The Iloilo Provincial Population Office (PPO) held a Recognition Ceremony for the Project Katuwang On-the-Job Trainees (OJTs) on August 2, 2024.
PPO Chief Atty. Ruel Von Superio emphasized the project’s role in providing hands-on experience and essential skills for trainees’ future careers.
Since 2021, the PPO has partnered with the University of San Agustin’s BS Psychology Program.
“The BS Psychology students assisted in the conduct of peer helpers training and mentoring in our teen centers in the province,” said Atty. Superio.
The Province of Iloilo’s PRIME program, initiated by Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., focuses on mental health and psychosocial well-being, with 102 teen centers established as part of this initiative.
“These teen centers serve as a key channel in PRIME implementation,” noted Atty. Superio.
USA Academic Supervisor Shella Marcela Padilla-Villanueva said the assistance of the students at the teen centres is part of the Katuwang Project aimed to enhance the function of teen centres, particularly in the augmentation of personnel in the implementation of programs aligned with the PRIME.
“The students functioned as peer counsellors, assisted in the classroom guidance, implemented teen centre programs, and filled in the gaps in the teen centers,” said Villanueva.
The collaboration has reaped the prestigious award on service learning at Uniservitate as a special mention. Uniservitate is the program for the promotion of service-learning in Catholic Higher Education.
BS Psychology student Princess Paulene Obordo said the journey has imparted a deep understanding of humility and service.
“These values now resonate profoundly within me because of Project Katuwang. The countless hours spent with students, engaging with their daily lives, and the unwavering support from mentors, trainees, and the government have all woven together to create a tapestry of learning and personal growth with a collaborative goal of providing psychosocial support,” said Obordo.
Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias praised the partnership’s impact which aligns with the province’s effort in strengthening partnerships with the academe and research institutions.
“You have enriched our program as well as it enriched you. The governor is very grateful for your engagement,” said Dr. Banias.
Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) – Iloilo Province President Hon. Esara Aldeguer Javier assured the youth of a safe and supportive environment.
“Kung kamo ang safe place sang Kabataan, ako kag ang PPSK ang safe place man nga lider sang kabataan sa probinsya sang Iloilo,” said Hon. Javier.
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