanao after we decided that I would try out living independently away from them and apply what I have learned from the training.

It has been over a year now since my parents moved back to Mindanao sometime April, 2006 that is about 3 weeks after I got back from my training in Bangkok, Thailand. So far, I am doing quite okay. I could say that I have taken off loads of burden off from my parents’ back since they do not have to worry too much on me for I can now manage my life alone. I owe so much gratitude to all the people behind the trainings and seminars, (the trainers, interpreters, personal assistants, staff and colleagues). I appreciate their efforts for reaching out to persons with severe disabilities (PWSDs) like me who’s struggling to go back to the community. I know they will be blessed exceedingly for touching and making other peoples lives a whole lot better.

Right now, our IL (Independent Living) team here in Cebu is trying our very best to propagate the IL program and its services locally. I hope and pray that we would be successful in our advocacies for I know that there are many PWDs out there that can still live a happy and meaningful life.

Peer Counseling Activity Report From The Philippines

3 Days IL Peer Counseling Seminar Workshop for Patients with Disabilities at Philippine Orthopedic Center in Manila, Philippines

Life Haven and SCI Foundation conducted Peer Counseling Seminar Workshop at Philippine Orthopedic Center last September 12 to 14, 2007. The seminar workshop, funded by Toyota Foundation of Japan, introduced Independent Living Philosophy and Peer Counseling to patients who are about to be discharged. 14 rehab patients participated during the first day. We were fortunate enough to have six participants finish the three-day course the others were unable to do so due to reasons beyond our control. The seminar workshop is geared towards formation of support group of peers to enable patients with disabilities to accept their new situation and face life with self-determination, thru self-choice and take self-responsibility.

We intend to continue this noteworthy project to contribute in the preparation of newly-disabled persons to live independently when they return to their families and live in the community.

IL Peer Counseling Program:
Day 1: Sep 12 Conducted by:
13:30 13:45 Reception
13:45 14:00 Opening & Orientation Abner Manlapaz
14:00 14:30 Self Introduction/Building relationship Joon Baltazar
14:30 14:45 Break
14:45 15:30 IL History Joon Baltazar/Abner Manlapaz
15:30 16:30 IL Philosophy Joon Baltazar/Abner Manlapaz

Day 2: Sep 13
13:30 15:15 What is Peer Counseling? Jun Bernandino/Abner Manlapaz
15:15 15:30 Break
15:30 16:30 Nature of Human Being Abner Manlapaz/ Jun Bernandino
16:30 17:30 Discharge of Emotion Jun Bernandino/Abner Manlapaz

Day 3: Sep 14
12:00 13:00 Hosted lunch party
13:00 14:00 What is Disability? Jun Bernandino/Abner Manlapaz
14:00 15:00 Support Group Abner Manlapaz/ Jun Bernandino
15:00 15:15 Break
15:15 16:00 IL Program Jun Bernandino/Abner Manlapaz
16:00 16:30 Appreciation Abner Manlapaz/ Jun Bernandino

Feedback from the Participants:

In the evaluation form that submitted by the six participants who were able to finish the whole workshop, the seminar topics were generally clear to them although there are some topics that the participants suggested that the leader should provide more explanation or example for better understanding.

In general, the participants commented that they gain confidence talking to other people and that the workshop help them on their self-confidence. It also helped them accept their disability and their rights as a person. One commented the value of living in the community and having good relationship in the community people. One participant commented that he value each day he joined the group because the workshop helped him value life as a human being.

When asked about their recommendations that we need to consider to improve our next conduct of seminar workshop, one suggested that we should give reading materials during lecture while one person suggest that we continue to conduct seminar workshop so that more persons will understand peer counseling.

Evaluation from the Seminar Leaders:

The philosophy of IL is fresh for the participants and most are very eager to have deeper knowledge of the concept. Resource person should also be flexible for more meaningful presentation. Since the participants are all patients of the hospital, their disability is new to them and their interest may still be about recovering their life back from their former life. The leaders should become the source of information about disability and how they can live independently in the community with dignity and contentment.

There are 14 participants during the first day and only 6 of them completed the seminar workshop. Because of several reasons, the group assessed that it may be too long for them to sit on their wheelchair developing the backache and therefore prohibits their full participation. In the final analysis, the group will take into consideration on the next seminar workshop about possibility to shorten the period of the seminar workshop and to provide a more convenient place like possibility of participants to stay in the bed during the seminar.

Philippines Activity Report for October 2007

PCIL organized an online meeting last October 13 and November 7, 2007. It was attended by HACI-Cebu, HACI-CDO, SCIF and Life Haven. The following are the activity reported by each organization.

Life Haven and SCI Foundation agreed to continue the activities in Philippine Orthopedic Center to help newly disabled persons understand disability and to help prepare them with their new situation. We are now looking for funders to continue the program. Presently, we are continuing hospital visits and identify ourselves as staffs from Independent Living Center.

The National Anti-Poverty Commission is also preparing for the fund release amounting to 125,000 pesos for Peer Counseling Seminar Workshop. Participants of this workshop will come from different parts of Luzon. Meanwhile, we are working with the Department of Health (DOH) to integrate IL peer counseling as part of the national health program of DOH. It is not sure yet whether it will only be a hospital-based program or a community-based program as well.

We are still continuing our assistance on wheelchair, particularly to hospital patients that do not have a wheelchair yet and are ready to be discharge.

HACI-CDO successfully federated different organization from their region and Mr. Ike Ampo is sitting as Vice-President. Mr. Ampo also submitted a proposal to their federation for IL Peer Counseling Seminar for their 2008 working plan. They are also negotiating with their local government for housing affordable scheme for persons with disabilities. This project is in collaboration with Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity and the local government of Cagayan de Oro. HACI-CDO is also proposing for a subsidized Social Security System (SSS) to allow more persons with disabilities to become member of SSS. Mr. Ampo also express their interest with the Toyota Foundation grant and said that they will prepare a proposal for the grant.

HACI-Cebu is busy doing home visit to persons with disabilities more especially to newly disabled persons. HACI-Cebu, requested the Redemptorist church for possibility of using their financial support for a city-wide program instead of a parish-based program because the parish only identified 1 possible beneficiaries of their project. They will also publish articles about persons with disabilities and Independent Living program. They are also preparing a pool of P.A. However, there is no new P.A. candidates yet.

SCI Foundation submitted their proposal already to the local government for establishing IL center. They are also planning to join the federation that the City Social Welfare Department is organizing.

PCIL is very interested with the news about the wheelchairs and lift van for donation in the Philippines. The group wanted to know more details on how we can get the donation. Mr. Nonoy concha provided information about how to acquire a tax-exempted donation. Mr. Concha said the organization that will import or the recipient of the donation must be a licensed welfare agency under Department of Social Welfare (DSWD.) DSWD will assist the organization on the documents required and to the extent of having the donation tax exempt from the bureau of customs

Activity Report from Philippines

Life Haven conducted IL Seminar Workshops at Philippine Orthopedic Center and at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan

The Psychology Department of Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) located at Banawe St., Quezon City approved the proposal of Life Haven Independent Living Center to introduce the Independent Living Philosophy for-discharge-patients.

Initially, presentation was made to Dr. Marilyn Deocareza, Dr. Layee Alaba, Dr. Cynthia Malig and Dr. Jovelyn Mangahas on April 27, 2007. The audience appreciated the concept of Independent Living and were impressed by Joon Baltazar, Jun Bernandino, and Abner Manlapaz members of LHILC. The orientation won their support and pledge to include IL programs and services as part of their program for patients who are candidates for discharge.

On May 10, 2007, the first orientation to patients of POC was conducted. Thirteen patients and several personal assistants and occupational/physical therapy interns attended.

The Psychology Department thru Dr. Layee Alaba and the Rehab Chief Dr. Ma. Eulalia Beredo announced that they would take up on their upcoming Executive Committee meeting this development to include Independent Living as part of their program for patients who are about to be discharged.

Last May 29 – 31, 2007 Life Haven and SCI Foundation in cooperation with Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. conducted an IL Peer Counseling Seminar Workshop at Bahay San Leonardo (San Leonardo House) in Jala-jala, Rizal. Fourteen persons with disabilities attended the seminar workshop which lasted for 3 days. Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (TWH) is the biggest institution in the Philippines with several Sheltered Workshops and Residential Institutions scattered across the Philippines. TWH is advocating Independent Living and are promoting inclusion and barrier-free society. Virgie Montilla of TWH conveyed to us their intention to have more IL workshops to empower persons with disabilities and promote community living of persons with disabilities. Many participants noted that they never seen severely disabled persons leading seminar workshops and that they were inspired by severely disabled persons living independently in the community.

Philippines: Report for APNIL(January-March, 2007)

Early this year, Life Haven conducted its first fund raising to finance some of its necessary expenditures. We sold raffle tickets to our community and friends. In general, it is a very successful activity and we would like to do it again in a much bigger scale.

On the other hand, the Department of Health approved the project proposal submitted by Mr. Abner Manlapaz thru the National Anti-Poverty Commission for Persons with Disabilities. It is a P250,000 worth of project to conduct peer counseling workshops for persons with disabilities. The first workshop participants will be coming from Metro Manila only while the second workshop will be coming from Sta. Rosa Laguna and Cainta Rizal. If there are enough funds, we will also conduct training workshops at Cagayan De Oro and Nueva Ecija. The funds are expected to be released this coming April, 2007.

We also plan to operate an IL Center with regular staffs working in the center. We saw this as a necessity to show to the possible supporters and as well as participants of the training workshops how IL Center works in the community, its benefits, and its necessity to support the life of persons with disabilities especially the severely disabled persons. For this reason, we would like to have it as soon as possible and we already started soliciting support to realize this goal.