MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The town of Mulanay in Quezon province has evolved far from its depiction in the 1996 award-winning film Mulanay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso, directed by Gil Portes. Once portrayed as an underserved rural community bound by tradition and hesitant to embrace modern practices, today Mulanay stands as a first-class municipality where diversity and inclusion thrive – offering opportunities for residents in challenging circumstances, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs).
At the heart of this transformation is a partnership between the local government, through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office, ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired), PLDT, and Smart. Together, they are equipping Mulanay’s PWD community with digital skills and entrepreneurial training through initiatives aligned with PLDT Group’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) program.
“As a father to a child with autism, I understand the challenges that persons with disabilities face,” said Mulanay Mayor Aristotle Aguirre. “That is why we are working with like-minded organizations to provide them with digital skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, so they can start or grow their own businesses and thrive in today’s economy.”
The collaboration, also supported by NORFIL Foundation, launched the Digital Business Basics Training (DBBT), an eight-day program designed to empower more than 20 PWDs and their caregivers. The training was divided into two modules: the first focusing on business fundamentals such as branding, identifying target markets, sourcing funds, and setting pricing strategies; and the second on harnessing digital tools and social media platforms to expand business reach.
Sergio Macarang, 55, saw his clients dwindle after he got into a vehicular accident that limited his mobility. He was a construction foreman prior to the accident. He turned to selling medical masks and wipes to supplement his income. And now, he wants to grow his business.
“You need careful planning,” Macarang said. “You have to learn proper costing, so you don’t end up selling your products at a loss.”
Pricing was also the most important skill for 26-year-old Jerald Regencia, a reseller of beauty products born with physical impairments. “I was intimidated at first because I have forgotten my Math,” he recalled. “But I brushed up on my Math skills to ensure that I am earning from my business. You have to factor in all your expenses.”
The second module gave participants hands-on experience using digital tools and social media platforms to expand their reach, such as setting up Facebook and Tiktok accounts and creating content for their pages.
“I was even able to design a logo for my business using a mobile app,” Macarang added. “Through Facebook and other online platforms, I can now reach more people and potential customers. My business is no longer limited to foot traffic on our street — it has grown beyond our community.”
“Selling online has really made things easier for me,” Regencia shared. “Before, I had to personally visit my suki to show them new items or ask if they wanted to order again — which wasn’t easy because of my condition. Now, I can just promote my products online and connect with them through messaging apps.”
Through inclusive initiatives like this, the stories of persons with disabilities in Mulanay are moving toward brighter chapters. Equipped with digital skills and business know-how, their journeys are only just beginning.
“At PLDT and Smart, we believe that technology is a powerful equalizer,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement Team. “Through programs like IDEATe, we are opening doors for persons with disabilities to participate fully in the digital economy, giving them the tools and opportunities to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.”
IDEATe activities are aligned with PLDT and Smart’s commitment to help the country achieve UNSDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and UNSDG 10 on reducing inequality by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities.
