AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY SUPPORTS PROJECTS TO BENEFIT DISABLED FILIPINOS
The Australian Embassy is making a difference in the lives of disabled Filipinos by supporting the construction of a new water and sanitation facility at the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc (TWHI) Centre in Cainta, Rizal. The new facility, which features accessibility measures to aid mobility for the disabled, replaces the centre’s 38 year-old sanitation system which has been plagued with problems such as clogged drainage and leaking water connection following Typhoon Ondoy in 2009.
“The Embassy’s assistance through its Direct Aid Program (DAP) boosted the morale of the workers in TWHI’s livelihood workshops, resulting to higher efficiency and productivity. It also made the workers feel they are being given importance despite their disability,” TWHI President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Manuel Agcaoili, (3rd from right), said.
Also shown in photo are Australian Embassy DAP Secretary Tammie Dawes (centre) and Resource Officer Doris Avila (3rd from left) joined by TWHI officers Ms Angel Villafuerte, Strategy Research and Planning Director (2nd from right) and Board Member Sis Marieke Gielkens ICM (5th from left)
Since 2006, the Direct Aid Program has provided over Php22 million to support more than 80 projects that contribute to the welfare and income-generating capacity of disadvantaged groups in the Philippines. The Australian Embassy encourages groups nationwide to apply for funding. For more information, contact the DAP Resource Officer at 757 8262 or visit www.philippines.embassy.gov.au.