Antique Atelier opens

VIPs at ribbon cutting of Antique Atelier. Photo by PIA-Antique

Antique Atelier opened July 23 marking the culmination of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week with theme "Mainstreaming Persons with Disability in Economic Development."

Antique Atelier serves as a showroom and promotion center of the fashion accessories made by persons with disability.  It a partial fulfillment of the Developing Opportunity Equalization in Responsible and Sustainable Tourism (DOERS) Program of the Association of Disabled Persons, Inc. - Antique supported by the local government unit of San Jose de Buenavista, Antique and Liliane Foundation Philippines.

Gracing the inauguration and blessing ceremony were Antique Governor Exequiel B. Javier, Vice Governor Rosie Dimamay, San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Rony L. Molina, Liliane Foundation Sr. Agnetia Naval, ADP-Antique President Nancy Tejares, Liliane Foundation Mediator Ma. Elena Molina, Municipal Council on Disability Affairs Chairman Jose Magbanua, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Agnes Gallano, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office representative and Department of Social Welfare and Development VI focal person for person with disability.

Guest list also included Department of Trade and Industry - Antique Provincial Director Jose Divinagarcia, Philippine Information Agency - Antique Manager Margie Gadian, former Lin-ay kang Antique Rubie Riza Estaris-Villavert,  San Jose LGU department heads, bank managers and local officials.

This is a pioneering project for persons with disability in the whole Western Visayas according to Mayor Molina.