Each day is more than just earning a living; it is also about proving that one’s value is not determined by impairment. This was demonstrated by Cherwin T. Lojo, a 45-year-old father, mechanic, and a leader of an organization for the persons with disabilities sector in Bato, Catanduanes.

Being born with a visual impairment, Cherwin persevered to put food on the table for his family by driving a tricycle and repairing motorcycles. In May 2025, he became one of the beneficiaries of the Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) Cash-for-Work Program (CFWP) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).

Being part of the program, Cherwin felt extremely grateful because it meant a great deal to them, especially for persons with disabilities.

“…yung tingin po sa amin ng iba yung hihingi lang [ng tulong]. Pero kaya naman po namin magtrabaho kaya sobrang laki po talaga para po sa akin ang mga ganyang klaseng tulong po,” he shared.

(People usually see us as just someone who asks for help. However, the truth is that we are capable of working. That’s why support like this means so much to me.)

Through his participation in the program, he has worked with fellow persons with disabilities in clearing roads and developing their community garden where they planted vegetables. Their collaboration became more than physical labor; it was an opportunity for them to deepen their bond.

“…bukod po doon sa pagkakaisa, tulong-tulong. Yung haba po noong bonding time talagang sulit po talaga. Hindi lang nagtatrabaho kung baga nandoon na rin po yung makikita mo yung teamwork ng grupo sa ginagawa namin,” he said.

(Aside from unity and helping one another, the bonding time we had was truly worthwhile. It wasn’t just about working; you could see the teamwork within the group in everything we did.)

Using the financial assistance amounting to PHP 3,950.00 received on July 15, 2025 during the payout, Cherwin will use his earnings to buy school supplies for children.

For him, the program is more than support; it also serves as a platform to draw strength from other fellow persons with disabilities.

“Nagiging inspirasyon na lang po namin yung mga kapwa po namin persons with disabilities na lumalaban sa buhay,” he highlighted.

(We draw strength from our fellow persons with disabilities who continue to fight through life.)

From Cherwin’s experience, it is a reminder that every citizen has a place, a voice, and a future.