The volume of data gathered by the I-PLAN Component necessitates a more streamlined approach for collecting, processing, and presenting information.

To enhance the capacity of planning officers in handling and effectively communicating project outcomes, the I-PLAN Component organized a two-day “Basic Data and Information Management Training for Planners” on August 9-10, 2023, in Davao City.

Karl Requilme, head of the I-PLAN Component for PRDP’s Project Support Office Mindanao, emphasized the significance of integrating new tools into the component’s activities, such as the KoboTool Box and Looker’s Studio.

“We are focused on enhancing our data gathering process—how we organize, process, analyze, and present data in a way that our project partners and stakeholders can comprehend and utilize,” Requilme said.

Social Environmental and Safeguard Associate Officer for RPCO 12 Engr. Jay Amiel Ajoc served as the resource person for the first part of the training on the use of the Kobotoolbox where he highlighted the various features and functionalities of the Kobotoolbox in data collection cycle. Ajoc also presented the use of the Looker’s studio on data analysis and presentations after which the planning officers from six regions gained hands-on experience in beginning with account creation, designing forms, and making dashboards using these tools.

For the second part of the training, Louie Rodaje, Communication Specialist at ACDI/VOCA PhilCafe, delved into fundamental concepts of data presentation, the packaging of training materials, and report generation.

With better understanding of the processing and packaging information into easily digestible materials, participants can effectively support communication officers and their respective components in delivering accurate information.

Noel T. Provido, Deputy Project Director of PSO Mindanao, concluded the event by underscoring the importance of each individual’s role in communication.

“We can’t go away with numbers. When we write stories we really go back to numbers. Figures do not lie,  they always lead you to the truth,” remarked DPD Provido. “When you manage the data the information, it takes the whole village, it takes the whole Mindanao Cluster”. (JOY M. MONTECALVO, PSO MINDANAO)