BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government has partnered with the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) to offer a course to boost the managerial and leadership skills of the barangay officials.
Some 50 scholarship slots will be available to qualified applicants under the pioneering batch.
Karen Dinsay, head of the province’s Scholarship Program Division, said on Saturday classes will start in July.
“We will first offer the course to barangay captains. These are those who have a college degree and have college-level education,” she said.
The 15-unit study program, which will be offered for one semester, will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theories and practices in public administration, focusing on barangay governance that will build the confidence of local leaders in managing barangay affairs and activities.
At the end of the course, the participants will receive the Certificate in Public Administration and Governance.
Dinsay said her office is working closely with ex-officio Board Member Juvy Pepello, who heads the committee on barangay affairs, during the screening process.
Governor Eugenio Lacson had earlier signed a memorandum of agreement with UNO-R president Rev. Fr. Don Besana, OAR for the implementation of the Scholarship for Local Leaders on Barangay Governance.
“I thank UNO-R for their cooperation and support, and for providing barangay officials the brand of excellent instruction that UNO-R is known for. This scholarship program for barangay officials is not just a pioneering initiative but a necessary step to develop the capacities of our barangay officials,” Lacson said.
Negros Occidental has a total of 601 barangays. (PNA)
