Ms. Teresita B. Biteng, Service Personnel Specialist of Civil Service Commission- Cordillera, Administrative Region an expert trainer on strengthening self development, positive communication, and institution building was invited as a resource person during the Joint Team Building of NNC-Region I and CAR held last October 11, 2012 at George Guesthouse, Sagada, Mt. Province. This activity aims to strengthen rapport and camaraderie among employees of both regions by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each individual and/or group, boosting confidence and enhancing skills in public service and developing ability to work closely together as a team.

She said that “Working as a team incorporates group accountability rather than individual accountability and results in a collective work product, increased flexibility in skills and abilities, more productive than work groups with individual mindset, more beneficial in times of organizational change, encourage both individual and team development and improvement, and focuses on group goals to accomplish more beneficial tasks”. Likewise, she reminded that everybody to be guided by the core values of NNC which are Integrity, Zeal, Excellence, Sensitivity and Transparency (IZEST).

Moreover, she further explained the importance of proper communication and collaboration in the workplace through a workshop “Building a Strong and Long Bridge” using materials collected during the long trip from Baguio City to Sagada, Mt. Province via Banaue, Ifugao route. Participants were grouped into two, one as the Talking Group while the other one as Non-talking Group. During the processing of outputs, she presented the big difference in terms of the appearance and durability in relation with proper coordination. She also inspired all the staff to be open and be approachable to be able to establish sound working relationships to co-workers with her presentation about the Joharis window.

As a result, the employees expressed their appreciation, commitment and support in building a healthy and friendly relationship in the workplace to further improve the delivery of nutrition services especially in the promotion of good nutrition in both regions.