The Ateneo de Naga University- Center for Local Governance conducted a 2-day training on Technology of Participation Level 1: Basic Group Facilitation Methods for MPA Students of the Graduate School.
This training equipped the MPA students of Ateneo de Naga University Graduate School with practical and effective facilitation methods and tools when they are on the field. This also served as a preparation for their upcoming Service Learning engagements, specifically the Barangay Participatory Planning and Budgeting Workshop that the graduate school students will conduct. By presenting them with both theoretical and hands-on practice in facilitating, this training not only strengthened their capacity to engage productive facilitation but also enhanced their confidence, competence and leadership skills necessary for fostering basic group facilitation skills.
This 2-day training was handled by Dr. Malu C. Barcillano, Dean of the Graduate School and Director of the Center for Local Governance as the trainer.
As Dr. Malu discussed the first part of the training, and the participants shared their experiences on facilitation in their respective field. Dr. Malu C. Barcillano led the two-day training, demonstrating her deep expertise in Technology of Participation 1. On the first day, she thoroughly discussed the foundational values of ToP 1, different leadership styles, the three core methods, the ToP training approach, and the ORID (Objective, Reflective, Interpretative, Decisional) discussion method. There were activities where the participants were able to apply the facilitation methods on the day.
On the 2nd and final day of the training, there were assigned participants to deliver a recapitulation applying the methods that were taught during the first day. With these comprehensive applications, the participants were able to review and have a grasp of the topics with the return demonstration of each method discussed. Dr. Malu then introduced the Action Planning method for the last part of the training highlighting the importance and as a practical tool for group facilitation from ideas to building concrete actions and its application in a real community setting. Each group were assigned to conduct a return demonstration applying the theoretical and hands-on practice in Action Planning, facilitation techniques, and principles.
The two-day training culminated in a mini-graduation ceremony, symbolizing the participants’ successful completion of the program. Certificates of participation were awarded to 14 MPA students as participants of the said training, affirming their readiness to carry forward the skills and insights gained into their upcoming Service Learning activities and, ultimately, into their future roles as public administrators.
The success of the activity was made possible through the valuable support extended by Camille Badong, Technical Staff of the Center for Local Governance, and Ariel Malate, whose assistance throughout the preparation and conduct of the training greatly contributed to its smooth implementation. Their commitment and dedication are deeply appreciated.
by Ariel N. Malate
