FMDS hosted a hybrid Roundtable Discussion titled “Inklusibo, Makatao, at Digital na Transpormasyon tungo sa Likas-kayang Pag-unlad ng Pamayanan” on 12 October 2023 at the Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna

The goal of this event is to provide a platform to discuss sustainability issues at the community level and explore participatory solutions geared towards sustainability. The event was relevant in the empowerment of Barangay and municipal leaders in identifying local needs, addressing social issues experienced by the community, promoting community development, enhancing the well-being of their residents, and integrating digital transformation.

The roundtable discussion was aimed at individuals within the public sector, civil servants, local government units, civil society, and institutions engaged in empowering barangays and municipalities. On-site participants of the event vary from various communities around Los Baños, Laguna.

FMDS Dean, Dr. Joane V. Serrano led the event with her inspiring opening remarks. Dean Serrano emphasized the importance of sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement, as well as facilitating roundtable discussions to provide a platform for dialogue among various stakeholders as we embark on the journey toward sustainability and achieving sustainable development goals.

Presentations on Sustainability, Sustainable Community, Digitalization, and Digital Government

The presentation on sustainability from an academic perspective was delivered by Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao. Dr. Bagarinao’s presentation provided a comprehensive overview of sustainability concepts, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development at the community level.

The presentation on the sustainable community from a model community perspective was given by Acd. Ruben Villareal of Gawad Kalinga Los Baños (GK LB) Ville. Acd. Villareal shared real-world experiences and best practices from a model community that has successfully integrated sustainability into its development model. His presentation included the history and foundation of GK LB Ville and highlighted its relevant contributions to the improvement of the GK LB Ville residents’ housing conditions and living arrangements.

Lastly, the presentation on digitalization and digital government toward the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was presented by Dr. Erwin Alampay, Professor at the National College of Public Administration and Governance, UP Diliman. Dr. Alampay delved into the role of digitalization in achieving the SDGs and fostering inclusivity within communities.

Roundtable Discussion

The event was graced by esteemed discussants: online via Zoom were Mr. June Vincent Manuel Gaudan, Director of Government Digital Transformation Bureau at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Mr. Alnard Pagulayan, Leader-Talent Delivery from Concentrix, and on-site was Ms. Marites N. Caballero, Supervising TESDA Specialist from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Office in Calauan, Laguna.

The roundtable discussion successfully achieved its objectives of facilitating a dialogue, sharing experiences, and promoting solutions for inclusive and sustainable community development, including digital transformation in the context of community sustainability.

The insightful presentations and fruitful discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities in achieving inclusive and sustainable development, emphasizing the crucial role of community leaders and policymakers in bridging the digital divide or the general public’s gap of knowledge to information and in digitalization. As communities continue to face complex issues, events like these provide a platform for collaboration and innovation, fostering a greater understanding of how we can adapt to the development of our society and communities.