Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Calasiao, Pangasinan are learning new skills that they can use as a source of income.

The livelihood program of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) teaches participants to make skinless longganisa and dumplings.

The program aims to equip PWDs and their families with skills to become more productive and self-reliant.

"Para ma-capacitate ‘yung ating mga PWD at parents ng mga may kapansanan ng mga skills na magagamit nila pang-livelihood," Social Welfare Officer III Susanna April Catungal-Pineda said.

The training also included a lecture on meat safety handling to ensure the quality of products.

Starter kits, including essential tools and ingredients, will be provided to help participants begin their own ventures.

"Bibigyan po namin sila ng starter kit. May mga ibibigay kaming steamers na puwede nilang gamiting in line sa natutunan nila today," Pineda said.

For participants like Dindo Claveria, the program is a life-changing opportunity.

"Sa ganitong mga training, ito’y napakalaking tulong para sa aming mga PWD lalo na’t wala kaming inaasahan kundi ang sarili namin," he said.

The local government of Calasiao continues to support initiatives like this to improve the lives of PWDs in the community.