Location
:
Nueva Ecija, Philippines
The sisters spent their first year in temporary housing, living in a rented house until 1998, when their official community house the St. Vincent de Paul Convent was completed. The convent was built on a four-hectareplot of land, with the main portion designated as the sisters’ residence. Another section of the land was initially used to establish a day-care center for children with disabilities. This facility was later transformed into a livelihood center dedicated to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs).
A significant portion of the land was cultivated for rice, harvested once or sometimes twice a year depending on the climate. As weather patterns changed, so did the frequency of harvests. Another smaller portion of the land was used for raising animals such as sheep, ducks, and chickens to support the sisters’ food supply and livelihood.
This year, the livelihood center for PWDs expanded by opening a souvenir shop to showcase and sell products made by thePWDs, including rosaries, flowers crafted from plastic and beads, and other religious gift items. The center is also in the process of registering as a cooperative store, as it is a non-profit organization. Its goals include developing social and communication skills, providing a safe training space where PWDs can learn to be self-sufficient, offering them a place where they are accepted and can earn a living, and producing high-quality handcrafted products for the market.
Today, the center continues its mission of caring for PWDs and empowering them to build meaningful futures. It strives to promote their products, expand opportunities for skills development, and strengthen programs that help them achieve independence. By nurturing their talents, offering steady support, and opening doors to livelihood opportunities, the center hopes to create a community where every person with a disability can live with dignity, confidence, and purpose.
Casteñeda Street, Bagong Flores Lupao,
NUEVA ECIJA-3122
PHILIPPINES
Phone: +63(0)449-582-225