Published: 4 July 2024
Professional Development Office (PDO) Directors Mary Joyce G. Eruma and Olympia P. Balugay with guest resource persons and training specialists from the PDO and regional training units
The Commission on Audit (COA) conducted the first Training Specialists Competency Updates/ Learning and Development Summit as part of its continuous efforts to bridge the competency gap of its workforce. Sixty-four Training Specialists (TS) from the COA Professional Development Office (PDO) and Regional Training Units (RTUs) participated in the event that was hosted by the COA Regional Office No. XI on 18-20 June 2024 in Davao City.
The initiative is part of the PDO’s focus for 2024 to further enhance the capacity of COA TS and facilitators as well as calibrate its existing training plan to attune with the latest developments in the field and realize overall organizational goals. It aims to equip COA personnel holding TS positions and those who are performing the functions of a TS, with the latest innovations in managing training activities, either in-person or online, and to hone their processing/observation skills with other training-development solutions, all geared towards attaining personal and organizational excellence and integrity.
Professional and Institutional Development Sector (PIDS) Assistant Commissioner Lito Q. Martin and PDO Directors Mary Joyce G. Eruma and Olympia P. Balugay spearheaded the said Summit. Further, expert resource persons (RPs) from the University of Southeastern Philippines, Dr. Ruby A. Serrano and Dr. Mark Anthony Arellano, joined the PDO officials together with Ms. Melinda E. Fetalco, PDO Division Chief, and TS Ms. Aileen Therese Marie A. Fellone among the set of RPs.
In his inspirational message, Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc recognized the vital role of TS in honing COA’s human resource into highly skilled and knowledgeable employees with the right attitude, which is the key to deliver excellent public service. He invited the participants to reflect on the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ new theme “Values Above All,” where facilitators and trainers should not only prioritize technical proficiency but also embody the highest ethical standards in all their endeavors, which ultimately determines COAns’ true impact and real value to society.
Likewise, Regional Director Emilio A. Asi,Jr. encouraged the delegates to embrace the opportunity to learn and collaborate and to apply innovation in training. Meanwhile, Director Balugay said reinforcing and supporting the Commission’s competency needs at all levels and functional groups are integral to improving organizational outcomes. She expounded that this can be achieved by creating a culture of learning built around formal solutions and experience, backed by a values-based environment.
Director Balugay explained that Learning and Development (L&D) is a systematic process that enhances employees’ skills, knowledge and capabilities to drive better performance. It involves analyzing skills gap and providing employees with various learning experiences that are not solely focused on classroom trainings. Hence, adopting effective L&D would not only widen employees’ competencies but also ensure continuous skills and experience progression, including succession planning, which are crucial to the present circumstances of the Commission.
Director Eruma, for her part, discussed the key competencies of an effective facilitator, underscoring the important role of TS from the PDO and RTUs in the learning experience of COAns. As the training arm of the Commission, the PDO is mandated to formulate long-range plans for a comprehensive training program for all COA personnel and other government agencies and to develop its capability to implement training programs. Nevertheless, it has been noted that an effective L&D requires the collaboration and support of various offices in the Commission to achieve optimal results.
Dr. Serrano said that learning in the 21st century involves embracing the process of unlearning to learn. Having a plethora of information sources at our fingertips, a TS must recognize that the world is in perpetual change; hence, learning to unlearn requires admitting that what we once knew and followed, may no longer be effective or useful. She also discussed the current L&D landscape and the various L&D portfolios which include, among others, the Workforce Portfolio, Individual Development Plan, Skill-Gap Analysis, and Future Trends Analysis.
Moreover, Dr. Arellano highlighted the pivotal role of modern technologies in L&D for more impactful learning experiences. The work landscape has changed dramatically over the last couple of years which necessitates the adoption of hybrid training models, learning management system, and various online tools for training. Likewise, sufficient Knowledge Management System is essential to fully implement L&D.
Another topic discussed during the Summit is the Continuing Professional Development Accreditation System requirement for all regulated professions as mandated under RA No. 10912. The Summit concluded with a written commitment among the participants to implement the innovations gained from the event in their current work assignments and workplace and to embody the COA Core Values in their endeavors. # (Contributed by Ms. Ma. Theresa S. Alfanza of the COA Professional Development Office)
Commissioner Roland C. Pondoc joins Regional Director Emilio A. Asi, Jr., officials of the Professional Development Office and participants during the Learning and Development Summit held in Davao City.