Once depicted in a 1996 award-winning film as a remote village hesitant to embrace modern medicine, the town of Mulanay in Quezon province has transformed into a first-class municipality that promotes diversity and inclusion.
The local government, through its Municipal Social Welfare and Development office, has partnered with ATRIEV, PLDT, and Smart to provide persons with disabilities training on entrepreneurship and digital tools. The program is part of the PLDT Group’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology initiative.
“As a father to a child with autism, I understand the challenges that persons with disabilities face,” Mayor Aristotle Aguirre said. “That is why we are working with like-minded organizations to provide them with digital skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, so they can start or grow their own businesses and thrive in today’s economy.”
More than 20 people with disabilities and carers attended the Digital Business Basics Training, an eight-day workshop also supported by the NORFIL Foundation. The first module covered the fundamentals of starting a business, including branding, pricing, and fund sourcing, while the second focused on using Facebook, TikTok, and other online platforms to expand market reach.
Sergio Macarang, a 55-year-old former construction foreman who lost mobility after an accident, turned to selling medical masks and wipes. “You need careful planning,” he said. “You have to learn proper costing, so you don’t end up selling your products at a loss.”
For 26-year-old beauty products reseller Jerald Regencia, born with physical impairments, pricing was a crucial skill. “I brushed up on my Math skills to ensure that I am earning from my business. You have to factor in all your expenses,” he said.
Both participants said the training allowed them to explore online selling and even design logos for their businesses. “Through Facebook and other online platforms, I can now reach more people and potential customers,” Macarang said.
Stephanie Orlino, PLDT assistant vice president and head of stakeholder engagement, said the program aims to make technology a “powerful equalizer.”
The initiative supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on decent work and economic growth, as well as reducing inequality by empowering persons with disabilities to join the digital economy.
