ON YOUR FEET. Xavier University - Governance and Leadership Institute director Dr Dixon Yasay (far right) stands with the participants in a “learning circle” as he explains the mechanics of a refresher game in between serious discussions during the local government administrators’ training-workshop for Agusan del Sur leaders, held at XU AVR 8 of the SBM building. Supplied photo.
Report by Angela Bernice Cabildo
A handful of city, municipal, and provincial administrators hailing from Agusan del Sur participated in a training-workshop of Xavier University - Governance and Leadership Institute (XU-GLI) from February 22 to 23.
At the local government administrators’ training-workshop for Agusan del Sur leaders, GLI director Dr Dixon Yasay constantly kept the administrators on their feet as he guided them through team-building games and dances that ultimately opened their minds to paradigm shifts.
The training-workshop coincided with Xavier Ateneo’s Social Development Week celebration. In her welcome remarks, assistant to the XU vice-president for social development Engr Gail de la Rita held up the 2017 theme: “Engaging the Peripheries for Inclusive Engagement.”
In light of GLI’s commitment to social development, Yasay assessed and suggested ways to improve the administrators’ “problematic thinking, attitudes, and behavior” with colorful, kinesthetic activities on public value creation, local planning, local budgeting, local legislation, performance management, financial accountability with inputs from Salcedo M de la Vega CPA, and conflict management.
“We’re not seeking to overload [them with information] but to sharpen,” Yasay said, acknowledging that the teachings may not be applicable to specific contexts but what matters is the capability of changing for the better.
The administrators shared their re-entry plans of action as the creation of safe spaces for discussion within the administration, the assessment of current performance, the improved management of knowledge, and the proper exercise of powers.
The administrators represented the Agusan del Sur Provincial Administrators’ Office and the local government units of Esperanza, La Paz, Loreto, Prosperidad, Rosario, San Luis, Sibagat, Santa Josefa, Talacogon, and Veruela.∎