Disability is not a hindrance
Stallone Gallardo
PHILIPPINES 2019
Living with a disability has always been somewhat of a challenge for Stallone, who lives in Labangon, Cebu, Philippines. Stallone lives with a genetic condition called astasiaabasia, which results in a lack of motor coordination, thus causing him to stagger when walking.
BCPD, in partnership with the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, conducted short courses in livelihood skills training in Labangon and so Stallone decided to participate after a friend mentioned the training to him. Stallone was able to undertake a year of training in bread and pastry production, he then sat his assessment to receive National Certificate II (NCII) for bread and pastry production and passed.
As a result of receiving the certificate, Stallone was able to receive full-time employment at a bakeshop near his home called John Jen’s Bakeshop, a chain bakeshop that has several branches within the Cebu area. Stallone is very happy at his job and can now earn an income to provide for his wife and young son.
“I am grateful for the help and support given by the DSWD and my AVRC family. Also, I am grateful for the quality of training I received from BCPD. The trainers gave us their time, attention and support. Thank you for the BCPD donors and sponsors, especially
from Australia. Without all the support, I would not be the man that I am today. I am the living proof that disability is not a hindrance to succeed in life!”