by Leslie Lao Francisco

New Corella, Davao Del Norte (1 May) -- In an effort to empower the people to a community-driven development, the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) recently conducted a whole day Training Needs Assessment Workshop in New Corella, Davao del Norte.

"We value our staff very highly, and we continue to look for constructive ways on how to improve their skills. For this reason, heavy emphasis on training must be prioritized to ensure we deliver only the best results," said Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Director and KALAHI-CIDSS Project Director Ester A. Versoza.

The training workshop, which drew 16 participants from the area and from the municipal coordinating team, aimed to evaluate what kinds of trainings are needed.

It gave the participants the chance to assess their performance, enhance their competencies, as well as provide them the opportunity to be more productive in the field.

"In order for us to guide the people towards empowerment, we, as implementers, must be well-equipped. We cannot impart something that we do not have," said KC Regional Training Officer Clarence T. Yog.

The workshop uncovered the following trainings needs: orientation on local governance, enhancement on community organizing skills and facilitation skills, conflict management workshop, project development and resource generation, communication skills training, strategic planning and policy analysis, leadership training, and stress management.

After the initial assessment on the training needs, a detailed action plan about the level of participation sought, the resources needed and the preferred time and venue for the trainings was discussed.