Philippine Church collaborates with a non-profit organization to empower disabled persons

Do you frequently purchase medicines at pharmacies? Have you ever noticed its packaging, or just thrown it away? Are you fond of using cloth bags when going shopping? Have you ever used a wheelchair at an airport when you got tired of walking?

The workers of Tahanang Walang Hagdan (TWH) in the town of Cainta, Province of Rizal, located in the Calabarzon region of Luzon, Philippines, patiently arrange, beautifully sew, and meticulously assemble these typically unnoticeable items.

Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit, and non-government organization that aims to uplift the lives of orthopedically handicapped persons. Sr. Valeriana Baerts, ICM, a Belgian nun, founded the organization while serving as a volunteer nurse in the Philippines. It has five workshops and six dormitories for trainees who come from faraway provinces. Additionally, it serves as a rehabilitation and skills training center, featuring sheltered workshops that train people with disabilities to become productive and self-reliant members of society.

Tahanang Walang Hagdan means "Home Without Stairs," because stairs usually translate to difficulties and physical limitations for handicapped people. By eliminating the physical and other symbolic barriers, TWH achieved its goal of providing a productive life to people with disabilities.

The Diocese of Antipolo has been very blessed and honored to partner with TWH in helping the hardworking people behind this beautiful initiative.

According to Bishop Ruperto Santos' statement on the official social media page of the Diocese of Antipolo, the church treats these people with disabilities as family.

"We, the Church of the Diocese of Antipolo, are their family." We are their companions and partners. They are not mere friends; they are our family."

Bishop Santos is humbled to be with the workers of TWH, and despite their "physical hindrance to mobility, we can still witness their unique abilities. Their God-given talents are very visible."

He believes that in all the works of the people in TWH, "they express their innate goodness, where an abundance of strength and hope overflows."

The prelate emphasizes the admirable beauty of the labor of the PWDs and "their endearing challenge to live a life of dignity, willpower, and self-worth."

This proves that disabilities are never a disadvantage for these people because instead, they become "self-sufficient and contributing members of society."

Bishop Santos expressed their unity with Tahangang Walang Hagdan Inc. and then assured the organization that the whole Diocese of Antipolo is a companion in the journey towards a dignified and empowered life for all physically challenged individuals.