Evaluation of the Barangay Newly Elected Official (BNEO) Training Program

AUTHOR(S)

KAREN KAYE VILCHES-MANDREZA

ABSTRACT

— This study seeks to evaluate the significance of the Barangay Newly Elected Officials (BNEO) Training Program on the newly acquired skills and knowledge of the newly elected officials at the barangay level among the island municipalities in the First District of Samar. The BNEO program has been designed to equip the barangay leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge, which is important as far as local governance is concerned. In this evaluation, management competencies such as planning, setting objectives, organizing, directing, and controlling turned in to have an impact on the program activities in the participants’ performance and decision-making process. The study adopts a quantitative approach to research via a questionnaire method sent to reelected (second term, third term), and reappointed barangay officials who have participated in BNEO trainings. The findings emphasize the importance and some deficiencies of the program, including the aspects where improvements would be necessary to ensure its successful integration so that it would make the officials accountable to achieve a clear good governance. Key findings indicate that the demographic profile of the barangay officials did not affect the training program. Results show that the program has had a, positive impact on how officials perform their roles and make decisions. This suggests that regardless of age, educational background, or gender, those who are willing to serve the community are motivated to undergo training and enhance their management competencies. While the program is generally perceived as beneficial, gaps remain in certain competencies, and challenges such as limited resources and lack of planning require further improvement. The study provides recommendations for streamlining and refining the BNEO Training Program to better address the challenges faced by barangay officials in their leadership roles, including the implementation of a reward and penalty system. Overall, the research highlights the value of continuous capacity-building initiatives and offers strategic insights to optimize the BNEO Training Program in empowering barangay officials for more effective leadership and community service. Keywords — Local Government Unit, BNEO, DILG, NBOO, Management Competencies