The KALAHI-CIDSS program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region VII conducted this year’s Municipal Data Encoders and Area Coordinators Conference in two (2) folds at the Golden Peak Hotel in Cebu City.

The first part of the conference happened on October 9–12, 2023, which focused on equipping the program staff with foundational skills in data management to prepare them for information organization and analysis at the municipal level. The second part on the other hand, which took place on November 7-10, 2023 aimed to provide the participants with more advanced skills in data management.

The Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) centrally manages the program data management. Thus, providing the field staff with these skills is necessary for localizing data processing, reporting, and optimizing data quality in their respective areas to ensure they share quality data with local stakeholders.

In her message during the first conference, Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero stressed the importance of data and the significant role of the MDEs and ACTs in managing this data. RD Lucero appreciated everyone’s effort and dedication to the program, especially in data management.

The activity gathered 300 participants from Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental who participated in the said conference.

One of the participants, Mr. Rene Pasiolan, KC Area Coordinator assigned to Jimalalud, Negros Oriental, said he struggled at first because he is not naturally good with computers but found this activity helpful in his field of work. He said decision-making and interventions are usually made based on the available data. He hopes there will be more similar follow-up activities in the future.

“Personally, sa akong experience, nag struggle ko og gamay, kay medyo dili kaayo ko hanas sa computer, although naa koy kauban nga expert sa computer nga nitabang nako. Kini nga activity dako nga tabang sa among area, labi na sa pag organize sa mga datos, ky diha man jud magbase ang atong mga desisyon, ug unsa pay intervention nga atong mahatag sa community. As area coordinator, usa sa akong trabaho mao ang paghatag ug updates sa atong Local Chief Executives ug Department Heads sa mga progress ug unsa pay mga need sa komunidad. So dako sad jud ni ug tabang sa ako. Maayo ni nga training, ug nindot nga duna pay mga follow through para maanad ta sa ingon ani nga pamaagi (In my personal experience, I struggled a bit because of my unfamiliarity with computer applications. I have a companion that assists me. This activity is a big help in our area, especially in organizing data, because we base our decision-making and interventions on the available data. As Area Coordinator, part of my work is to update the local chief executive and department heads on the progress and needs of the community, so this is very useful to me. This training is good for us, and I hope there will be follow-through activities for us to familiarize ourselves with this process).” said Rene Pasiolan. ###

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