Today was the first of our site visits. The locations were not specifically chosen based on team members vocations, but were meant to showcase local businesses that are positively impacting Filipinos both economically and socially. However, while not specifically targeted for us, these experiences were immensely interesting (as I’m sure many things will be in the days to come). The first visit was to WellMade Motors, a company owned by Philip Tan, an eminent Rotarian. WellMade Motors takes used motors, refurbishes the parts and fabricates new engines out of them. They also stock and distribute parts. Besides being an incredibly successful company, started from scratch by Philip, WellMade is dedicated to providing meaningful and sustainable employment to Filipinos and Filipinas with disabilities. In the Philippines there is no unemployment insurance and there is no disability or SSI program, so individuals who are not able to find work (including due to disabling conditions) have no ability to bring in money for themselves or their families. However, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which includes an Area Vocational Rehab Center, partners with businesses to help find employment for individuals with disabilities. WellMade is a dedicated partner and currently 7% of their workforce comes from this program. Philip hopes to grow it to 10%. He has an incredible record of placing individuals who had been thought very difficult to place because of their particular disabilities, but he in undaunted when faced with these challenges. Hearing from Philip and the workers brought to mind our own “Works for Me” program in PA. While I do not know much about it, I am interested to learn more and see how it compares to what Mr. Tan is doing.
Our second visit was to ProFood, in Cebu. They are a major producer and distributor of local fruit products (mangos, coconuts, guava, tamarind, and guyabano) in juice, puree, frozen, and dried form. They package and ship these fruits around the globe, including to Trader Joes and Costco. In addition to being a major employer in the Philippines, and a major source of seasonal/summer employment for college students funding their studies, Profood has recently begun taking aim at marketing their facilities towards tourists, to bring them away from just the beaches of the Philippines and come see the inner workings of the country. They just (1 week ago) opened a visitors center and tour – think Hershey Chocolate factory, except it smells of fresh fruit and is likely much healthier! After touring the massive operation, watching a fun video with the Mango man (and snapping some photos), we descended on the gift shop with abandon. Those of you patiently waiting for us back home – there are goodies coming!
We concluded out day with a guest visit to the Rotary Club Cebu West, where we were greeted graciously and got to sit in on an unexpected, but not unwelcome (at least for us medical folk) lecture about the current state of overutilization in health care (over-ordered and unnecessary tests, procedures) in the Philippines.
No comments:
Post a Comment