Milne Bay public servants ready to help communities

Milne Bay public servants are ready to support local communities and businesses after graduating from the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance’s sub-national training ourse on Friday.
The programme was the first this year and it saw 30 public servants get together in Alotau to strengthen their core public sector and leadership skills.
Chief executive Michael Barobe said the institute was committed to sub-national training.
He said programmes would be delivered at provincial, district and local levels throughout the year.
“We are giving public servants across Papua New Guinea the skills, knowledge and confidence to support their communities,” Barobe said.
“No two places are the same.
“Local administrators are best placed to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by people in their districts.
“PILAG (Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance) is empowering them to make a difference as ethical, capable leaders.”
The district training rollout is part of PILAG’s commitment to supporting development of leaders who can drive improved service delivery and economic development.
Participants came from Agaun, Alotau, Bolubolu, Bubuleta, Dobu, Esa’ala, Fife Bay, Garuahi,
Gogosiba, Goilanai, Gurney, Huhu, Losuia, Misima, Murua, Rabaraba, Samarai, Tagula and Weraura.
Siobi Eugene, a business development officer in Alotau, said the training would result in better projects for local communities.
“The course gave us skills, knowledge and tools to better manage projects and secure funding for programmes,” he said.
“These are vital to increase economic and employment opportunities.
“We have the ability to manage the funds efficiently and effectively, and ensure we are ethical, responsible and transparent in our workplaces.
“During the course we designed new projects.
“I’m proposing economic development programs that look at rice and cocoa.
“I want to look at supporting clans to organise and unleash the potential of their land.
“Agriculture is vital for food security and also important for economic development locally.”
PILAG — formerly known as the Administration College and PNG Institute of Public Administration — is committed to development of public service leaders and meeting training needs of government agencies.
More than 400 public servants across eight provinces benefited from the PILAG district training rollout, which is supported by the PNG–Australia partnership through the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct.