Deaf Entrepreneurship Program
Deaf Education and Empowerment
MILESTONES
These are significant steps achieved by the project recipients during and after the conduct of this program.
Grade 10 Deaf Product Pitch
After a thorough process of mentorship, the Grade 10 Deaf students of ANHS-SPED Program were finally able to come up with their own business plan based on a problem they observed inside the school. The team was supposed to present their pitch last March 20, 2020 during the DEP Culmination Program but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it did not happen. Hence, it was decided to have their pitch recorded. Here is their video:
Deaf Adults' Product Name Registration
at the Department of Trade and Industry
These Deaf adults (also DEP recipients) applied their business name, "Butuan Deaf Food Products" during the DTI's Negosyo Mentorship last September 30, 2019 at Robinsons Place Butuan. Their first product was sauteed bagoong with pork.
Mother's Touch Butuan - Deaf Savers Association (MTBDSA)
Ms. Capalit conducted a session on forced savings, cooperative and entrepreneurship last March 9, 2019 at Robinsons Place Butuan to the Deaf employees of Mother's Touch Butuan. Most of them were former students of Ms. Capalit, and three (3) of them were DEP recipients. The Deaf employees then organised themselves into a group called, Mother's Touch Butuan - Deaf Savers Association. The group aims to put up individual savings or capital that could be loaned to the members at a certain interest. At the moment, Ms. Capalit acts as their adviser and auditor.
The group planned to become a registered cooperative this 2020 but because of the Covid-19 pandemic and temporary cessation of their jobs, the plan was held in abeyance.
Deaf Product Exhibits
Deaf students of ANHS - SPED Program and members of the Butuan Deaf Association participated in the product exhibits initiated by Ms. Capalit during the annual Deaf Awareness Week celebrations in 2018 and 2019.
2018 Product Exhibit at the Butuan City Government Atrium Hall
2019 Product Exhibit at the Agusan National High School, Butuan City
Deaf Ventures in the time of Covid-19
Many plans have been halted because of the crisis the world is facing today. While the Grade 10 DEP recipients were at the confines of their homes and restricted to go out due to their age, the Deaf adults continued finding ways to survive despite their job loss. Because of quarantine restrictions, they found it hard to meet and continue their bagoong production under Butuan Deaf Food Products. Instead, they created their own individual businesses to survive. One ventured into chicken barbeque and food catering services (Glen Angay) while the other one experimented on home-made longanisa production (Jhong Jhong Sugian), as shown in the photos below.
Glen Angay and his chicken barbeque
Novy Jean Cassion, another DEP recipient also started her cake baking business during the Covid-19 pandemic (photo below). She is now in Grade 12 at the Agusan National High School - Senior High School Department.
Post-Pandemic Activities
When the Covid cases in the Philippines started declining and restrictions were lifted, MTBDSA (now, BDSA - Butuan Deaf Savers Association) held their 4th General Assembly last March 15, 2022 at Ms. Capalit's residence where the members discussed the group's status and plans, and received their certificate of Capital Build-Up.
