By Khriscielle Yalao
Dozens of arts and crafts made by persons with disabilities (PWDs) are being sold by the PWD Office of Brgy. Kalawaan, Pasig City.
The Persons With Disability Kalawaan Association Inc. (PWD KAI) began this on-going project in 2020, when members of the organization learned crafts-making at the livelihood program offered by the Pasig City Livelihood Training Center.
Funding from the project first came from fundraising activities such as the holding of raffle and was continued through the support of the barangay.
Out of 492 members of the organization, 10 are participating in the program.
“Talagang itinuloy namin hanggang makacreate kami ng iba-ibang klase ng design ng mga beads (We truly continued the program until we were able to make different kinds of designs for the beads),” said Nerry Tanjusay, president of PWD KAI.
The products are mostly made of beads, pearls, glossy plastic, and stones.
Some of the handmade products are beaded flowers, bags, tissue holders, soap dishes, flower vases, Christmas decorations like stars and lights, wallets, coin purses, key chains, ID laces, and face masks with beaded laces.
Jewelry like necklaces and bracelets are also being sold.
The price for small trinkets such as key chains and bracelets is P35 per piece. Beaded roses are sold for P40 per piece. A necklace is worth P100. Single soap dishes range from P100-P120.
Handbags are being sold for P500 to P1,500 when bought from their PWD Office.
Tanjusay said they offer discounts to PWD customers and gives a special price to resellers.
The items are being sold at the PWD KAI home office, the night bazaars in Brgy. Kalawaan, and as part of the bazaars facilitated by the Pasig City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
They are also being sold in Ayala Malls and the Pasig City Livelihood Center upon invitation.
In an interview with Pasig News Today, Edgardo A. Cruz, one of PWD KAI’s Board of Directors and crafters, thanked the officials of the barangay and the city, and all the people who helped and supported their work.
“Dahil sa kagustuhan naming maiangat ang takbo ng aming buhay ay sinisikap naming makagawa ng mga bagay na alam naming makakabuti para sa aming sarili upang maging productive ang aming buhay na ipinagkaloob ng Diyos sa amin (Because of our will to improve our lives, we persevere to create things that will benefit us and make us more productive),” said Cruz.
Requests and inquiries can be made by contacting PWD KAI President Nerry Tanjusay, and the PWD KAI page on Facebook or messenger.