The Ateneo de Naga University-Graduate School and Center for Local Governance through the Master in Public Administration Class for PA 204-Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Systems Analysis students had a successful conduct of Barangay Participatory Planning and Budgeting Workshop (BPPBW) in five barangays of Magarao, Camarines Sur.
The BPPBW Demonstration was conducted on 13-14 August 2016 in Barangay San Pantaleon. The said activity was facilitated by Benita Michele Verdadero, Maricel Alinarte, Gregorio Epifanio Terbio, Jay Abawag, and Cyrel Rapi.
On the other hand, the Return-Demonstration was simultaneously conducted in four (4) barangays on 27-28 August 2016 which was facilitated by the following students: Baragay San Francisco-Rhina Chua, Mark Christian Pimentel, Rebba Royales and Jerry Sabangan; Barangay San Miguel-Carla Araya, Kimberly Israel, Nathalie Joy Peñaflor, and Mavy Angelica Vera; Barangay Sta. Lucia-Edward Kenn Ampongan, Mark Angelo Deleña, Mariz Diesta, Alma Jalimao and Michelle Anne Morales; and Barangay Sta. Rosa-Fortunato Balbis, Jr., Julie Anne Bufete, Jania Marie Follosco and Paula Lorenz Rodriguez. Two former MPA students, namely, Emerlie Rayala ,and Errol Pederio have also extended their assistance during the activity.
The participatory planning and budgeting Workshop intends to assist the members of the Barangay Development Council in coming-up with their programs, projects and activities, following the participatory planning and budgeting process for the barangay, specifically in drawing up 2017 Annual Investment Plan.
The members of the Barangay Councils have optimistically responded to the activity. They said the facilitators have efficiently extended to them the objectives of the activity and motivated them learn more and do better for their barangay. “Ipadagos ang arog kaning Workshop para madagdagan ang kaaraman. Salamat po!” according to one Punong Barangay.
Apart from fulfilling the academic requirements, the PA 204 students considered the activity as a way of imparting knowledge through public service.
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By Edward Kenn Ampongan
