THE volunteerism program of the Bohol Province Parole and Probation Office No. 2 (BPPP02) got a much-needed boost when the LGU of Tubigon through Mayor Luna Piezas allocated funding for the seminar on life skills of 19 volunteer probation and parole aides of this office. Raquelito Rollan, chief probation and parade officer of BPPP02, said the LGU of Tubigon shouldered the venue and meal expenses of the volunteers at JJ's Restaurant on October 26.

The whole-day activity was conducted to equip the volunteers of the skills needed to effectively handle the supervision of clients assigned to them, especially those clients that have drug history. Some of the lectures covered by the seminar dealt on building self-esteem and enhancing communication and facilitation skills. Barangay Captain Emma Bangcoy of Barangay Pinayagan Norte, president of the Volunteer Probation Aides of BPPP02 led the group of volunteers. Last July, some of the members of this group also attended a five-day residential seminar on Therapeutic Community at Agustinian Seminary at Tabalong, Dauis, Bohol .

During his speech at the closing ceremonies, Vice Mayor Alfredo Batausa encouraged the volunteers to extend a helping hand to their reforming constituents, the parolees or probationers in their rehabilitation program. The office of BPPP02 supervises and monitors the rehabilitation of 186 probationers, 60 parolees and five pardonees with its lean personnel of only four organic personnel and one detailed clerk from Tubigon LGU. Its jurisdiction spans the towns of second district plus the municipalities of Tubigon and Calape.

To attain higher percentage of rehabilitation of its clients, BPPP02 utilizes the approaches of Therapeutic Community (TC) Modalities, a holistic method of rehabilitation that deals on improving the different areas of clients personality. The clients have to attend this modular seminar at least twice a month until they reach the highest phase which is the Phase IV wherein the criteria in their level of rehabilitation are almost already attained. Aside from this intervention, the staff of BPPP02 engages its clients on different community concerns such as cleanliness drives, tree planting and other beneficial endeavors. For feedback or enquiries, the office could be reached through this number: 508-8035 or visit he office which is located in the second floor of New Tubigon Commercial Complex. (By Raquelito G. Rollan Chief Probation and Parole Officer)