Results of the Community-Based Peer Monitoring 15 Learnings During the Pandemic The pandemic did not only bring negative impacts on the lives of women with disabilities but also learnings and realizations. Most of the interviewees answered that the pandemic made them realize the importance of family by bringing them closer as they bonded while they stay home. It was also a time to learn and improve themselves. Some grow their own vegetable and flower garden for their own consumption and for selling to have an extra income. Some engaged in online selling. The importance of saving and budgeting has also been top-of-mind, as women with disabilities and their family members experienced financial struggle. The importance of health has been a priority to them and their family members. According to them, strictly following the health protocols must be observed aside from keeping oneself strong and healthy. Keeping the house and the environment clean has also been a primary goal to defend against the virus. Majority confessed that the abrupt changes in our daily activities and lifestyle as well as the long isolation period led them to discover and have better appreciation of life, people and things they previously took for granted. Some of the responses mirror how these women with disabilities see the significance of life as it is right now. “ “ Ang buhay ay maigsi at dapat na pahalagahan ang bawat sandali na kapiling natin ang ating pamilya. [Life is short and every second counts in being with family.] Mahalaga ang buhay ng tao kaysa sa anuman bagay ditto sa mundo. Sa pandemic na ito, walang mahirap o mayaman, walang matanda o bata, lahat tayo ay maaring dapuan ng sakit na ito. [Human life is more important than anything else in this world. This pandemic is a great equalizer. There is no rich or poor, old or young. Everyone is vulnerable to this disease.]

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