Some people think that work is just a means to make ends meet. But for Joanne Conche, a person with disability in Barangay Botinagan, Viga, Catanduanes, it has grown to something beyond what he once thought of. For him, it became an opportunity to recognize that each person is not measured by what he or she lacks but by abilities and attitude towards this journey of life.
Like many persons with disabilities, he carried the aspiration of becoming someone who can contribute to the community despite physical challenges. This aspiration came into fruition when he was involved in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) Cash-for-Work Program (CFWP) for Persons with Disabilities.
The CFWP of KALAHI-CIDSS KKB is a temporary employment intervention for marginalized and vulnerable sectors wherein beneficiaries have to render community work for ten (10) days in exchange for the financial support.
According to Joanne, the program has become his support, which has helped improve his quality of life.
“Nakakatulong din naman po dahil kami ay natutulungan din. Bilang isang PWD, nagkakaroon ng maayos na pamumuhay,” Joanne shared.
On June 19, 2026, he received a total of PHP 4,350.00 in aid that will help ease his family’s everyday expenses. Besides this, the greatest reward he has acquired was something priceless. For Joanne, every task he has completed was a big contribution to his community, not just recipients of government support, but as partners in community development.
Throughout his engagement, Joanne carried out various community service activities. He cleaned the child development center and health center, picked up litter along the highways, and helped maintain the local church by sweeping its floors and cleaning its chairs. Each task, though simple, reflected his commitment to serving her community.
“Masasabi ko lang po meron kaming natutunan bilang isang PWD. Nagkakaroon kami ng ambag sa komunidad para magkaroon ng direksyon ang aming buhay,” he proudly said.
After the engagement, Joanne hopes to have more opportunities wherein he dreams of having work that he can do at home.
“Sana sa susunod, magkaroon kami ng magandang [programa] ulit [upang kami ay may] maiaambag sa komunidad. Magkaroon ng magandang trabaho kahit work from home,” he shared.
Having experienced firsthand the value of opportunity and perseverance, Joanne left his fellow persons with disabilities with this heartfelt reminder:
“Lumaban lang tayo. Magkaroon tayo ng pananaw sa buhay. Huwag sumuko at gumawa lang ng tama para sa ikagaganda ng ating kinabukasan at komunidad.”
He also expressed his gratitude to KALAHI-CIDSS for giving him a chance to participate in this endeavor.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa programang KALAHI-CIDSS dahil nakakatulong din ito sa amin bilang may kapansanan at sa aming mamamayan,” he highlighted.
Then Joanne furthered that the most valuable lesson he has obtained from the CFWP was the perception that it is only natural for every person to have a role and responsibility in improving his or her society.
“Sa katulad namin na PWD, maikukumpara ko po ang aming kakayahan sa taong natural lang. May kakayahan din po kaming maglingkod at magtrabaho sa komunidad,” he compared.
From the lesson he has gained, it has become something deeply life-changing, which reaffirmed his perspective that persons with disabilities have the capability and belongingness for the development of their communities they call home.