Capability building in Tarlac: A journey toward community development and nation building

The Capability Building program has been making waves across the country, empowering communities with the knowledge and skills needed for personal and collective growth. Launched in November 2023, the program embarked on its pilot run in Del Carmen, Siargao. Building on the foundations of the pilot in Mindanao, the program was also piloted in the Visayas last 6-7 April 2024 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. To complete the nationwide pilot, GK-Ateneo conducted the third run and the Luzon leg of the pilot in the Gladys SIBOL School in GK Concepcion, Tarlac Province on 20-21 April 2024. A total of 42 participants attended with the majority coming from the different Gawad Kalinga communities in Tarlac: GK Concepcion, GK Sapang Maragul, GK Gerona, GK San Clemente, and GK Moncada. Also present were GK Area Development Officers and the GK Area Team Leader of North Luzon and community organizers from GK Nueva Ecija.

The 2-day training program focused on two key modules: Module 1 - “My Personal Community Development Journey” and Module 2 - “Community Development and Nation Building”. Each run of the program was designed to be an engaging experience for participants with activities like breakout groups, structured learning activities, plenary sessions, and icebreakers fostering collaboration, learning and community spirit.

The participation of the GK Tarlac Youth brought fresh perspectives and vibrant energy. These young leaders contribute greatly to the progress and development of GK Tarlac with some of them functioning as community organizers for the different communities.

As the Capability Building program expands, it continues to inspire individuals to play an active role in community development and, ultimately, in nation-building. Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo, in partnership with Gawad Kalinga Institute will continue to replicate the program to reach more communities and eventually expand even to other Ateneo partner communities committed to fostering community growth and national progress.

To know more about and support Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo’s work please email gka@ateneo.edu.

Photos courtesy of GK-Ateneo