BANGUED, Abra (PIA) -- The Parole and Probation Administration Office recently conducted  basic training and orientation for Volunteer Probation Aides (VPAs).

The training  conducted at the Bahay Pag-asa in Calaba, Bangued, was part of the observance of the  29th National Correctional Consciousness Week.

Abra PPO Officer-in-Charge Ruena D. Tangdol said there were 24 VPAs,  seven  of  them  with  renewed appointment  and 17  newly appointed.

 The VPAs were  oriented on the functions, qualifications and roles of VPAs, the basic principles of volunteerism as well as the legal bases of the program.

With some of the parolees attending the activity, Tangdol said that the it also became a venue for them to meet their supervising VPAs.

As provided under  Presidential Decree No. 908 and revitalized  through Executive Order 468, the VPA program strengthens community participation in crime  prevention, treatment of offenders  and in advancing criminal justice.

The VPAs who are reputable members of the community and of good moral character, serve as role models in ushering reformation and treatment of offenders who are  members of their own communities.  

After the orientation, the PPO held an election of officers for the association of VPAs in the province.

Bong Valera, encouraged his fellow VPAs to support the program by actively performing the functions of supervising volunteer.

“We must be compliant to our responsibilities such as submitting our reports on time and becoming a good companion in the spiritual, mental, social emotional needs of our clients,” he said. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)