By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Persons with
work-related disabilities here were introduced to SYOBE, or the Start Your Own
Business Enterprise, which is a livelihood program initiated by the Department
of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) in
partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA)-9, during a social
preparation orientation held last April 12.
DA-9 Regional Technical Director Peter Andalahao
introduced the beneficiaries of the program to the SYOBE, encouraging them “to
spread this information among others who are still working, but disabled,”
adding that the DA will provide training through convergence with other agencies
such as meat processing, packaging and marketing.
In an interview, Anabell Madraso of DA said that the
agency would provide materials to help its beneficiaries start with their
business subject to monitoring and evaluation to ensure sustainability.
About 10 beneficiaries were present during the orientation
and Jerrick Go of the ECC is expecting that more will avail themselves of the
program in the future.
According to ECC regional advocacy focal person Cerna
Ahmad, the program beneficiaries may come from both the government and private
sectors, persons who have been disabled while performing their work.
In addition to SYOBE, the beneficiaries are also entitled
to other compensation benefits afforded to them such as physical therapy and
rehabilitation services.
Meanwhile, Madraso urges those employees with physical
disabilities to avail of the services given them by the government. “Even those
who have disabilities can still be very productive and earn a good business,”
she said.
On the other hand, DOLE-9 Assistant Regional Director
Yahya Centi encouraged the beneficiaries to “change their mindsets to become
more successful.”
“We have to be more positive in our mindsets for us to be
more competitive. Learn new skills, acquire new knowledge,” he said. (Shiela May Aquino)