CALAUAG, QUEZON — On January 27, 2023, the formal turnover ceremony of the psychosocial project “Kawayan Academy” took place at the headquarters of the 201st Brigade in Barangay Ilaya, Calauag, Quezon. DTI QUEZON, represented by STIDS Ma. Graciela C. Ledesma was present during the event. A short program was held with Lt. Col. Ferdinand Bruce M. Tokong, GSC PA, delivering the welcome remarks, followed by a short overview of the Psychosocial Project.

Col Ray C. Tiongson PA (MNSA) of U7, representing Lt. Gen. Efren Baluyot PA, SOLCOM Commander, handed over the miniature bamboo house made by members of LAKAS to BGEN Norwyn Romeo P. Tolentino, Commander of 201BDE, for the symbolic turnover of the project to the 201st Brigade.

In his message, For. Gregorio E. Santos, Jr., Chairperson of the TWG of the Psychosocial Project, promised to continue to stir the participation of various government institutions on how to further improve the use of bamboo for biodiversity conservation and livelihood. He also encouraged everyone to work together to deliver better services to our countrymen.

BGEN Norwyn Romeo P. Tolentino, Commander of 201BDE, mentioned in his message the shift from a psychosocial project to a developmental project now that the COVID pandemic is almost over. The Kawayan Academy and development projects can help maintain peace and order on the Bondoc Peninsula. It will also help stop the resurgence and address issues and concerns.

After the turnover ceremony, the 6th TWG meeting was held. Updates on the status of LAKAS were presented by Neil Clinton Mapaye, Vice President of the Association. STIDS Ma. Graciela C. Ledesma of DTI-Quezon mentioned the entrepreneurial training that will be given to LAKAS this year.

One of the major highlights of the meeting was the shift from a psychosocial to a developmental project. In order for the member agencies to disseminate information on their various programs and services to People’s Organizations in the province, there is a need to come up with a strategic plan for this. Another meeting will be set for strategic planning in February 2022. To make communication easier, the group decided to have a Telegram account as the official means of communication for the group.

The 201st Brigade will set the agenda for the special meeting, but the monthly meeting will continue as planned with representatives from other agencies present. A training needs assessment or analysis will be conducted in order to find out the resources, skills, interests, and needs of the communities.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. ♦

Date of Release: 6 February 2023