SURIGAO CITY - A total of 50 women with disabilities and senior citizens in Brgy. Punta Bilar received grocery packs from the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XIII through the Gender and Development (GAD) Program on March 24, 2022.

GAD Point Person Paula Mae A. Creencia recognized the active support and coordination of the City Social Welfare and Development Office through the Acting CSWDO Lalaine R. Pantillo, RSW, and the City Agriculture Office headed by City Agriculturist Evaristo M. Cotiangco, and the barangay council of Punta Bilar.

Brgy. Captain Arturo Y. Santillana Jr. expressed his gratitude to ATI for choosing Punta Bilar as the recipient-barangay for this undertaking. He underscored that despite the devastating effects of last year’s typhoon Odette on their properties and livelihood, they were more than grateful for having zero casualties, and for the financial aid and support extended by various government and non-government organizations.

The activity was also attended by OIC - Chief of the Career Development and Management Services (CDMS) Section Mary Grace B. Salve, Mr. Apronito Culminas of CAO-Surigao City, a representative from CSWD, and members of the barangay Council, with the EAsY Agri grantees of ATI who facilitated the distribution of the gift packs.

Further, this is part of the Women’s Month celebration which gives emphasis on the equal opportunities and rights of women with disabilities in all aspects of human endeavor.