The Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI), in collaboration with the Davao de Oro State College (DDOSC) Extension Services Division, conducted the Training on Leadership and Community Engagement Principles on October 7–8, 2025, at Sitio Side 4, Brgy. Mangayon, Compostela, and Purok 15, Brgy. Awao, Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

The two-day activity aimed to enhance the leadership competencies of community representatives and promote participatory and effective governance in local settings. It focused on developing essential leadership skills such as active listening, communication, and consultative decision-making—key elements in building trust, respect, and cooperation within organizations and communities. Participants also explored the significance of vision, influence, and integrity as core principles that guide effective leadership.

Engr. Judy Mae D. Dehan, a faculty member of DDOSC, served as the resource speaker for the session on Leadership and Community Engagement Principles, facilitating dynamic exchanges and practical exercises that allowed participants to translate theoretical concepts into real-world applications.
The training also differentiated leadership from management, emphasizing how both roles complement one another in driving organizational success. Various leadership styles—autocratic, democratic, and transformational—were explored, allowing participants to identify which approaches best suit specific community situations.

As part of the program, a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted by DDOSC and the project team to gather preliminary data for business plan preparation. Participants produced outputs such as leadership reflections, scenario-based analyses, and mini action plans aimed at improving communication and collaboration in their respective communities.

Expected outputs from the activity included photo documentation, completed FGD sheets, safety and quality SOP/checklists, and refined training module outlines to guide future sessions.