Barangay Jelicuon Oeste’s hall wasn’t just lined with manila paper and markers that day—it became a canvas of possibilities, where neighbors traced not only their land but also their shared hopes for progress.

The barangay LGU, civil society organizations, and community volunteers came together for a full-day Participatory Resource Appraisal (PRA) training. At first glance, it looked like a simple workshop. But as spot maps and resource maps took shape, something deeper emerged: the realization that collaboration itself is the community’s greatest resource.

Why Participation Matters

Every stroke of a marker revealed more than boundaries, crops, and pathways—it revealed teamwork, patience, and vision. Participants discovered that mapping wasn’t just about paper and ink; it was about finding strength in collective effort.

Councilor Nenita reflected on this blend of practice and learning:
“Now we know not only how to create maps, but how to manage our time and document what we do. It’s a big thing.”

Councilor Jun kept his thanks simple but heartfelt:
“We learned a lot. Thank you so much to everyone!”

Barangay Health Worker Cynthia looked at the bigger picture of service:
“We came together and learned so much. Hopefully, we stay healthy so we can continue serving our barangay.”

And for Tanod Rere John, even small gains were worth celebrating:
“Even if it was just a little, we still learned something. This is really important for our barangay.”

Beyond Maps—Toward Mission

By the end of the session, it was clear that the PRA was more than a technical exercise. It became a mission of shared responsibility. Knowledge was passed on, skills were strengthened, and camaraderie was deepened. Every voice mattered, and every contribution counted.

Drawing Tomorrow

The people of Barangay Jelicuon Oeste didn’t just draw maps. They drew a brighter future—grounded in unity, purpose, and the courage to dream together.

Their PRA showed that real progress doesn’t always begin with large budgets or grand projects. Sometimes, it begins with a marker, a sheet of paper, and a community ready to chart its own path forward.