The Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maria conducted a Values Formation training among members of livelihood associations of Maria, Siquijor with the incorporation of elements of Gender and Development.

The activity was spearhead by DOST-Siquijor PSTC Director Engr. Mario de la Peńa  and Maria Mayor Meynard Asok with SB member Roselyn Asok and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Aldrin Daguman.                                    

DOST Science Research Analyst Jose Aldous Arbon II discussed the topic "Mga Mithi sa Kinabuhi: Deciding What Values Are Important In Sustaining A Livelihood Association" in Brgy. Looc, Maria, Siquijor.

The sharing started with an emphasis that man’s values are inherently good and among a number of values, man must know how to prioritize them. 

There were short activities asking the participants to list their values according to priority.

Arbon reminded the participants of three indispensable truths: (1) Every person is unique; (2) Every person has gifts and talents from God; and, (3) Every person is important. 

Arbon also instilled the value of women among the participants.

“You must remember, you are next closer to God.  Your dignity is precious," he said. 

The session capped with a challenge in the form of a question thrown to the members:  “What personal values, talents and gifts you can share with other members for your association to grow and to sustain in the long run?”

The participants realized that though they are diverse, their association can be united if they share the “same purpose, same mind, same heart, and same act.” 

“Maayo kaayo siya mopasabot og migamit pa siya og mga pasumbingay aron makasabot jud pag-ayo sa iyang ipasabot.  Thank you, daghan kaayo mi nakat-unan (He has been effective in making us understand about the topic. We have learned so many things from the training),” one member said. (PR)