Limited information, education, and advocacy about the rights of people with disabilities often perpetuate a negative stigma against them. Rather than recognizing persons with disabilities as equal and empowered individuals, the community tends to underestimate and marginalize them.
Insufficient information and advocacy further led to inadequate policies for individuals with disabilities. Thus, not merely burdened by societal stigma, persons with disabilities also encounter barriers to public facilities and suffer discrimination in pursuing meaningful employment and livelihoods. However, when afforded equal opportunities and support, these individuals can flourish as independent agents of change within their families and communities.
In the inspiring village of Brgy. MacArthur Lake, Leyte, Philippines, people with disabilities are defying the odds and attaining genuine independence. Equipped with a comprehensive understanding of their rights and fuelled by a spirit of collaboration, they actively contribute to the vibrant growth of the local economy, dismantling the misconception that people with disabilities are powerless.
Soaring with Savings
The idea of an improving economic circumstance seemed distant for people with disabilities in Brgy. MacArthur Lake. Years of being deprived of information regarding their rights as persons with disabilities had left them struggling to secure employment and lead a decent life. Relying on their impoverished families, they had limited options until they embarked on a life-altering journey through a series of training programs organized by the Foundation for These-Abled Persons Inc. (FTI) and Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) Indonesia and the Philippines in 2019.
Through the “Strengthening of Socio-Economic Development and Resilience through Active Engagement of Vulnerable Groups such as Persons with Disabilities in Local Decision Making and Social Entrepreneurship” Project, held across 18 barangays in 9 municipalities, persons with disabilities and their guardians not merely learned about their rights, but also discovered the power of community savings. This revelation led to the establishment of the Danao Paunlarin Ang May Kapansanan Association (DAPAK), a collective of 19 members, including 6 individuals with disabilities, pooling their savings as joint venture capital.
With unwavering support from FTI and ASB between 2019 and 2021, these savings were wisely invested in purchasing fertilizer and raising pigs. Through reselling these commodities, the association not merely regained their initial savings, but also generated a profit. Despite being novices to the business world, the DAPAK team showcased their resilience and determination.
Initially managed by only ten buyers, their customer base gradually expanded to an impressive 183. Unfortunately, their pig farming venture was struck by the devastating African swine flu, resulting in the loss of a majority of their pigs. However, in December 2020, DAPAK overcame adversity and distributed profit sharing among its members.
“These savings have been a tremendous blessing. They have allowed me to support my farm and even celebrate the joyous Noche Buena, the Christmas Eve feast,” shared Ate Maribel Oliver, a DAPAK member with a physical disability, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the life-changing impact of the savings initiative.
Empowering Lives through Cooperative Endeavours
Driven by an unyielding spirit and a commitment to uplift their community, the DAPAK team decided to institutionalize the savings mobilization scheme into a cooperative. Supported by an increase in capital from self-help group members (SHG), the cooperative aims to provide ultimate benefits for its members, their families, and the entire community.
In addition, the transformation aspired to broach inclusive employment opportunities for its members, particularly those with disabilities, so they may earn a livelihood and enhance their quality of life. Therefore, the cooperative may become a long-term investment for members in the long run.
However, recognizing the need for expertise and knowledge to bring their plan to fruition, the DAPAK team eagerly pursued education and training. They participated in a series of transformational training sessions on business planning, community organizing, and bookkeeping, thoughtfully organized by FTI and ASB. Furthermore, to ensure the sustainability of the cooperative, assisted by FTI, the management of the cooperative develops internal policies and operational procedures.
Moreover, in order to obtain a comprehensive overview of the intricacies of cooperative governance, the DAPAK team draws inspiration from successful cooperative models through comparative studies. Ultimately, they cemented their commitment by registering the Danao Consumer Cooperative with the Cooperative Development Agency, granting legal force to their vision.
“The cooperative has transformed my life in profound ways. It has bolstered my self-assurance and provided me with invaluable business knowledge. I have witnessed our growth as individuals, and our presence is now recognized throughout our barangay,” said Angelita Cabai, Manager of the Danao Consumer Cooperative and a devoted guardian of a person with disabilities.
Unleashing Potential
Despite its position as a newcomer, Danao Consumer Cooperative can showcase its competitiveness. Rather than merely retailing widely circulated products in the community, they venture to diversify their products. Cultivating vegetables and selling dried fish is one way to diversify their business.
Further, guided by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Danao Consumer Cooperative has also embarked on the tilapia pond culture business. A visionary endeavour that not only sustains their financial stability but also paves the way for funding their essential gatherings.
“The existence of cooperatives has been a lifeline for me. Beyond mere savings, it equips me with invaluable business knowledge that empowers my family,” testifies Sarah Matol, one of the cooperative members, to its remarkable impacts.
