Barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay members, and Barangay Secretaries, along with representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across 14 selected barangays, took part in an intensive training program on October 22-25, 2024.

The training, held at the DreamWeavers Hotel in Koronadal City, aimed to develop key local governance plans, including the Barangay Development Plan (BDP), Capacity Development Agenda, and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (BDRRMP). This program provided participants with essential tools and collaborative workshops to strengthen planning processes within their communities.

In her opening remarks, Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of updated and responsive planning in governance. Citing the adage, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail,” she encouraged attendees to engage actively throughout the training.

Her words underscored the significance of the BDP as a foundational tool for local development, emphasizing the role of collaborative planning in addressing barangay priorities and serving constituents more effectively. Her message resonated with participants, motivating them to approach the workshops with focus and commitment.

The four-day program was structured to maximize hands-on learning through a series of interactive workshops. Facilitated by the Local Government Capability Development Division in partnership with the Local Government Academy, the training incorporated various engaging methods, including presentations, lectures, icebreakers, games, and practical exercises.

DILG Field Officers were present to provide guidance to barangays within their areas of responsibility, ensuring that participants could apply what they learned and develop concrete, actionable plans for their communities.

The training concluded with a closing message from Engr. Samuel A. Camaganacan, OIC-Assistant Regional Director of DILG XII. He shared a powerful story about a water pump, emphasizing the responsibility of leaving resources for future generations. Using the metaphor of leaving a pitcher of water for the next user of the pump, he urged participants to prioritize sustainable and strategic resource management in their barangay plans. His message highlighted the critical role that thoughtful planning and responsible budgeting play in ensuring that barangay resources benefit not only the present generation but also those to come.