New Bantayan Barangay Development Planning: A Blended Learning Approach

Aristeo C. Salapa
Professor/Facilitator
Master of Public Administration
University of Southeastern Philippines
College of Governance, Business and Economics
Department of Governance Studies
Obrero, Davao City
[email protected]
PHILIPPINES

Abstract:
Development planning via blended learning is a must for graduate students. A
combination of all the approaches of learning exemplifies the readiness of graduate students
to elevate knowledge to a higher ground. These are in a form and use of advanced
technology, traditional classroom lecture, and others.
Expanding therein students abilities not just within the four corners of the room where
simulation is best tested but by actual and practice on the ground prepares them for the real
work ahead.
The syllabus plays a vital role. A real planned course measures the output at the end
of the semester. This is clearly manifested in realization of the Universitys four-fold thrust of
instruction, research, extension and production. Threshing all these together, the learner and
the community reap such endeavor.
Graduate students best equipped both in theory and in practice via blended learning
are demonstrations of the Universitys edge for competitive advantage.

Background/ Rationale of the Study

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) envisions a modern state
university at the cutting edge of academic excellence and at the forefront of research
development, an institution that provides harmonious and conducive atmosphere for faculty
and students to develop and attain their potentials, and an active participant in the promotion
of the well-being and welfare of the community and society ( Prantilla, University Manual I,
1998).
The USeP is a regional state university created in 1978 through Batas Pambansa
Bilang 12. The University is an integration of four state institutions, particularly, the
Mindanao State University-Davao, the University of the Philippines-Master of Management
Program in Davao, the Davao School of Arts and Trades, and the Davao National Regional
Agricultural Schoool. It has five campuses, namely: Obrero(main) and Mintal Campuses in
Davao City, Tagum-Mabini Campuses which has two units-one in Tagum City and one in
Compostela Valley Province , and Bislig Campus in Surigao del Sur.
Over the last 28 years, the universitys commitment towards producing high
quality graduates and relevant researches has been enduring. It is likewise evident that the
efforts of the university to respond to changes within and outside its environment have
increased tremendously ( Strategic Plan, 2007-2021).
Whereas, as a response, the College levels like the School of Government and
Management now College of Governance, Business and Economics (CGBE) is
synergistically aligning itself to heed such call. The Department of Governance Studies
(DGS), one of the department of CGBE, offers the Master of Public Administration program
that aims to upgrade and enhance the administrative skills and professional competence of
leaders and practitioners both in the government and non-government sectors( MPA
Brochure). This is done via acquisition of advanced knowledge, a thorough mastery of
research methods and the spirit of searching inquiry in a multi-disciplinary approach and
varied levels through policy making analysis, administrative theory and behavior, human
resource management, budgeting and financial resource, management and research design
and analysis so as to be experts in organization studies, fiscal administration and public
policy and program administration( CGBE Brochure).
For, in the ultimate end of realizing and achieving the Universitys vision of
becoming a premier University in the ASEAN Region; with a mission of producing world

class graduates and relevant research and quality extension through quality education and
sustainable resource management.
The Issue and the Process
The four-fold thrust of the University namely: instruction, research, extension and
production are embedded in every curricular program of the University. The syllabus
prepared by professors should manifest all of these.
As a graduate program, with a five month scope of coverage, the challenge of
incorporating theory, practice and the thrust of the University became an arduous task not
withstanding other important concerns like security, financial resources and leg working.
For the first semester, classes at the University start during the month of June.
It is expected that professors must distribute syllabus at the beginning of class so as to fair
play the playing field; digest expectations both from teachers and students and anticipate
activities for the entire duration of the course. A careful envisioned planning from the
professor in charge is expected so that by the end of the semester, products and results are
delivered. Best techniques must be used in the delivery of such course.
Two of the courses offered in the Master of Public Administration program are
Management Planning and Control as well as Strategic Planning for Public Action. These
courses have a description of processes and techniques in administrative planning,
organizational analysis and control with simulation and actual planning.
Teaching planning, per se, whether strategic or development and the process involved
in it, is one major subject in the MPA program that calls for a blended technique so that
theory and application is achieved at a maximum level.
The use of blended teaching approach is appropriate for this course. Bersin (2004)
opined that blended learning is a combination of different training mediato create an
optimum training program for a specific audience traditional instructor led-training is
being supplemented with other electronic formats. The rationale for blended learning is that
it addresses the different learning styles and the multiple method of information delivery
reinforces the lesson. A major component of the blended learning design is the provision of
experiential learning - considered to be the most effective method of delivering instruction.
Further, the goal of a blended learning course is mastery of the subject which is
demonstrated by having the student successfully teach the material to another person. Thus, a

student of public administration employing the Cs compare, consequence and connect after
comprehending. Such desired output is best outlined by stil using the multi-disciplinary
approach of practical skills and theory.
It is through this avenue that this study demonstrates. The knowledge acquired via the
four corners of the university is applied for effective results.
Below is the process flow and conceptual framework of this study:
Blended Learning
Approach

Phase 1MPA students

Acquisition
Of Knowledge
Planning
Process and

Barangay
Profile

Secondary
Data
Analysis

Phase 2- Seminar
Workshop
o
o
o
o

SWOT
Problem Tree
Objective Tree
Vision, Mission,
Goals
Formulation
Activities

Barangay
Development
Plan of New
Bantayan
(2010-2012)

of
the Facilitators and
T
O
Phase 3- Writeshop

Results
Phase 1- Learning, Equipping and Leg Working
The months of June and July were allotted for Phase 1 of this endeavor.
Classes were held every Saturday of 3 hours.

Guided by the syllabus given to all 14

officially enrolled students, classroom outlines were delivered via powerpoint presentations,
open forum and home assignments using all modes of communications such as emails, net
messenger plus tasking were employed. A Gantt chart was maintained to keep things on track
as well monitor progress. Updates were regularly done via texting; Saturday class served as
group meetings prior to the discussion of major topics in the class.
The major topics discussed during

these months were the following:

Background review of RA7160- The Local Government Code of 1991 with some updates;
elements and process of planning- internal and external analysis, environmental scanning;
methods of doing such like survey, secondary data analysis; interview, SWOT and other
valuable tools necessary for planning. It was then followed with lecture simulation on SWOT
to problem tree to objective tree activity. A lecture with workshop was also initiated on how
to make a VISION, MISSION and outlining the GOALS. Anticipated activities were seen as
well. Clue guides were also given. Moreover, a secondary data analysis was also done on the
barangay. An ocular visit and initial field interview to the residents for a quick snap shot was
initiated. This was followed by the conduct of Stakeholder analysis.
On week days, students, amid their tight working schedules, took time to
appear in the chosen Barangay to present the proposal for Barangay Development Planning to
the Barangay Council. A resolution was obtained for their nod and acceptance. Other team
members took time to prepare for their budget and needed contribution for Phase 2. Indeed,
well prepared and carefully assigned tasks were distributed to all.
Also included in this two month preparation before embarking on Phase 2
were a series of capability building sessions like, how to give effective lecture, how to
maintain rapport with the participants, how to process activities, how to maintain decorum
and order, how to deal with elders, learn action songs and most importantly talking on the
vernacular in daily conversations.
A partnership with shared responsibility and certain amount of contributions
from both the students and the partner barangay was finalized.
Phase 2- The MPA students (Facilitators) in Practice and the Participants
The Location
The chosen barangay was Barangay New Bantayan at the Municipality of
Asuncion in the Province of Davao del Norte. The Municipality has 20 barangays. Of these,
only 1 barangay has an existing Barangay Development Plan. The entry to the Barangay by

the students of USeP as said by the Mayor is a welcome change to the people of New
Bantayan. Furthermore, the task, he added, is so noble.
The barangay has around 2800 residents. Main source of income is banana
farming. Its Internal revenue allotment (IRA), share from the LGU, is less than 1 million
pesos. Many of its barangay officials are newly elected. The barangay has a potential for
agricultural development as well as eco-tourism. In one of the meetings of the barangay
officials with the MPA students, they admitted that their annula plans and activities were
mostly copy and paste of the previous year. They need fresh ideas and guidance to view in
greater perspective what service in the barangay is all about and be informed of the varied
linkages that they can connect to.
The Seminar-Writeshop
On August 5, 6, 7 and 8, 2009, MPA students set forth at Barangay New
Bantayan. Thirty two (32) participants as identified in the Stakeholder analysis came with
vigor and enthusiasm. The program was followed religiously as scheduled.MPA students
assigned to topics came ready and prepared. It was grace under pressure. The seminarworkshop of 4 days employed a variety of approaches as mode of delivery. In summary, the
activities consisted of the following: Day 1- Registration, Expectations, SWOT; Day 2Problem Tree and Objective Tree, VISION and MISSION making; Day 3- GOALS and
activities; Day 4- Activity Planning for the next 3 years following this format- barangay
development thrust, objectives, programs/activities, strategies, indicators, expected output,
time frame, budget, source of fund, person/agency responsible; Day 4- Writeshop for the
Goals and Closing Ceremony. Hence, to wit:
Barangay Principles and Values: Kami matinud-anon, makanunayon, magkahiusa nga
magpadayon nga makab-ot ug matuman ang kalambuan sa among barangay; Kami nga mga
taga New-BantayaMagkahiusa, magsinabtanay, matinud-anon, madasigon, malungtaron ug
ligdung nga katawhan sa barangay;
Barangay Vision: Kami maningkamot nga adunay malungtaron, makanunayon ug
progresibong ekonomiya, maampingon sa kinaiyahan, ug magpuyo nga haruhay malinawon;
Barangay Mission: Ang Barangay New Bantayan magpadayong prodyuser ug
eksporter sa saging, pagsuporta sa maayong edukasyon, himsog nga panglawas, alternatibong
panginabuhian, dugang nga infrastraktura, pag-ikag sa eco-tourism, hinlo ug lunhaw nga
kinaiyahan, pagpanday ug mga balaod alang sa umaabot nga progresibong henerasyon nga
katawhan sa barangay;
Barangay Goals: 1. Magkahiusa ug disiplinado nga katawhan sa
Barangay;2.Makahatag og maayong panginabuhian sa mga lumulupyo sa Barangay;
3.Mapakunhod ang problema sa panglawas;4. Makahimo ug mga proyekto nga makatabang
sa lumulupyo sa Barangay; 5.Mapataas ang literacy rate; 6.Pinakamalinawon nga Barangay
sa Asuncion; 7.Pag-awhag sa mga lumulupyo sa pagpakabana sa kalihukan sa Barangay; 8.

Pinakalimpyo nga Barangay sa lungsod ng Asuncion; 9. Pagprodyus ug maayong kalidad sa

saging.
( these would be translated for international presentation)
Phase 3- Facilitators Writeshop and Turn -Over
After a week, the facilitators went back on the working table and spent 2
overnights to finally write the 3-Year Development Plan of Barangay New Bantayan from
2010-2012. A guide and set of tasking was employed. These are: review of barangay profile;
consolidate the 3 year action plan; write current situation of the barangay and plenary session
to unify all efforts.
By September 03, 2009, the facilitators went back to New Bantayan and
present the first draft of their Barangay development Plan to their Barangay Council. All our
labors and aspirations are now written. We need to work. We need strong linked arms for
development to happen. After some suggestions and some recommendations, facilitators
finalized the 135 page Barangay Development Plan of New Bantayan. Table of Contents are
as follows: cover page, acronyms, executive summary, methodology, schedule of activities,
messages, barangay profile, barangay principles and values, vision, mission, barangay
development thrusts with current situation, objectives, and the 3 year proposed activities as
arranged by the council of New Bantayan. Followed by appendices of lectures and pictures.
On September 11, 2009, together with officials of the College, facilitators and
in celebration of Araw ng Barangay of New Bantayan, a formal turn-over was made. It was
witnessed by the Mayor of the town, representatives from the Governor and House of
Representatives. A gist of the plan was also presented to the constituents of New Bantayan.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Indeed, the four-fold thrust of the University is realized. A careful, well thought of
syllabus anticipated for better results plus the dedication and commitment to nurture learning
both in theory and in practice by professor is deemed important.
Mastery is very important. Such knowledge is elevated to a higher ground. Thus,
these are all achieved not just by simulation but by practice as well. The different modes of
learning via blended learning are a must for graduate students to maximize full potential of
learning.
Assistance via capability building, linkage and others must be at hand for the
barangay to sustain quest of development.

A good monitoring and follow- up is important.

Thereby, such framework works best for higher educational learning .To wit;

Theoretical Foundations

Planning Model
RA 7160

Practical Applications
o MPA
Students
Barangay

Blended Learning
Approach

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