USM Public Administration Department Kickstarts Project PWEDE thru Leadership and Governance Training for Mabungahon Bialong SLP Association

Bialong, M’lang, Cotabato — The Public Administration Department (PAD) of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) conducted a Leadership and Inclusive Governance Training for members of the Mabungahon Bialong Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association in Barangay Bialong, M’lang, Cotabato, on August 7, 2026.

The activity forms part of the department’s extension project titled “PROJECT PWEDE: Promoting Work, Enterprise, and Development Empowerment for Sustainable Livelihoods,” led by Project Leader Laurence Arjay T. Mamburam. The project aims to strengthen community organizations through leadership development, organizational management, and participatory governance.

An open forum was first facilitated to assess the association’s current organizational challenges, address member concerns, and align expectations for the training program. This was led by Ms. Stephanie Santiago, DSWD–SLP Project Development Officer, and Barangay Kagawad Leony Cabarillos.

Consisting of two learning sessions, the training kicked off with a topic titled “Leading with Purpose: Leadership and Participatory Governance,” facilitated by Prof. Niña S. Parpan. The discussion highlighted the principles of leadership and servant leadership in community organizations, emphasizing the importance of participatory decision-making and inclusive governance in strengthening people’s organizations.

This was followed by “Governing with Integrity: Organizational Governance, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethical Leadership,” led by Prof. Victor C. Dapon, which highlighted the roles and responsibilities of officers and members in sustaining effective organizational governance and livelihood initiatives.

PROJECT PWEDE is a capacity-building and empowerment initiative intended for selected indigent residents of Barangay Bialong. Through leadership training, organizational development, coaching, and mentoring, the project seeks to empower vulnerable sectors—including persons with disabilities (PWDs), farmers, and housewives—to become more capable, organized, and active participants in improving their socio-economic conditions.

By strengthening the organizational capacity of the Mabungahon Bialong SLP Association, the university through the Public Administration Department continues to advance its commitment to inclusive community development, participatory governance, and sustainable livelihood empowerment in partnership with local stakeholders and government agencies.