Born with a congenital lower-limb difference in the landlocked Sallapadan town in Abra, Jake Smith once thought that life had little to offer him.
But everything began to change when he learned about Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (THD) in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur at the age of 12.
“Life was difficult for a person with a disability like me because I could not use a wheelchair due to the lack of accessible facilities when I was younger,” Smith told the Philippine News Agency in an interview on Oct. 27.
What once seemed like a life limited by physical challenges gradually became a journey of hope, self-discovery and newfound possibilities, along with other PWDs in Ilocos Sur. They are now working on a one-stop-shop business, producing and selling various handcrafted items to sustain their needs.
Founded by a Catholic missionary priest, Fr. Bernhard Raas, the THD opens doors for PWDs to study and have gainful employment in the future.
PWDs also receive free training and start-up capital for a livelihood opportunity, according to Edgar Dela Cruz, head of the City Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office of Vigan.
“The city government has funding for training and provision of start-up capital for PWDs, including anyone in need,” he said in an interview.
Skills training and livelihood programs can help PWDs acquire competencies, explore employment opportunities and develop their capacity to earn a living.
More importantly, these initiatives foster a sense of belonging and purpose, allowing beneficiaries to recognize their worth and take an active role in their communities.
Through a creative tour organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry in Ilocos Region (1), participants visited the THD, where they discovered the creativity and craftsmanship of PWDs.
“We have been buying souvenirs from them to promote their crafts and support their livelihood,” DOT-Region 1 Chief Tourism Officer Gaye Acacio said.
For PWDs, they said being with Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (house without stairs) opened doors to opportunities they once thought were beyond their reach. (PNA)
