The first batch of trainers during the Participatory Organizational Capacity (POCA) tool administration and Data Results Management conducted by the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) in Tubigon, Bohol on Feb. 4 to 5, 2025. (DSWD photo)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) conducted a series of Trainer’s Training on POCA Tool Administration and Data Results Management from Feb. 4-7, 2025.
This is to capacitate its technical staff in Cebu and Bohol on the Participatory Organizational Capacity (POCA) tool administration.
The first training was held in Tubigon, Bohol on Feb. 4 to 5 while in Cebu province, it was held in Sibonga on Feb. 6 to 7.
The training was attended by the KALAHI-CIDSS and RPMO technical supporting staff that monitors the implementation of the program.
The Capability Building (CapBuild) Unit and the Social Development Sector facilitated and managed the training.
The training aimed to enhance the capabilities of the Area Coordinating Teams (ACT) and Bohol Technical Support staff in assessing the functionality of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Groups and Organizations.
The participants had a simulation exercise on POCA administration.
Elrond Pido, an area coordinator from Talisay City, Cebu, said POCA has a significant potential impact, particularly when focusing on the sustainability of sub-projects and the growth of O&M groups.
“When trainers understand how to assess and strengthen the capacity of O&M teams, they can improve these group’s ability to maintain and operate sub-project outputs efficiently,” he said.
Juliet Quijada, area coordinator in Jagna, Bohol, said the training helped equip their field workers to effectively facilitate assessments for their O&M groups.
“By ensuring that the sub-projects we have completed are not only maintained but thrive, we can continuously deliver meaningful and sustainable benefits to the community,” she added.
Other highlights were the Actual Pilot Testing conducted with the Ilijan Farmers Association in Tubigon, Bohol and the hands-on demonstration of POCA Scoring, Data Consolidation, and Results-Based Management for intervention planning.
They also developed plans to strengthen support for the O&M group and enhance sustainability efforts.
Participants also revisited their roles and functions in supporting O&M groups, reviewed the legal bases for assisting organizations that are engaged in sustaining Community-Driven Development (CDD) gains and were trained to provide technical assistance based on POCA assessment results.
They also explored ways to link O&M groups to Barangay and Municipal/Local Government Units (B/MLGU) or other potential funding sources for organizational development interventions.
This initiative underscores KALAHI-CIDSS’ commitment to improving the capacities of its personnel and the O&M groups they assist, ensuring that CDD projects remain sustainable and impactful for local communities. (HFG/PIA 7 with report from DSWD)
