To further promote research culture in the institution and provide contribution to the local governance in the city, St. Bridget College Batangas thru the Institutional Research, Planning and Publications Office forged partnership with Holy Name University Bohol in conducting USAID Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) research project starting School Year 2024-2025.
The partner institutions will work on the research titled “Improved Local Governance through Effective Citizen Feedbacking.” The project aims to enhance service delivery capacity, legitimacy, transparency, and accountability of participating local governments and to empower citizens by increasing their participation in and oversight – citizen feedback mechanisms – of local governance processes in ways that government both approves and supports.
Research training sessions were conducted as part of the research capability building program for the research team and other persons involved in the project.
Among the sessions were the Agenda Formulation Workshop with Multisectoral Representatives held on September 30, 2024 at Mary Dominica Function Hall, St. Bridget College Batangas City.
Twenty-four representatives from different sectors in Batangas attended the workshop. Some of the sectors represented were education, church, health, youth, PWD, transportation, and others. Research agenda to be included in the survey were identified in the said workshop.
Part of the program in the said activity was the prayer involving the symbolic candle and prayer offering of various sectors. This was facilitated by Mrs. Maria Socorro M. Lalap, Center for Formation and Praxis Officer.
This was followed by the recognition of participants by Dr. Imelda B. Vergara, Institutional Research, Planning and Publications Officer.
In her welcome message, Sr, Mary Florencia Tio, RGS, expressed her gratitude for the presence of participants. She also recognized that their presence is a testament to enhancing local governance through meaningful citizen feedback and empowering communities by giving citizens a platform to have their voices heard.
Dr. Maria Paz Espiritu, Research and Publications Director of Holy Name University – Bohol provided the overview of the research project. She also presented the two objectives of the research such as enhancing service delivery capacity legitimacy, transparency, and accountability of participating local government, and empowering citizens by increasing their participation in and oversight-citizen feedback mechanisms of local governance processes in ways that government both approves and supports.
Prof. Josefina Cemine, faculty and researcher from HNU, facilitated the workshop. Among the identified issues and concerns were medical and health facilities, traffic management, youth involvement in governance, disaster preparedness, gender equality and others.
Before the session ended, certificates were given to the participants in recognition of their active participation in the workshop.
Meanwhile, research questionnaire development training was conducted October 1-3, 2024. Twelve members of the research team attended the training. The session was facilitated by Dr. Espiritu and Prof Cemine.
The highlight of the training was the preparation of survey questionnaire that would be used in the study. The research team also conducted pilot testing to determine the validity of the items. Feedback was given afterwards and modifications were done to finalize the instrument.
The team is scheduled to attend other research trainings during the school year. This is expected to culminate with public presentation of the research output.
Among those expected to join the trainings and work on the project are the members of the SBC Research Team including Dr. Imelda B. Vergara, team leader; Mr. Arman Jay Dizon, finance manager; Dr. Amor L. Borbon, statistician; Mrs. Rosalie Aguila, field operations manager; Mrs. Laila E. Ramirez; technical manager; and Mrs. Lea B. Abacan, Mr. Marvin T. Agusto, Mrs. Kristine P. Jabat, Mrs. Maria Socorro M. Lalap, Mrs. Filipina C. Macaraeg, Mrs. Jesabel A. Medina and Ms. Jhoanna Marie B. Vergara, research assistants.
All the research activities will be conducted in collaboration with the HNU research team led by Dr. Maria Paz Espiritu, Research and Publications Director, and with the support of the St. Bridget College community led by Sr. Ma. Añanita Borbon, RGS, Phd, college president.
By: Dr. Imelda B. Vergara, IRPP Officer