IL and Peer Counseling Seminar at Polomolok Region XII

Date:           December 9-11, 2009   Objectives: 1.   To introduce the Independent Living Philosophy and Peer Counseling for leaders of persons with disabilities in region 12. 2.   To identify potential leaders for the IL movement in southern Philippines. Venue: Durian Garden Resort, Polomolok, South Cotabato, Philippines Participants: Jesus C. Librado Feliciano C. Carillo Jr. Noel Manabe Minerva V. Alejandro Edison S. Romero Janet B. Panoy Rodel B. Reyes Gretchin Boni Bien Sabado Marcial S. Calinga Emma P. Belvis Roel M. Figueroa Erickson D. Sabanal Edward Oliveros   Resource persons:   Abner Manlapaz and Benjamin Bernandino   Outcome:           The workshop was successfully conducted. Leaders with disabilities heard for the first time the philosophy of IL and learn the principles of peer counseling.   Evaluation:           Towards the end of the three-day workshop there are encouraging feedbacks from the IL newbies. The focal person Ms. Grace Balaro, visitors from the area and from the local Government unit, and the participants themselves expressed their interest to have another workshop to learn more and improve their skills in conducting peer counseling. They are already even thinking of having a Trainor's Training Seminar to make it possible for the Independent Living Movement to establish a foothold in Mindanao.

Introduction to Peer Counseling Seminar Workshop

Date:                    December 7-8, 2009 Objectives: ·         To introduce peer counseling concept to persons with disabilities in Opol, Misamis Oriental ·         To improve the self-confidence of persons with disabilities ·         To help persons with disabilities in their liberation Venue:                  Conchita Hotel, Cagayan De Oro Outcome:              Persons with disabilities from Opol learn the principles of peer counseling. The seminar gave the participants a new perspective about living with disability and how to support their peers for empowerment. Evaluation:           The NCDA-JICA NHE Project team recognizes the vital role that peer counseling can provide to empower persons with disabilities in Opol. However, since the activity is just an introduction to peer counseling, participants may need more workshops to clear their understanding and use peer counseling effectively towards empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Introduction to Peer Counseling Seminar Workshop

Date:                    November 21-22, 2009 Objectives: ·         To introduce peer counseling concept to persons with disabilities in Opol, New Lucena, Iloilo ·         To improve the self-confidence of persons with disabilities ·         To help persons with disabilities in their liberation Venue:                  Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo Outcome:              Participants from this workshop are mostly shy and showing lack of self-confidence. Towards the end of the workshop, it is very apparent that the participants gain some confidence and able to participate more in the group. The workshop also helps them build their friendship as a group. Evaluation:           One of the leading groups in Iloilo (ADPI) has their own concept on peer counseling. At the beginning, it is difficult to combine the IL peer counseling and their existing practices. Fortunately, the workshop did not only made wonders to the participants of the workshop, but even the team from ADPI was influenced by the content of the workshop presented in the perspective of IL. The workshop opens another opportunity to expand in the province of Iloilo.

October visit at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (TWH)

Date:           October 1, 2009 Objectives: 1.   To know the extent of the damage and what LHILC can do to help. 2.   To distribute relief goods to TWH residents. Venue: 175 Aida St., Marick Subd., Cainta, Rizal Participants: LHILC Staff   Outcome:           Relief goods were distributed and other ways of extending assistance were identified. Persons with disabilities in Tahanang Walang Hagdan were so encouraged to see their peers in the aftermath of disaster. It helps them recuperate to overcome the challenges they are facing.   Evaluation:           The group noticed the importance of being there for your peers in times of disaster to provide support. Our peers are drawing strength from us for being there to listen to their stories as they were helpless during the flooding caused by typhoon Ondoy.