INDEED, power comes with great responsibility to make a difference to one’s community. The difference can come through the smiles from the people one has helped in making this world a happier place to live in.
Green Windows Dormitel made waves over the internet the past week after it initiated a program that benefited individuals with Down Syndrome.
Green Windows Dormitel sales and marketing head Pius Sto. Domingo said it is by giving opportunities that we help alleviating the condition of other people in our community. After all, we need a helping hand in getting through life, and that does not happen with just one person alone making the difference.
Domingo said the initiative in bringing people from the Down syndrome community is personal to him, and holds close to his heart.
“To be honest it’s a personal thing for me since growing with my mom as a therapist for special children, it has been a dream of my mom and our family. Through that vision I tried bringing the dream into reality in my workplace,” Domingo said.
Domingo added that he pitched in the suggestion to the Green Windows Dormitel management of having people from the Down syndrome to work at the hotel.
“Hindi ko ine-expect na pag-present ko sa management, they were as interested as I am. Mabilis na-approve ang idea (I did not expect the management was as interested as I am when I presented the idea. It was easily approved),” Domingo said, adding he had to work urgently right after the idea got a go signal from the higher-ups.
The project benefited seven on-the-job trainees (OJTs) with Down syndrome, all trained in hotel services management for ten days. They were taught to fold linens and entertain queries from hotel guests at the front desk.
Green Windows Dormitel partnered with Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAP) Davao in identifying OJTs. DSAP was responsible in screening potential trainees fit for the course of work at Green Windows
DSAP Davao branch manager Lanie P. Vergara said they had to ensure that the people they would be taking to Green Windows are also able to work for the job.
“Although tanan man sa ilaha kay nag go through schooling, lahi-lahi man pud sila ug personality and way of adapting, and we need to make sure that they are ready pud na maghimo ug tasks (Although all of them went to school, they have different personalities and way of adapting. We need to make sure that they are ready to do tasks as well),” Vergara said.
Vergara added the project was a good platform in changing misconceptions about people with Down syndrome.
Vergara said among the mental disorders known, Down syndrome is the most discriminated. She added most people with Down syndrome are prone to bullying because of their physical appearance.
Vergara said with the project, it opened doors to the Down syndrome community here in Davao to be able to have a grasp of what it is to be able to work just like anybody else.
Aillen Marquez, a Down syndrome OJT valedictorian graduate, said the training helped her to clean her own room.
“Tungod ani mas nakabalo ko magpilo sa akong habol ug magstorya sa laing tawo (Because of this I learned how to fold my blankets and talk to others),” Marquez said.
Marquez’ guardians said the training also helped Aillen be independent as well. They considered it as a mature development sign.
Mikee Banila, one of the parents of the graduates, underscored the importance of the training in the development of her son.
“Mas ni mature siya in a way kay mas responsible siya sa iyang mga actions na unlike before (He became more mature in a way because he was more responsible in his actions unlike before),” Banila said, adding the training was a unique opportunity for his son to grow.