College courses offered to undegrad capitol workers

Tuesday 11th of September 2012

TAGUM CITY, Sept. 11 -- Undergraduate employees of the Provincial Capitol will soon realize their college dreams through the specialized educational system of the Davao del Norte Learning Institute (DNLI).

Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario said the DNLI, which is set to start operations before the year ends, will initially benefit provincial personnel who have not been able to finish their baccalaureate degrees.

The DNLI Board of Trustees, which is chaired by the governor, approved on its maiden meeting the resolution giving priority to the undergraduate staff, whether holding permanent or co-terminus positions, to be enrolled to the baccalaureate degree or technical-vocational programs of the provincial academy.

In pursuit of his agenda P.E.O.P.L.E., the governor created the DNLI as a learning facility of the province, to streamline and rationalize its personnel development program, as well as, provide degree courses and miscellaneous trainings for local officials, barangay functionaries and the like.

Out of the over 700 regular and co-terminus workers of the Capitol, there are 55 college undergraduates, 84 techvoc graduates and 30 techvoc undergraduates, while 83 are either high school graduates or drop outs.

Del Rosario said the institute will implement a specialized curriculum using practical modules with mostly seminar-type classes, as it does away with the standard academic setting where students attend daily classes to get a college diploma.

He observed the rigid academic environment is prohibitory, if not deterrent, to undergrad employees, “who are now constrained by time and other responsibilities at work.”

The Board also confirmed the appointment of Kapalong Councilor Dr. Helario Caminero as DNLI Consultant “for P1 per a year.”

Caminero, who is the Author and Executive Director of the Philippine Councilors’ League-Legislative Academy (PCL-LA), was tasked to guide the technical working group of the DNLI on some crucial program mechanisms.

The PCL-LA’s success in helping empower councilors, through a systematic learning process in the work setting, has inspired the governor to establish the DNLI. (Noel Baguio DavNor PGO/PIA XI)