CEBU, Philippines - The Parole and Probation Administration yesterday claimed success in its Volunteer Probation Aide (VPA) program with most of its clients are now reaping the benefits of the program.
PPA regional director Ofelia Quijano said that volunteer probation aides have been very helpful in promoting the rehabilitation and development of probationers.
One of the volunteers, Barangay Captain Josefina Quiros of Maslog, Danao City, said she used to supervise 16 probationers but now she is only dealing with five after most of them chose to change for the better and live a good life.
Quiros, who is now on her last term as barangay official, said that working as VPA is very rewarding especially seeing ex-convicts transform into a better person and become successful in life.
One of the beneficiaries of the program, Arnold Salon, was presented in yesterday’s Association of Government Officers (AGIO)-7 forum where he gave testimony on how the VPA was able to help him work abroad.
Quiros said the mission of a volunteer like her can be done by possessing the triple C which is the character, competence, and commitment.
“Dapat VPA ka na approachable, naa’y dating na maka-convince sa mga clients labi na kay mga offenders na sila. Competent ka, maghimo ka’g mga plano na makaayo para sa mga clients. And lastly commitment sa serbisyo,” she said.
Since VPA is community-based, they receive no salary and only avail of community resources.
VPA Program was established in 1976 through Presidential Decree No. 968 otherwise known as the Probation Law of 1976 which authorizes the appointment of citizens of good repute and probity to act as probation aides to assist in the supervision of probationers, parolees and pardonees.
Quiros said that in her barangay, probationers, parolees and pardonees undergo the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) and skills training.
With the program’s success, Quijano said they are targeting the ideal ratio of one VPA to one client, like in Japan. Currently, they are on a one-is-to-three ratio.
“We just do our best. If they have extra and we’re willing to give them, it’s a bonus. But we don’t stop working just because we don’t have money. As you heard from our VPAs and clients, it’s important we do what we are thinking,” Quijano said.
PPA celebrated yesterday its 35th Founding Anniversary with the theme, “Matuwid na Landas: Susi sa Pagbabago at Kaunlaran.” –(FREEMAN)