17/05/2026
SSU GS-DPA and MPA
Two-Day Extension Activity on Barangay Governance and Leadership Training Barangay Bakung, Patikul, Sulu
May 2–3, 2026 | Alumni Room, School of Graduate Studies, Sulu State University
The School of Graduate Studies of Sulu State University successfully conducted a two-day extension activity entitled “Empowering Grassroots Leadership: Advancing Responsive and Research-Based Barangay Governance” on May 2–3, 2026, at the Alumni Room of the Graduate School Building. The activity was participated in by barangay officials from Barangay Bakung, Patikul, Sulu, headed by their barangay chairwoman, Hon. Sahina A. Anuddin.
This extension initiative forms part of the university's three-year extension plan (2024–2026), reflecting its sustained commitment to community engagement, capacity development, and research-driven public service. The activity was facilitated by the Doctor in Public Administration (DPA) Doctorands.
The program formally commenced with an opening activity graced by the presence of the university president, Prof. Charisma S. Ututalum, CESE, who delivered an inspirational message. In her address, she underscored the critical role of barangay officials as primary agents of governance and development at the grassroots level. She emphasized the importance of responsive, ethical, and research-based leadership, reaffirming the university's commitment to translating academic knowledge into meaningful and transformative community outcomes.
This extension activity was anchored on the results of a needs assessment that identified governance as a priority area for capacity development among barangay officials. It was further grounded in the Graduate School’s Scopus-indexed research, “Effects of Balik Barangay Program on the Livelihood, Peace and Order, Public Safety, and Education in Patikul, Sulu,” which serves as the framework for the university's extension programs. The initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions through strengthened local governance.
Notably, each session of the training was delivered by designated speakers who also served as the corresponding proponents of their respective sessions, ensuring alignment between expertise, research, and instructional delivery.
On the first day, the morning session was facilitated by Prof. Masnona S. Asiri, DPA, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, who discussed the Foundations of Barangay Governance, focusing on the roles, functions, and mandates of barangay officials. The session established a strong theoretical and legal foundation for effective grassroots leadership.
The afternoon session was conducted by Asso. Prof. Norenna S. Sarahadil, DPA, who presented on core skills and competencies of barangay officials, with emphasis on legislative work, including the formulation of ordinances and resolutions and the conduct of barangay sessions. This session highlighted the technical and procedural aspects of local legislation.
On the second day, the morning session was led by Asso. Prof. Jimsiok C. Asid, DPA, covers Barangay Administration, Records, and Financial Stewardship, as well as Katarungang Pambarangay, Peace and Order, and Community Safety. The discussion emphasized administrative efficiency, accountability, and the barangay’s vital role in dispute resolution and maintaining public order.
The final session in the afternoon was facilitated by Asst. Prof. Krysha C. Samparani, RN, MPA, who discussed social governance, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), and sectoral responsibilities, along with ethics, accountability, and good governance. The session reinforced the importance of inclusive, ethical, and resilient governance practices.
A significant highlight of the activity was the active engagement of participants through applied outputs. Barangay officials collaboratively developed and presented a crafted barangay ordinance and a roles and responsibilities matrix, demonstrating their understanding and application of the concepts discussed. These outputs were formally presented before the barangay chairwoman, reflecting both accountability and the practical integration of learning into their governance functions.
Overall, the two-day extension activity successfully translated research outputs and assessment findings into practical and actionable strategies for enhancing grassroots governance. It strengthened the competencies of barangay officials in legislative processes, administration, ethical leadership, and community service delivery.
The activity reaffirms Sulu State University’s steadfast commitment to research-based extension services, community empowerment, and the advancement of responsive, accountable, and transformative leadership in the public sector.
