In a concerted effort to strengthen grassroots governance and promote environmental health, graduate students in the field of Nursing from Ateneo de Naga University conducted a community-based seminar designed to equip local leaders with essential administrative and environmental management competencies.
Held on April 24, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Barangay Hall of Balongay, the initiative gathered purok leaders and barangay officials from Barangays Dominorog and Balongay for a focused learning engagement on solid waste management and systematic documentation—two foundational components of effective community leadership. Anchored on the theme “Malusog na Pamayanan, Nagsisimula sa Maayos na Pamumuno at Malinis na Kapaligiran” (A Healthy Community Starts with Orderly Leadership and a Clean Environment), the activity highlighted the direct link between governance, environmental stewardship, and public health outcomes.
The seminar was organized under the course NSG 707: Seminar on Administration and Supervision in Nursing by Master of Arts in Nursing and Master in Nursing students of the Ateneo de Naga University Graduate School, under the supervision of Professor Delia B. Oco, RN, MN, MAN, PhD, and led by Activity Head Andriya Kayle Dela Torre, RN, in collaboration with the Ateneo de Naga University College of Nursing. Designed as a service-learning initiative, the program translated advanced academic frameworks into practical interventions that directly address community-level needs.
The activity responded to identified gaps in environmental management and administrative practices within partner communities, recognizing barangay officials and purok leaders as primary implementers of policies that shape daily health conditions. By focusing on both solid waste management and records management, the initiative sought to bridge the gap between policy and practice, enabling local leaders to adopt evidence-based strategies in managing sanitation systems and maintaining accurate, accessible records.
Central to the program was a session on solid waste management facilitated by Kim S. Amado, RN, which provided participants with practical approaches to waste segregation, disposal, and community mobilization. The discussion emphasized the role of proper waste management in reducing public health risks, particularly those associated with poor sanitation and environmental neglect. Participants were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices that can be implemented at the purok and barangay levels, reinforcing the idea that environmental responsibility is a shared and continuous effort.
Complementing this was a session on records management and reporting conducted by Allen Grace Sales, RN, which addressed the importance of systematic documentation in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in local governance. Participants were introduced to methods of proper filing and indexing aimed at reducing data retrieval time and improving administrative workflows. The session underscored how organized documentation supports evidence-based decision-making and strengthens the overall capacity of barangay leadership.
The initiative was further supported by the Ateneo de Naga University College of Nursing, whose involvement was grounded in prior community diagnosis identifying the need for strengthened solid waste management practices in the partner barangays. As part of the outreach component, free vital signs assessment was provided to community members, alongside the distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on proper waste segregation to reinforce learning and promote sustained behavioral change.
Beyond its immediate benefits to the community, the seminar served as a platform for graduate students in nursing to apply administrative and supervisory principles in a real-world setting. Through direct engagement with local leaders, the students were able to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, enhancing their competencies in leadership, communication, and community health management. The activity exemplifies the value of service-learning as an educational approach that not only enriches academic development but also contributes to meaningful community impact.
The program concluded with an open forum that allowed participants to clarify concepts and share insights, followed by the awarding of certificates and tokens in recognition of their active participation. While structured as a half-day seminar, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to fostering empowered leadership at the grassroots level, where effective governance and environmental stewardship converge to shape healthier and more resilient communities.
Prepared by:
John Walter V. Ragragio, RN
Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) Student
