“We should build bridges, not walls,” Robert T. Poculan, Center Director of the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XIII (ATI-Caraga), told extension managers during the Leadership and Management Skills Training held at Hotel Luciana, Butuan City, last August 7-11, 2017.

“As leaders in your organization you should be mediators and not agents of divisiveness.” Director Poculan said during his closing remarks.

The five-day training was participated in by 31 managers from the municipal local government units in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Sur. Resource speakers were from Manila namely Steve Sandoval and wife Teresita Sandoval. Topics discussed were on the importance of personal and team mission and vision, levels of influence and leadership, and functions of a manager, among others. Aside the lecture-discussions, resource speakers also incorporated case studies, role-plays and other group dynamics, and video presentations to facilitate learning.

“In my 25 years of government service, ngayon lang ako naka-attend ng ganitong klaseng training kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa ATI sa pagbibigay sa akin ng pagkakataon na makasali dito sa Leadership and Management Skills Training. Nag-aadjust pa lang ako sa position ko ngayon, pero pagbalik ko sa amin alam ko na kung ano ang una kong gagawin sa aming organisasyon,” expressed Emmanuel Cabachete, Municipal Agriculturist of Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

The said training revolved around the theme, “Inspiring, Influencing and Achieving Results.” It is conducted nationwide by ATI Central Office, and the one recently held in Butuan City was the ninth batch so far.