Nine visually-impaired now licensed therapists

The nine visually impaired trainees of the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center take oath as licensed massage therapists. (CONTRIBUTED)

Nine visually-impaired trainees of the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC II) in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City, recently took oath as licensed massage therapists.

The nine therapists passed the licensure examination administered by the Department of Health’s (DOH) Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT).

During the oath-taking ceremony, they received certificate of registration, pins, DOH-CEMT ID and PALMT ID as new members of the Philippine Association for License Massage Therapists (PALMT).

“Through our AVRC II, we continuously provide training and review for our visually impaired trainees so that they can pass the licensure examination,” said Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7), which manages the AVRC II.

Presidential Decree (PD) 856 mandates that massage therapists must first acquire a certification from the DOH before practicing and applying their skills.

“Considering that some of them did not attend school, it really takes one’s determination to finish the course and eventually pass the licensure examination,” Macapobre added.

All examinees underwent written, oral and practical tests just like any other regular board takers.

The examination is based on the Reference Manual for Massage Therapy made by the CEMT.

It consists of different modules, namely Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and Pathology, Fundamental Concepts of Massage Therapy, Application and Practice of Massage Therapy.

Most of these licensed therapists are now employed in various visually impaired spa and wellness organizations like the Helping Hands Organization of Persons with Disability Inc.