On September 26-27, 2024, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences welcomed Barangay Local Government Unit (LGU) personnel, educators, and media representatives to the Work Ethics, Leadership, Culture, and Communications Symposium (WELCCOMS) held at the KSU Research and Development Hall in Bulanao Campus. This event aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in ethical leadership and effective communication within their communities.
The symposium commenced with an insightful lecture by Ms. Carolyn O. Colangao, Program Chair for the BA in History program. She addressed the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713), emphasizing the fundamental duty of public service. "We are called to serve, nothing more and nothing less," she reminded attendees, setting a tone of commitment to ethical governance.Following Ms. Colangao's address, Mr. Rodolfo B. Tucay, Jr., College Research Chairperson, took the stage to discuss Ethical and Exemplar Leadership in the Now Normal. He outlined key characteristics of ethical leadership and provided strategies for fostering such leadership in various workplace settings. His comprehensive approach resonated with participants as they explored ways to implement these principles in their roles.
The mood shifted to a more interactive format with Dr. Ocay, who led a session on Language and Cultural Sensitivity. Participants engaged in a questionnaire assessing their cultural sensitivity levels based on research by Banggawan et al. (2016). The results indicated that most attendees demonstrated a high level of cultural awareness, embracing and respecting diverse cultures. Dr. Ocay also introduced her Language Sensitivity Model, derived from her study “Phenomenology of Language Sensitivity.” She highlighted that positive interactions in the workplace enhance language sensitivity, while negative interactions diminish it. The session concluded with a heartfelt video presentation of “Desiderata,” leaving participants reflecting on their purpose in public service.
The final lecture of the day was delivered by Mr. Jay France T. Taclawan, Program Chair of the BS Social Work program, who encouraged participants to Stay Positive in the Now Normal. Through engaging activities like riddles and discussions, Mr. Taclawan shared strategies for maintaining a positive mindset amidst challenges.
WELCCOMS 2024 not only provided valuable insights into ethical leadership but also fostered a collaborative environment for participants to share experiences and learn from one another. As they left the symposium equipped with new knowledge and skills, attendees were inspired to apply these lessons within their communities, reinforcing the importance of ethical leadership in public service.This symposium marks a significant step toward building a more informed and ethically grounded community within Kalinga Province and beyond.
Day 2 of the Work Ethics, Leadership, Culture, and Communications Symposium (WELCCOMS) highlights the conduct of workplace visit to the nearby barangays of the KSU – Dagupan Campus for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials distribution. Among the barangays visited were Dagupan Centro, Dagupan Weste, Bulanao Centro, Bulanao Norte, Bantay, Bado Dangwa, Calanan, and Dilag. Others IEC materials were sent via Messenger for dissemination of the assigned personnel.
Day 2 of WELCCOMS 2024 successfully combined educational lectures with hands-on community engagement. By visiting local barangays and distributing IEC materials, participants not only reinforced their learning from the symposium but also made a tangible impact on their communities. This initiative exemplifies the commitment to ethical leadership and effective communication in promoting public welfare.
