15/07/2026
🌱 Cultivating Knowledge, Empowering Barangays
Capacity Development for Barangay Officials and Stakeholders
July 14, 2026 | Approximately 315 participants from the municipalities of Garcia Hernandez and Jagna gathered for the Capacity Development for Barangay Officials, organized by the Local Government Affairs (LGA) under the Office of the Governor, in coordination with Provincial Government offices and partner agencies.
The activity was graced by Governor Erico Aristotle "Aris" C. Aumentado, reaffirming the Provincial Government's commitment to empowering barangay leaders through practical knowledge and stronger collaboration in advancing the Food Security and Sufficiency Program.
LGA Head Stephen A. Rances shared that this year's Capacity Development is the fourth conducted under the administration of Governor Aris, reflecting the Governor's vision of equipping barangay leaders with practical knowledge and skills for effective local governance. Executive Assistant Pablio "Bebot" D. Sumampong served as the Master of Ceremonies, while the dedicated efforts of the LGA staff contributed to the successful conduct of the activity.
Also present were Vice Governor Nick Besas and Board Members Lucille Lagunay, Greg Jala, Romulo Cepedoza, Nathaniel Oñes Binlod, Joahna Cabalit-Initay, Tita V. Baja, and DJ Balite, who encouraged barangay leaders to continue supporting the Provincial Government's priority development programs through the proper implementation and liquidation of priority development projects and compliance with the necessary requirements.
Participants included barangay officials together with Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAOs), Municipal Councilors who chair the Committee on Agriculture, and presidents of barangay-based farmers' and fisherfolks' associations, supporting the Province's Food Security and Sufficiency Program.
The learning sessions featured Gertrudes Fuentes of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), John Fel Acaso of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Jun Oliver of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Atty. John Paparon of the Provincial Legal Office (PLO), and Benjamin Villeno of the Provincial Community Development Office (PCDO), who shared valuable insights on agriculture, crop insurance, legal matters, community development, and other practical topics relevant to barangay governance.
Participants actively engaged in the discussions through meaningful exchanges with the resource speakers, reinforcing their commitment to bringing new knowledge and best practices back to their respective communities. The activity concluded with an exciting raffle draw, where live chicks served as the grand prizes, delighting the lucky winners from Garcia Hernandez and Jagna while promoting backyard poultry as an additional livelihood opportunity.
