From left to right: XU-Searsolin Leadership Convergence Program instructor Meiyoshi Masgon, training assistant Evelio Lyn Magdadaro, DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, and XU-Searsolin LCP instructor Luther Labitad. Supplied photo.  

By Chum Magdadaro

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has tapped some of the country's top universities to build the capacities of their field workers, particularly the City and Municipality Action Team (CMAT) leaders and members, through the Leadership Convergence Program (LCP). Employing the Bridging Leadership framework, LCP equips CMATs with leadership and technical skills to help them better face the situations on the field.

Xavier University has been tapped as an academic partner to train DSWD’s CMAT leaders and members in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region.

XU instructors Luther Labitad and Meiyoshi Masgon, and training assistant Evelio Lyn Magdadaro attended a training for academic partners in preparation for the implementation of the second part (Modules 3 and 4) of LCP on behalf of the Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (Searsolin). The training was held from August 25 to 27 at La Breza Hotel, Quezon City.

The purpose of the training was to identify effective teaching techniques, procedures, and approaches that will be used by the academic partners in conducting and facilitating the second part of LCP.

The LCP trainers from various acadmic partners of the Department of Social Welfare and Development strike a pose after their training at La Breza Hotel in Quezon City. Photo courtesy of Office of the DSWD Secretary.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo encouraged the LCP trainers to continue the partnership between the department and the academic partners.

“As I am new to the position, please help me bring an observable development in our country,” said Taguiwalo. “May this partnership continue and let’s think of another training or module to train our field workers.”

XU-Searsolin has expressed its commitment to support DSWD's goal of poverty alleviation by forming competent leaders in rural development.

Other academic partners present during the said event were LCP trainers from Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Naga University, University of the Philippines (Diliman and Visayas), and Development Academy of the Philippines. ∎