Fifty village chiefs in Negros Occidental have completed a managerial and leadership course at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) in this city as scholars of the provincial government for more effective public service.

They comprise the pioneering batch of barangay leaders who obtained the Certificate in Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) from the Recoletos de Bacolod Graduate School on Jan. 31.

Karen Dinsay, head of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division, said on Thursday that after completing the course, the performance of the village chiefs would be monitored by the province, based on the criteria set under the Department of the Interior and Local Government Seal of Good Local Governance.

“We will require them to submit an impact report,” Dinsay said in an interview.

The 50 participants came from various local government units in Negros Occidental.

In his message, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson underscored the vital role of the barangay in nation-building and the achievement of collective goals as a province, hence the need to empower and support local officials.

“We are celebrating the managerial and leadership skills you have acquired that will enable you to become more capable and effective public servants that will further translate to better governance and delivery of services to your constituents,” he added.

Implemented in collaboration with the Provincial Board committee on barangay affairs headed by Board Member Pepello, the CPAG, which started in July last year, is a 15-unit study program that provided students with an in-depth understanding of the theories and practices in public administration, focusing on barangay governance to build the confidence of local leaders in managing barangay affairs and activities. (PNA)