By Wilson J Hormeguera

Aiming to achieve the 2020 vision for Barangay Lapasan, Xavier University - Governance and Leadership Institute (XU-GLI) conducted a finalization workshop on Barangay Development Planning for the officials and sitio leaders of the barangay on July 21-22, 2014. It was held at Manresa Tagbuan Center, Upper Carmen of this city.
Under Chairperson Omar Labuntog, the 2020 Vision sees Lapasan as a liveable barangay with self-reliant and engaged citizens.  To achieve this, it has identified 8 goals:

1.Improved Peace and Order
2.Attained Sustainable Environment
3.Achieved Economic Well-Being
4.Ensured Good Governance
5.Enhanced Infrastructure
6.Increased Access to Education
7.Guaranteed Good Health for All
8.Succeeded in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

The finalization workshop is last of the series of the entire planning workshop, which aims at cascading the set plan and establishing ownership among grassroots leaders. It highlighted effective local governance as the main vehicle to success in the local government. Among the activities in the workshop include the identification of the barangay’s vision and goals, enumeration of success indicators for each goal, and the familiarization of leadership styles in the implementation of programs.
Xavier University, through Governance and Leadership Institute of the Research and Social Outreach (RSO) Cluster, continues to engage in governance as one of its thematic areas for XU’s greater societal engagement.