The College of Graduate Studies – SLUC’s Master in Development Administration Program, led by its Program Chair Dr. Janice Rhea P. Cabacungan, conducted a training for 23 barangay officials, tanods, workers, and other community leaders at Capas, Agoo, La Union, in collaboration with Capas’ Barangay Captain Ms. Imelda Estolas on August 29, 2024.

A training, titled “Beyond Governance: Equipping Barangay for Crisis Response (Crime Scene Preservation and Psychological First Aid), aimed to empower barangay officials to effectively handle crises within their jurisdiction.

The training was facilitated by MDA students and expert resource speakers, including Ms. Christine Joy C. Pilar, a Social Welfare Officer at DSWD Field Office 1, Haven for Women in Dagupan City, who led the training on Psychological First Aid; and Major Eduardo R. Mendoza, of the Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army, who conducted the training on Crime Scene Preservation and Blotter Writing.

The participants were equipped with essential skills to provide immediate psychological support to individuals affected by crises and to preserve crime scenes for effective law enforcement investigations, including the proper documentation of incidents through blotter writing.

This training initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of barangay officials to respond to emergencies and ensure the safety and well-being of their constituents. (By Janice Rhea P. Cabacungan)