Written by: Christine Bugarin
On April 3, 2024, Barangay Pasil in New Lucena witnessed a pivotal moment in its journey toward sustainable development. Under the expert guidance of the Solution Ecosystems Activator (SEA), Inc., the community embraced the Participatory Resource Appraisal (PRA) Training—a dynamic approach to analyzing and interpreting local data for more effective development planning. The sun was high, but spirits were even higher as 17 community members, including elected barangay officials, barangay Tanods, CSOs, and barangay health workers, gathered to chart a course for their barangay’s future.
Leading the charge was Punong Barangay Hon. Elizer Divinagracia, who not only endorsed but actively engaged in the PRA training. His presence underscored the importance of leadership involvement in driving community initiatives. The training wasn’t just a session; it was a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the participants’ ability to assess and utilize their community’s resources effectively.
The day’s agenda revolved around updating and refining the community’s existing resource data. Participants worked hands-on with local leaders to update household profiles, create a detailed Community Resource Map, and complete the Household Inventory (HHI) form. They also used the Venn Diagram to illustrate the interactions between Barangay LGU, CSOs, and other institutions operating within their community. The addition of a 24-hour Recall exercise provided valuable insights into the daily routines of residents, ensuring that future interventions and programs would align with their actual needs and schedules.
Maura Silguera, a barangay Kagawad, and farmer, captured the essence of the day’s success with her heartfelt reflection: “We’re thankful that we can update the community data and realize that we need more improvements to work on in our barangay. We can gain additional knowledge by knowing and applying the process and committed to cooperating for a series of training and activities under the IPAT-SIAD program.”
Future Plans: Cultivating Growth and Collaboration
The PRA Training has set the stage for a series of exciting initiatives. With updated data and enhanced resource maps, Barangay Pasil is poised to launch targeted development programs. The next steps include:
Implementation of Resource-Based Projects: Using the insights gained, the barangay will develop projects that leverage local resources effectively. This could involve everything from infrastructure improvements to community health initiatives.
Ongoing Training and Workshops: To build on the PRA training, additional workshops will be scheduled. These will focus on advanced data analysis, project management, and monitoring and evaluation to ensure continuous progress.
Strengthened Collaboration: The training highlighted the importance of collaboration among various community entities. Plans will emphasize fostering stronger partnerships between the Barangay LGU, CSOs, and other stakeholders.
Lessons Learned
From this engaging PRA training, several key lessons emerged:
Active Participation Drives Success: The enthusiasm and involvement of all participants demonstrated that active engagement is crucial for successful community development. Everyone’s input and effort are invaluable.
Data-Driven Decisions are Effective: Updating and analyzing community data provides a solid foundation for planning and implementing relevant and impactful programs.
Collaboration is Key: The Venn Diagram exercise underscored the importance of understanding and enhancing relationships between different community actors to achieve common goals.
The Participatory Resource Appraisal Training was more than just an educational event; it was a catalyst for positive change in Barangay Pasil. With a newfound understanding of their resources and a commitment to ongoing collaboration, the community is well-equipped to tackle future challenges and seize new opportunities. As they move forward, the lessons learned and the enthusiasm displayed will surely pave the way for a thriving and sustainable barangay.
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