Baguio eyes PWD-manned cafe inside Orchidarium
A resto-cafe at the heart of the Baguio Orchidarium will soon be serving hot coffee and other treats to plant buyers and park goers alike.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong was able to source out P3 million funding from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the rehabilitation of the existing vacant facility at the Baguio Orchidarium, Burnham Park to be turned into a coffee shop.
The café will be managed by a mental health community composed of diagnosed mental health challenged, advocates, carers, and mental health professionals according to Mr. Samuel Aquino of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
Aquino said a good Samaritan, an architect based in Manila, prepared the proposed design in rehabilitating the existing facility at the Orchidarium.
Based on the proposed design, project cost for the renovation, materials, and labor including minor demolition will require at least P1.3 million while costing for appliances and furniture was estimated to cost at least 1.2 million.
Based on the proposed design, the existing exterior stone cladding of the facility will be retained.
Aquino said this project is in compliance to Republic Act No. 9442 amending RA 7277, otherwise known as the ‘Magna Carta for Persons with Disability’ ensuring that policies, programs and services for persons with disabilities are implemented at the local level for them to fully participate in building an inclusive society for all.
“The objective of this project proposal is to provide livelihood and source of income to PWDs; generate income as an additional fund of the PDAO to be used for the benefit of PWDs; and, to sustain the project and to pursue for improvement,” Aquino explained.
He added that the project will not only help persons with disabilities but also contribute to the city’s tourism as the area is within Burnham Park.
“The private proponent will pay minimal rent to the city and the majority of the staff will be persons with disabilities. The operation of the coffee shop will be under the monitoring and supervision of PDAO,” Aquino said. – JMPS
