CBM International Observes
NORFIL CBR-CYWD Batangas? Success and MOA Signing

    In early November, after foreign delegates from CBM International attended a seminar/training on ?Disability and Inclusive Development?, they arrived in Batangas for an observation tour of the Community-Based Rehabilitation project. The group of international officers and member associates of CBM were welcomed by staff members of NORFIL?s Batangas CBR Program for Children and Youth with Disability (CBR-CYWD), led by Executive Director, Ma. Teresa Nuqui. Program manager Florian De Jesus introduced program officer, Clarissa Fetesio, who gave a quick lowdown on the CBR-CYWD program. Representatives from the DSWD also welcomed the guest observers.  Development Manager of CBM Manila, Steve Alcantara, and his group paid a courtesy call to the office of the provincial administrator.

    The day kicked off with planned visits to schools and homes in the target areas of Taysan, Ibaan, Rosario and Padre Garcia.  Accompanied by NORFIL?s program officers, the 27 member representatives of the delegation from 10 countries happily obliged when they were divided into four groups and sped off in their assigned vehicles. The delegates met school administrators and students, conferred with families and disabled children, and addressed their inquiries to local government executives and administrators with interest and insights. Questions were entertained generously as some of the delegates observed that the grass roots level of involvement of NORFIL has been crucial to the joint success of the project, their constituents and the foundation. 

    The delegates also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the municipal governments of Taysan, Rosario and Ibaan, as represented respectively by Mayor Victor P. Portugal, Jr., Mayor Felipe ?Mamay Ipe? Marquez and Mayor Remegio A. Hernandez, and NORFIL?s Executive Director, Ma. Teresa Nuqui and AKAPIN Batangan President, Elvira Evangelista. The MOA was signed for the creation of a municipal committee on Disability Affairs. The role and objectives of NORFIL?s Batangas CBR are to establish, build and execute programs for persons with disabilities that the locals aim to eventually run on their own. NORFIL is able to accomplish this since the program?s inception in Batangas seven years ago. Again, this is another living testament to NORFIL?s commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families.