BAGUIO CITY, October 27, 2023 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in Cordillera underwent Completed Staff Work (CSW) and Facilitation Training, with the primary goal of providing the participants with necessary expertise in decision-making, as well as enhancing their capabilities as facilitators during community organizing.

The two-day training from June 22 and 23, 2023 held at the DA Old Conference Hall was led by Human Resource Management and Development Section Officer (HRMDS), Ms. Tetchie Belle Bagnos and was attended by 40 SAAD implementers such as Associate Program Officers (APO), Community Development Officers (CDO), Data Controllers, Information Officer, Administrative Aides and Agriculturists, and representatives from the Field Operations Division (FOD). 

Defining Completed Staff Work and Facilitation Training 

CSW is a management concept that serves as the backbone of decision-making. It places a significant emphasis on comprehensive preparation before any decision is presented to higher authorities or decision-makers. This management concept includes research, data analysis, and crafting of recommendations.

Meanwhile, facilitation training refers to a structured and educational program designed to equip the implementers with the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to effectively guide group discussions, meetings, workshops, or other collaborative processes involving community organizing. The primary goal of facilitation training is to enable facilitators to create an inclusive, productive, and participatory environment in which groups can work together to achieve their objectives.

In essence, CSW and Facilitation Training emphasize the importance of effective communication. CSW ensures that information is presented clearly and comprehensively to decision-makers, while Facilitation Training equips individuals with communication skills to guide discussions and meetings effectively. Together, they promote clear and efficient information exchange within the organization. 

Applying the training to SAAD Phase 2 Implementation 

In the context of the SAAD Program, staff with CSW and facilitation training will have a deeper understanding of roles and tasks and its importance to the goals of the SAAD phase 2. The workshop also enhances facilitation skills needed for community engagement activities, office organization skills through prioritization of tasks, and a creation of a personal system of work which will aid in better task management which will ultimately produce better output.

During the activity, participants conducted a simulation on potential scenarios and difficulties that implementers might face in both the office and while on field. WIth this, Ms. Marichu Besas, SAAD Community Development Officer appreciates the learnings she got from the training, which she can utilize to fulfill her role as part of the program.

“As a facilitator, we must be objective and understand the experiences of our beneficiaries. We must also be familiar with the local languages,” said Ms. Besas.

As of writing, SAAD CAR will conduct social preparation activities and beneficiary needs assessment in the identified 82 barangays of the municipalities of Abra, Benguet and Ifugao, while continuing to serve the provinces of Apayao, Mt. Province, and Kalinga from Phase 1. For Phase 2, DA-SAAD CAR targets to serve 2,280 farmers in the five (5) covered provinces. ###

Writer: Maria Elena G. Catajan, DA-SAAD CAR Information Officer
Copy editor: Kathleen Faye B. Agonoy, DA-SAAD NPMO Information Officer