To improve documentation and standardize reporting, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA conducted a technical writing and report preparation workshop for 20 regional and field personnel on July 22–23 in Coron, Palawan.
The two-day workshop focused on addressing common reporting gaps and improving the quality of technical and monitoring reports.
Mr. Sherwin B. Manual, a communications expert and Managing Director of Davao Bulletin, served as the resource speaker. He discussed grammar fundamentals, effective writing strategies, the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), and the standard formats for technical reports and news articles.
He reminded participants to use AI responsibly and emphasized the importance of adding human insight and personal accountability in every report. “Be careful not to rely on AI too much. It’s important that we have to incorporate the human or your value into each of your reports,” he said.
Topics included grammar and editing essentials, proofreading techniques, news writing, and addressing the risks of AI misuse in report writing. Participants also engaged in hands-on report writing exercises and expressed appreciation for the learning experience.
“Marami po kaming natutunan, maraming salamat po sa napakagaling po nating speaker. We felt empowered, salamat po sa SAAD MIMAROPA sa opportunity na ito,” shared Renato G. Alunsabe Jr., a Community Development Officer assigned in San Jose, Romblon.
[We learned a lot. Thank you very much to our excellent speaker. We felt empowered, thank you, SAAD MIMAROPA for this opportunity.]
Meanwhile, Engr. Maiden Marie M. Segui, Food Production and Livelihood Unit Lead facilitated the session on the standard structure and content of SAAD’s monitoring and evaluation (M & E) reports.
Public Relations and Development Communication Unit Lead Melissa F. Lingco wrapped up the training by encouraging the participants to apply their new skills in future reports. She noted that clearer and more accountable reports will reflect the true impact of the said workshop.
