Digital empowerment for persons with disabilities in Mulanay
The town of Mulanay, Quezon, once depicted as a struggling rural community in the 1996 film “Mulanay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso,” is now thriving as a first-class municipality. Today, its story highlights diversity and inclusion, particularly through programs that uplift persons with disabilities.
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD) partnered with ATRIEV, PLDT, Smart, and NORFIL Foundation to bring the Digital Business Basics Training (DBBT) to Mulanay. This initiative is part of PLDT’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) program, which equips persons with disabilities with digital and entrepreneurial skills.
Mulanay Mayor Aristotle Aguirre emphasized the importance of such efforts, noting his personal understanding as a father to a child with autism. “We are working with like-minded organizations to provide digital skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, so they can thrive in today’s economy,” he said.
More than 20 persons with disabilities and carers joined the eight-day training. The first module focused on business fundamentals, including branding, pricing, market targeting, and fund sourcing. The second module taught participants to use digital platforms like Facebook and TikTok to grow their reach.
For 55-year-old Sergio Macarang, who lost mobility after a vehicular accident, the training offered a lifeline. Once a construction foreman, he now sells medical masks and wipes. “Through Facebook and other online platforms, I can now reach more people and potential customers. My business is no longer limited to foot traffic on our street,” he said.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old reseller Jerald Regencia learned how to price his beauty products more effectively. “Selling online has made things easier for me. I can promote my products without needing to visit my suki in person,” he shared.
By merging business know-how with digital skills, these residents are finding new ways to support themselves and their families. Their stories reflect the promise of inclusive growth that programs like IDEATe aim to deliver.
“Technology is a powerful equalizer,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT. “Through IDEATe, we are giving persons with disabilities the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.”
The program also supports the country’s push toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth and Goal 10 on reducing inequality.
