One of the concepts of the Knowledge Management (KM) is that it is a major process in creating an environment where people’s experience and wisdom as well as the internal processes on social protection and social welfare programs delivery are valued, stored, and shared. The establishment of the Regional Learning Resource Center (RLRC) Field Office I was inspired by the perception of KM wherein it envisions to provide an environment for continuing innovation and learning within the Department.
The RLRC operates as the central repository of Knowledge Products (KPs) and other learning materials that is lodged in the FO. With the efforts of the RICTMS, the RLRC is on its way in developing the interface of the Information Library System called KOHA - an open source Library Information System (LIS) that may be used in the circulation of KPs online or onsite in the FO.
The establishment of the Knowledge Corners (KCs) to all Provincial Operations Offices (POOs), Centers / Institutions (C/Is), and Regional Program Management Offices (RPMOs) was successful due to the collaborative efforts and initiatives of the KC Focal Persons to further expand the access of information. The KCs are repositories of the RLRC in the satellite offices of the FO where KPs are stored, shared, and utilized to bridge the gap on information accessibility.
This anchors the efforts of the Department on KM as well as to serve as a reminder to all staff and partner stakeholders to break knowledge silos.
KC Initiative Reports are prepared by KC Focal Persons to show how the KCs are effective in addressing the information needs of staff and clients not catered by the RLRC. This serves as a monitoring and evaluation tool of the Librarian to identify what went well as well as to specify what areas needed improvement to be prioritized in the provision of technical assistance.
Knowledge may be a challenging resource to manage, but with the different efforts to capture the stakeholder’s heart (regarded as the seat of emotion), attention, mind (focusing on reasons), and participation, DSWD FO 1 has become a hub of knowledge in social protection contributing to making the Department a learning organization.