Sta. Ana, Cagayan - A three-day speaking and writing workshop designed to capacitate selected regional and field office staff was conducted in this town from May 12 to 13, 2022. 

The training-workshop included discussions and activities focused on the enhancement of the participants’ writing and speaking skills so they can better perform work-related functions in their respective areas of assignment. 

The resource speakers of the 3-day training-workshop were Mr. Reuben L. Aslor who handled the public speaking training. He emphasized the significance of being natural and mindful of clarity and appropriateness during speech delivery. Dr. Czarina A. Abenoja conducted and facilitated the writing workshop where she tackled varied techniques in writing that are useful in the workplace. She has also facilitated a training workshop on effective writing. Both are highly recognized and esteemed speakers in their respective fields.

The training-workshop also included a demonstration-meeting following the structure of toastmaster meeting. 

"Our speech is a powerful tool to encourage or discourage other people. Let us continue to use it to make an impact and make a difference in the lives of other people. Let our speech make an impact and make a difference in the lives of the people we communicate with," Aslor said with conviction to stress his discussion about the importance of public speaking.

"The printed word is the DNA of history - the history of human civilization; writing skill, on the other hand is likened to a time machine that will help the future generation understand the past. It is therefore imperative that the writer ensures accuracy in data and precision in the use of words or expressions to clearly convey what actually transpired in an event and deliver the true intention of the message to target readers," Abenoja said.

The activity was a brainchild of Regional Director Joel M. Gonzales and Assistant Regional Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal, Jr., both hoping to create a pool of speakers and writers among participants who can help deliver efficient service in line with the labor department’s mandate. 

In his speech during the opening program, Assistant Regional Director Atal, Jr. emphasized the conduct of capability-building activities for the continuous professional development of DOLE’s regional staff. 

“Public speaking and effective writing can be acquired in one sitting. It needs continues practice to enhance our skills. Activities like this serve as the regional office's way of enhancing the competence of our staff so we can deliver DOLE services more efficiently,” Assistant Regional Director Atal, Jr. said. ###