DILG-NCR capacitates NCR LGUs on strategic MSC writing, mainstreaming project documentation in AGSIKAP 2025 Session 4
The fourth online session of AGSIKAP 2025, held on April 30, 2025, via Zoom Teleconference, convened local government stakeholders across the National Capital Region (NCR) for a dynamic discussion on harnessing the power of storytelling to highlight the impact of locally-funded projects.
In his welcoming message, Acting Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta of the Local Government Capability Development Division emphasized the importance of the Most Significant Change (MSC) methodology, describing it as a transformative approach that has redefined how local government units (LGUs) implement and communicate their projects. He then framed the session around the theme, “community inspiring a community,” reinforcing AGSIKAP’s mission of fostering collaborative and reflective development practices.
Following this, LGOO III Ma. Pamela G. Ferino outlined the session's objectives, stressing the significance of equipping LGUs with the skills needed to document projects with compelling narratives. She also highlighted the success stories of the City of Parañaque and Pasay City in the 2024 SubayBAYANI Awards, attributing their achievements to their ability to articulate project impacts through well-crafted documentation.
The first presentation was delivered by Adrian H. Adove, Interim Executive Director of Galing Pook Foundation, who shared insights drawn from over three (3) decades of project validations. He underscored the importance of sound project management, adaptability, sustainability, and community engagement, using concrete examples from LGUs recognized by the said foundation.
Dir. Adove also unpacked the validation process for national awards and stressed the value of integrating project planning at the barangay level. “It starts at the grassroots,” he noted, encouraging LGUs to build responsive solutions based on real community needs.
Senior Information Officer Jerome Carlo Paunan of the Philippine Information Agency then guided the participants through the process of writing effective and emotionally resonant narratives. His presentation covered techniques for conducting interviews, structuring stories, and utilizing a multi-stakeholder lens to represent diverse voices within the community.
Mr. Paunan also addressed concerns on the rise of AI-generated content, advocating for ethical use and maintaining human authenticity in storytelling. He also offered templates and news writing formats to help LGUs produce more credible reports.
Rounding out the session, Project Evaluation Officer III Tracey Jayne L. Molina of the Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) presented actual stories of change from NCR LGUs, particularly the MSC narrative that helped Pasay City bag the 2024 SubayBAYANI Award. She then highlighted PDMU-NCR’s efforts to document these narratives through coffee-table books and detailed write-ups, emphasizing the role of storytelling in establishing institutional memory and public accountability.
The session concluded with a closing message from PDMU-NCR Chief Dennis R. de Paz, reaffirming the unit’s commitment to supporting LGUs in implementing impactful and sustainable projects. In line with this, he introduced Project AGSIKAP—a broader initiative that will tackle forward-looking themes such as gender equity, artificial intelligence, and green infrastructure.
“AGSIKAP is more than just a program—it’s a platform for shared learning and leadership,” he said, inviting LGUs to take an active role in navigating the complexities of modern governance. With a full slate of insightful discussions and practical takeaways, the session adjourned at noontime, leaving participants energized to bring their community stories to life and drive meaningful local change.