YOUTHS IN AGSUR VILLAGE EXTEND ASSISTANCE TO SENIOR CITIZENS, PWDS

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the youth sector in the municipality of Rosario in the province of Agusan del Sur had extended assistance to the senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), in partnership with the youth and local government unit, initiated a donation drive which they called “Kabataan Helping as One Project” which encourages the youths and young professionals to donate what they can for the senior citizens and PWDs because they are the ones most vulnerable.

According to Alberto Picot, Jr., SK chairperson of Poblacion, Rosario, Agusan del Sur, they collected P50,000 in cash and in-kind donations which they distributed through goods and rice to the senior citizens and PWDs in their barangay. “We also gave face masks and face shields to 1,500 residents of our barangay, and intensified the information drive thru recoridas on the vaccination program of the government to keep everyone safe and protected from the spread of the virus,” he said.

Picot further revealed that the SK integrated programs and projects called “SKedukasyon in Aksyon” was successful as they were able to distribute school supplies like pencils, bond papers, and crayons to day care learners and teachers. “For module students, we gave ink, face masks, alcohol and bond papers. We also gave bond papers to our five elementary and secondary schools here,” he added.

Meanwhile, when asked about his take on the pressing issues on illegal drugs and teenage pregnancy, Picot

highlighted that the SK of Barangay Poblacion, with the barangay LGU, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), Department of Health (DOH), and Barkada Kontra Droga conducted a virtual symposium for students and learners. the ‘Palarong Pambarangay’ 2021 in the new normal and following strict health protocols, wherein the youths are able to join in the permitted sports and games during this time of pandemic. “This included the table tennis, badminton, board games, dart, and the biking competition dubbed ‘Sikad Tu Rosario 2021,” Picot said.

“We have to remain strong and be compassionate to the needs of other people. Helping one another would be the best attribute that we could show to our family and other people around us, as we continue to battle the spread of the deadly virus. I believe that the youth are the hope of our nation, hence, we do have a vital role to play in the community and our nation,” emphasized Picot as he delivered his parting message during the Network Briefing News. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

“On illegal drugs, we conducted symposia quarterly for our learners. The SK also plans for this month the conduct of ‘Kariton’ Project to advocate against teenage pregnancy, drugs through the distribution of flyers, posters, and feeding programs,” said Picot.