The Barangay Administration Training, held on October 1 at Bita-og Gaja in New Lucena, Iloilo, proved to be a profound exercise in equipping local leaders with practical knowledge and enhanced awareness of their responsibilities. With the participation of barangay council members, CSO representatives, and staff from SEA, Inc., the event embodied the essence of participatory governance—a key goal not only for today but for sustainable community development.

Breaking Down Roles and Responsibilities

The training day began with Ma’am Webina Sudario leading a prayer, grounding participants for a packed day of learning. Hon. Jose B. Sumbong’s welcome set a warm tone for a day devoted to the nuts and bolts of governance. Ms. Angela Betita then introduced the objective of the training: to clarify the specific roles of barangay leaders as both executive and legislative members and to demonstrate the importance of CSO participation.

For many, including seasoned officials, this session offered a new appreciation for their roles. The initial pre-test revealed gaps in knowledge, a reality that Ms. Rosanna addressed with a detailed orientation covering the Local Government Code of 1991. The constitutionally mandated autonomy of local governments, the jurisdictions of LGUs, and the fundamentals of the Katarungang Pambarangay were no longer abstract laws—they were rules brought to life, relevant to daily service and community welfare.

Interactive Learning for Real-World Governance

Ms. Angela started the day with an engaging ice-breaker to loosen everyone up, but it was the interactive workshops that truly captivated participants. Divided into groups, attendees tackled case-based scenarios that brought out the functions of key barangay roles—from the Punong Barangay, tasked with maintaining order and enforcing laws, to the Sangguniang Barangay members who shape local ordinances and budgets. Participants were encouraged to present their output, which sparked a valuable peer review from Ms. Rosanna, who fine-tuned their insights, adding depth to their understanding of local governance.

These hands-on exercises were more than classroom exercises; they were seeds planted to inspire sustainable, accountable, and proactive leadership. For instance, the emphasis on barangay assembly functions—particularly the legislative initiation and monitoring responsibilities—underscored the importance of having a direct line between community needs and governmental response.

 

A Vision for Sustainable Training Programs

One of the highlights of the day was the feedback session. Kagawad Manimbayan, for instance, expressed newfound clarity in her responsibilities, echoing sentiments shared by many. The unanimous call for future training on practical governance topics like the bidding process emphasizes a desire for continuity, with an eye toward building on this foundational knowledge.

SEA, Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD program has taken a significant step forward with this training. But to sustain these strides, future programs must continue to focus on practical applications. Training on financial transparency, efficient public resource management, and enhanced community relations could prepare officials to tackle local issues with increased competence. Imagine a barangay where leaders not only enforce laws but also leverage resources responsibly, prioritizing projects that foster resilience, economic empowerment, and improved quality of life.

Future-Oriented Governance

SEA, Inc. and the New Lucena Municipality have a unique opportunity to build on the success of this training. Ongoing workshops, follow-ups on training impacts, and active community dialogues can ensure that learning is retained and applied long-term. One potential future program could involve simulations of emergency response, enabling barangay leaders to respond effectively to crises—an essential skill in a disaster-prone nation like the Philippines.

 

In conclusion, the Barangay Administration Training was not merely a day of lectures but a transformative experience that empowered participants. Leaders left Bita-og Gaja with a strengthened sense of responsibility and community. With continued training and SEA, Inc.’s commitment to fostering sustainable governance, barangay officials in New Lucena are poised to lead with knowledge, resilience, and heart. The future is indeed brighter when governance is as inclusive as it is empowered.