Better data tells stories that lead to better communities—this principle took center stage as the University of the Philippines Visayas CAS COP-BIDANI successfully unfolded three days of the Barangay Management Information System (BMIS) Training-of-Trainers from June 17-19, 2026, at the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo City Campus.
In partnership with the BIDANI Network of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the training led discussions and workshops aimed at strengthening evidence-based planning among stakeholders by capacitating participants in data gathering, data management, encoding and validating data, and using the BMIS version 3 for sectoral planning at the municipal and barangay levels.
The event commenced with an introduction to the Barangay Management Information System (BMIS), a digital tool and approach designed to organize household-level data for use by local government units in making informed, responsive decisions. The participants were then briefed on the BMIS framework, highlighting the tool’s importance in strengthening nutrition-focused and community-based planning systems. The first day focused on the foundations of the BMIS and understanding the Family Data Sheet (FDS), cementing the foundation of competencies to gather and manage data.
On the second day of the training, the activities immersed participants in the shift from the manual paper-based encoding of data to a fully digital platform that was introduced and demonstrated by the UPLB Digital Innovation Center (DIC) team. Guided live demonstrations and hands-on workshops were done, allowing participants to explore while gaining practical experience in managing community datasets as both the encoder and data manager. Breakout sessions were held in the afternoon to deepen technical discussions, in which the participants were divided into two groups: LGU representatives and BA in Psychology student interns focused on issues and concerns related to the BMIS Family Data Sheets, while the UPV faculty, research, extension, and professional staff (REPS), and administrative staff explored broader applications of the system in terms of development planning.
For the last day of the training, a hands-on situational analysis session happened using the BIDANI Barangay Solutions Matrix. Here, the participants had the opportunity to address specific needs of the community, followed by a sectoral planning workshop. To continue what was left off in the morning session, the afternoon session proceeded with a focused discussion on Problem Prioritization, where the discussion-workshop equipped trainees with capacities for ranking issues to identify which demands are necessary and need immediate action. The day ended with everyone sharing their key takeaways and reflections.
The three-day training workshop served as an avenue for student interns, faculty, REPS, and administrative staff alike to learn more about BMIS as a tool and approach while grounding themselves in the process of sectoral, evidence-based planning at the municipal and barangay levels. In the future, as participants and trainers delve into different communities, it is essential to carry with them the essence of citizen science and participatory approaches to co-create evidence-based solutions, strengthening rapport with community members as they address the needs and real problems of the community.
Written by Dana Jamela T. Loot and Gwen Alendria
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