The Social Work and Languages and Communication Departments of Saint Louis University’s (SLU) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) conducted a Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) in Kapangan, Benguet, on 21 September 2026. The activity was part of their collaborative extension program and followed up on the needs assessment held on 26 May 2026.
Representatives and barangay officials from the Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children (BCPCs) of all fifteen (15) barangays in Kapangan took part. They reviewed the analyzed results of the needs assessment and shared their insights and plans for their communities. The appraisal aimed to validate the findings on the ground, engage local stakeholders directly, and gather qualitative insights. These will guide the design of community-driven capacity-building interventions that remain responsive to local realities.
The RRA validated and expanded on the findings of the preliminary needs assessment.
Capacity building for BCPCs
The needs assessment showed a demand for seminars, training, and refresher courses on leadership, roles and functions, and effective case handling. Participants also asked for workshops on advocacy, awareness, and technical skills. The RRA verified these needs, with training on handling cases of children in conflict with the law (CICL), child protection, and community advocacy and participation. Participants also reiterated the need to strengthen the BCPCs.
Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials
The needs assessment identified a need for workshops on crafting IEC materials to promote child protection. It also called for IEC sessions for parents, mothers’ councils, and community members on child rights and parental responsibilities, as well as updated IEC and literacy materials, such as referral flowcharts, guides, and visual aids. Focus group discussions (FGDs) added that participants need capacity-building workshops on designing illustrated campaign materials, brochures, posters, audio-visual materials, and referral forms. They also lack structured training on handling disclosures, case management, and legal referral protocols in a safe and confidential manner.
Further, the assessment showed needs for practical training in drafting formal letters and writing structured reports for local officers. Participants also asked for public speaking training, a skill they rely on daily to resolve conflicts, lead assemblies, and mobilize residents.
To address these needs, the two departments will divide the work according to their respective expertise. The Languages and Communication Department will focus on how barangay officials write and speak. The Social Work Department will focus on what to identify, assess, manage, and act on to protect children at the community level.
Strengthening Partnerships
As part of the visit, the SLU representatives also paid a courtesy call on Kapangan Mayor Harris M. Dizon, strengthening the partnership between the university and the municipality. Through the RRA, the departments aim to develop more responsive initiatives for the people of Kapangan.
This engagement is carried out with the guidance and approval of the Sustainable Research Extension Unit under the Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Extension (RISE) Center. Likewise, it supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly Target 16.2 on ending violence against children), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (Article and photos by Social Work and LangCom Departments)
