Project W.I.R.E.D. in MOTION! #workinnovationthroughenableddevelopment

The Project W.I.R.E.D. led by its Team Leader, Dr. Rex A. Bernardo, in a group pose last April 10, 2014 at the Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City

 The event was well-attended by the PWDs who believe that nothing can beat a strong faith and solid outlook in life in spite of their physical limitations.

When Dr. Rex A. Bernardo emailed me about the Project WIRED to be held in Davao, I was just simply ecstatic in the idea that I'd finally meet the man behind this noble project. #empowerment

Dr. Genevieve T. Jorolan-Quintero, a WIRED member from the University of the Philippines-Mindanao, delivered a talk on work ethics essential for PWDs

Dr. Rex A. Bernardo sharing to the group his ups and downs in life and inspiring the attendees to never give up but to strive harder to prove their worth individuals

This is one great story of how a person's willingness to survive has equipped her to enjoy life at its best even without seeing the literal rays of the sun since then. I am one proud batch mate of Ms. Mareicelle who met an accident way back in February of 2002 which left her sightless. Her story has inspired me to better my craft and to appreciate each day I have to make a difference in the community and to the entire humanity.

Dr. Rex A. Bernardo's topic in the afternoon: Telecommuting!

I so enjoyed the presentation of the bubbly Wellness Manager of Bid Ocean Asia, Ms. Jacquelyn V. Lucero who assured the PWDs in attendance that the company gives special attention to applicants who confessed to have limitations.

Have you heard about Freelancer? Yes, this is one of the success stories of those who tried to prosper in the wire.

Oppps, he's not an actor (I thought I saw Deither Ocampo) . He's the Freelancer Regional Director for Southeast Asia. 

Another opportunity presented to the PWDs in attendance during the whole day orientation/seminar is Elance, an online staffing platform like Freelancer. Ms. Justine Eleanor Raagas, the Elance Mobilizer for Visayas and Mindanao, talked about how the attendees can creatively prepare their apps or portfolios for jobs like that of Elance.

Mr. Evan Tan, Freelancer Regional Director for Southeast Asia

Ms. Jacquelyn V. Lucero from Bid Ocean Asia, Wellness Manager

And the highlight of the program is the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Freelancer and Project WIRED. Mr. Evan Tan and Dr. Rex A. Bernardo officially inked the agreement that primarily promotes empowerment of persons-with-disabilities (PWDs).

The gentlemen who are seriously up for PWDs empowerment: Dr. Rex A Bernardo, Team Leader of Project W.I.R.E.D. and Mr. Evan Tan, Freelancer Regional Director for Southeast Asia

Dr. Genevieve T. Jorolan-Quintero as one of the witnesses of the MOA signing last
April 10, 2014 at Pinnacle Hotel

A big hand to Atty Abdel Jamal Disangcopan who oriented the PWDs in attendance on UNCRPD Article 27 on “Work and Employment” and disability-inclusive approaches in work setting

Equally acknowledged in this program was the significant contribution of Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) led by Atty Romeo T. Cabarde, Jr. Chair, University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council - Ateneo de Davao University (UCEAC-AdDU).

These are undeniably supermen in their own rights! Dr. Bernardo with Mr. Darlito 'Darling' S. Palermo, President of Differently Abled Graphic Artist Association, Inc., Davao City.

with Dr. Genevieve T. Jorolan-Quintero

Of course, happy wife with Mr. Darling 

Mr. Evan Tan, Freelancer Regional Director for Southeast Asia; Ms. Giselle Montero, Director of Center for Partnership and Development School for Deaf Education and Applied Studies De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde; and Mr. Oscar Sherlo S. Reyes, School for Deaf Education and Applied Studies De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde who also served as the lively host during the program, posed with Dr. Bernardo.

Yours truly, my honor to have been part of the TEAM WIRED!

with Ms. Justine Eleanor Raagas

Amazing how this attendee has able to express her thoughts through sign language!

and the interpreters!

Happy tummy, happy attendees!

Satisfied attendees with the Team Leader, Dr. Bernardo

The Project WIRED Team! 

The EMPOWERED!

and they are ready for EMPOWERMENT!

Secretariat in action

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectWIRED

Can you see how beautiful life is in the eyes of these innovative, skilled, and talented individuals? Me, I can clearly SEE, HEAR, and FEEL LIFE with them.:)