DORMITEL OPENS OPPORTUNITIES

Green Windows Dorm held an internship program for people with Down Syndrome

Employing individuals with Down Syndrome is a platform in changing wrong perceptions about them, and even boosting tourism sector, a business leader said.

Green Windows Dorm and Hotel sales and marketing head Pius Sto. Domingo said having people with Down Syndrome employed in their hotel is a message of giving equal opportunities for all.

“Gusto rin sana namin na maipalam sa iba na hindi kakulangan ang ganito for them to have an opportunity to also work (We want others to know that despite having a Down Syndrome, this will not stop them from getting working opportunities),” Sto. Domingo said during the graduation of seven on-the-job trainees (OJTs) with Down Syndrome last November 16, 2018 at Green Windows Dorm and Hotel, FTC Tower, Davao City.

Sto. Domingo said this partnership with the Down Syndrome community through the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAP), Inc. will be a game changer for Davao City’s tourism sector.

“If other people will know about this, then definitely this can be an added factor for more people to come in the city,” Sto. Domingo said.

DSAP Davao branch manager Lanie P. Vergara said before they could send individuals, they must ensure in assessing each potential of possible OJTs.

“Kase iba-iba rin ang level ng kakayahan ng mga individuals na may Down Syndrome that’s with us (Because each individual with Down Syndrome have their own capabilities). Also we must ensure that when they are in the work place, they are also safe,” Vergara said.

The training lasted for ten days. The OJTs were taught basic hotel services like room and front-desk services.

Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson said the this program shows inclusivity in the tourism sector for the city and a best practice that can be emulated by others.

Gusto rin sana namin na maipalam sa iba na hindi kakulangan ang ganito for them to have an opportunity to also work.

PIUS STO. DOMINGO

Green Windows Dorm and Hotel sales and marketing head