Balbalan grassroot leaders undergo capacity-building seminar in a push to improve barangay level government services

Balbalan, Kalinga – Barangay officials from 14 barangays in Balbalan town underwent a capacity-building seminar last August 7, 2025, to upgrade the governance and leadership methods and knowledge.

Recognizing their vital role of leadership at the grassroots level, the Balbalan Municipal LGU headed by Mayor Almar Malannag pushed for the seminar, which was conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government - Cordillera Administrative Region and the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV).

Malannag believes this is necessary to update and remind the barangay officials that effective solutions to problems in communities need updated methodologies and knowledge.

Among the highlights of the event include a lecture on Public Service Values, which was delivered by CRFV National Director Nathanael Saquiban. The values of patriotism, integrity, excellence, and spirituality that define service were central to the discussions. There was also a lecture on Leadership with Accountability shared by Deputy Director Jesus Sison, challenging the barangay officials to keep in mind that service is a sacred duty and not a privilege.

The cultivation of practical skills of the participants was likewise included in the event with the talk of Engr. Kristine Gayyaman on Tools for Tangible Change, teaching the barangay officials how to track the progress of infrastructure projects, even though they are not professional engineers.

Mayor Malannag, during the seminar, reminded the barangay officials of their critical role in turning Balbalan into a better and more improved municipality for the next generation. He likewise enjoined them to utilize what they would learn from the event in serving the people in their respective communities.

For her part, Vice Mayor Regina Munda Cruz conveyed that through the event, the barangay officials in Balbalan did not just leave carrying knowledge; they left with a renewed commitment to the people of Balbalan.