Support Group in Batangas

Date: May 26, 2010   Objectives: 1.   To deepen the knowledge of the participants about Independent Living. 2.   To promote cooperation with Persons with disabilities in Batangas.   Venue: San Juan City Hall, San Juan, Batangas Participants: 1.   Barsa 2.   Ga, Anicia S. 3.   Bautista, Dominador 4.   Carandang, Gemma J. 5.   Dimaculangan, Ljay Boy F. 6.   Dinglansan, Babylyn 7.   Gulaylay, Federico A. 8.   Javier, Kenjie B. 9.   Lim, Reynaldo V. 10.                Lumanglas, Jocelyn 11.                Magnaye, Ramil A. 12.                Marasigan, Vicente B. 13.                Neria, Agnes 14.                Odarbe, Marites V. 15.                Reyta, Evelyn B. 16.                Reyton, Allan T. 17.                Robledo, Manuel 18.                Rosalea,Ruvielyn B. 19.                Umali, Pancrasio S. 20.                Villaflores, Lourdes 21.                De Villa, Edwin 22.                Enriquez, Arnold 23.                Abner Manlapaz 24.                Jun Bernandino 25.                Mary Ann Dao   Outcome:           There were many participants. The IL philosophy and services of an Independent Living Center were presented. Participants experience liberation.   Evaluation:           The participants showed interest. Some ideas are new to them. Future support group activities like this would help them understand more. It appears to us that persons with disabilities in rural areas are difficult to organize because of many factors. 1) Low self-esteem, 2) little or no support from the community where they live, 3) little opportunity available for persons with disabilities, 4) their idea of being independent is by having livelihood activities to earn money to support themselves and/or their family.