When Digital Skills Reach the Barangay: How One Training Opened Doors in Laon, Mogpog

Learning That Can Be Measured—and Felt

The numbers tell a strong story.

Among the 27 participants who completed both assessments, average test scores increased by 4.59 points, a change that was highly statistically significant (t(26) = 7.21, p < 0.001) with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.39). Nearly every learner improved, confirming that the gains were not incidental but a direct result of the training.

Equally telling is the program’s 100% completion rate. All 28 participants successfully produced the required learning outputs—a professional resume in MS Word, a basic budget spreadsheet in MS Excel, and a functional presentation using MS PowerPoint. These outputs directly reflected the kinds of documents learners encounter in barangay administration, health work, employment applications, school requirements, and daily office tasks.

Yet behind each number was a personal shift.

From Fear to Confidence

For many participants, especially those with limited prior access to computers, the training began with hesitation.

“Takot ako sa computer… pero dahil dito mas nalaman ko na kaya ko palang matuto,” one participant shared.

Another reflected, “Sa una po nakakakaba, pero pag tumagal… marami kang knowledge na makukuha.”

This transition, from apprehension to self-belief, was echoed throughout the post-training evaluation. Learners spoke not just of new skills, but of realizing that technology was something they could engage with, practice, and eventually master.

“Mas naging confident po ako,” a participant wrote simply, capturing a transformation that statistics alone cannot convey.


Skills That Matter Where They Live and Work

What made the training especially meaningful was its alignment with participants’ real responsibilities and goals. Among the learners were Barangay Health Workers and Child Development Workers, who regularly prepare reports, lists, and presentations, as well as OSY and jobseekers navigating job applications and employment requirements for the first time.

“Malaking tulong po ito sa akin bilang Child Development Worker… sa paggawa ng files at presentation,” one participant noted.

Another shared, “Makakatulong po para mapaunlad ko pa ang aking kaalaman sa computer para sa paghahanap ng trabaho.”

Students and youth echoed similar sentiments: “Marami na agad akong natutunan na magagamit ko sa kolehiyo.”

Across responses, learners highlighted how the training supports:

• Job search and employment readiness

• Barangay documentation and record-keeping

• Schoolwork and academic requirements

• Daily office productivity

As one participant put it, “All the learnings that we gain from the speaker is worth it.”

Leadership That Makes Learning Possible

The success of the training was also shaped by strong and committed local leadership. Participants and partners alike benefited from the hands-on support of Barangay Captain Mitony Leynes, whose consistent effort to make learning opportunities accessible reflects a genuine investment in his constituents’ growth.

Alongside him, SK Chairperson King Windly Tan played a vital role in mobilizing youth participation and ensuring that young people, especially OSY, had a safe and welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and build confidence with technology.

Their collaboration demonstrated how barangay leadership, when paired with community-based programs, can create environments where learning is not only possible but encouraged.

The training’s smooth implementation, high attendance, and full completion rate stand as quiet indicators of leadership that works in service of people.

Training That Respects the Learner

Participants consistently praised the quality and delivery of the training, describing sessions as clear, engaging, and supportive—especially for beginners.

“Maayos at magaling magturo,” one wrote.

“Approachable, well-knowledgeable, at malinaw mag-deliver,” said another.

Several learners emphasized that the trainers’ patience helped ease their fear of making mistakes. Sessions were described as “hindi boring,” with activities paced in a way that allowed everyone to keep up.

This mattered deeply for some. As one older participant shared, “Kinabahan sa una, pero willing na matuto kahit medyo may edad na.”


A Ripple Effect Beyond the Classroom

The impact of Batch D12 did not end with the participants themselves. Many expressed plans to share their new skills with family members, coworkers, students, and fellow barangay workers.

“Very helpful po ang training and new learnings na pwede kong ishare sa iba,” one participant wrote.

Another added, “Madali na itong mai-apply sa ibang tao.”

These intentions point to a ripple effect—where digital skills introduced to a small group begin to circulate within homes, offices, and barangay spaces, strengthening community-level digital readiness.

A Grassroots Model That Works

Batch D12 reinforces Kaluppâ Foundation’s intent to scale barangay based digital literacy programs across Marinduque and similar rural communities, where access, confidence, and opportunity intersect.

By bringing the training directly to the community, removing cost and access barriers, and grounding lessons in everyday use, the program reached people who are often excluded—barangay workers balancing public service with limited resources, OSY rebuilding their pathways, and jobseekers preparing for a digital world.

“Malaking tulong po ito at dagdag kaalaman at skills,” one participant reflected.

Another simply said, “Napakasaya… punong-puno ng aral.”

Kaluppâ Foundation continues to work with local governments and national agencies to bring inclusive digital skills training to communities where it is most needed.

In Barangay Laon, the combination of committed local leadership, responsive partnerships, and learner-centered training proved one thing clearly: when digital skills meet people where they are, confidence grows... and doors begin to open.

About the Digital Literacy Program

Kaluppâ Foundation’s Digital Literacy Training for Rural Communities delivers practical computer and internet skills directly at the barangay level, supporting learners whose access to digital education is often limited. Designed for beginners and grounded in everyday use, the program equips barangay workers, youth, and jobseekers with skills they can immediately apply in work, school, and public service—strengthening confidence, inclusion, and community readiness in an increasingly digital world.