1. In your own organization, can you cite activities where people empowered planning is
evident. What is the extent of the community involvement in planning?
What projects or programs your organization have organized and what is the extent of
their participation?
In my own context, our school always involves people empowered planning whether it be
in terms of instruction, research, or extension. The most notable reason is that the school is directly
managed by the Department of Education (DepEd) as it is in the first place, a public school. In
terms of instruction, people such as the students, teachers, administrators, parents, benefactors,
alumni, and stakeholders contribute in the sustenance of quality education, where their feedback
and evaluation of the different areas and domains of learning affect the decision and finalization of
plans of DepEd and the government, as well as the mindset of curricularists and education experts.
Also, everyone, even the community, contribute in the sharing of ideas on how learning can be
effectively implemented for the students’ benefit. In terms of research, people and agencies outside
our school become our direct respondents and participants in innovating and solving problems for
the purpose of improving not only the school, but also the environment surrounding the school.
They serve as the direct sources of what problems may be addressed; helping in the
conceptualization of studies and programs. Furthermore, through the help of these people outside
the institution, they contribute in the proper utilization of the results. In terms of extension, the
community are direct partners in the execution of academic and non-academic activities in the form
of contests, events, solicitations and the like. In other words, the school benefits with the people
empowered in planning, and vice versa.
2. How process is involved in people empowered planning?
The process of people empowered planning involves different processes within its own
scope. As mentioned in the report, in involves briefing and orientation with the people concerned.
This will help in the enlightenment of the idea or plan for the people concerned; providing them
background knowledge of the matter. Another is the promotion of the plan, where this convinces
people to join and to realize their role, function, and power in the planning process. Through this,
it provides a clearer insight that the organization is open for everyone’s suggestions and it even
provides a certain positive note to the institution for it emphasizes the importance of synergism.
Another is the conceptualization and creation of a committee for the planning itself so that there is
a fixed and proper authority in the decision-making. Of course, if everyone is to join, many may just
be nuisances or a problem to group, especially those who are there to complain and not to really
contribute. Another is the creation of a manual as the political, ethical, and judicial basis of the
plans and decisions to be made. This will help everyone to be more prudent on t he
conceptualization of the plan. After everything is finalized, the planning must be document and
evidence-based, with proper consensus and monitoring in case of changes.
3. How is bridging leadership develop in people empowered planning
Leadership is important for the bridging of gaps in people empowered planning for it is
necessary in terms of conflicts that may spark once differences of ideas clash, as well when people
are too passive in the planning, and if people are not willing to contribute and/or participate.
Leadership, in the simplest sense, considers facilitation and management. Through this skill,
people are convinced and are informed to participate and be disciplined during the process. For
instance, without leadership during the planning process, people may become chaotic for each
people and empowered; leading to a battle of powers in the process. Another is that if no one leads
the process, no one may proceed. In analogy, as if in chess, once there is no king, there is no play.
That is why, leadership is very important.