Community Empowerment Store Domingo

 

 A trip to the heart of Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur was a transformative experience that forced me to rethink the  nature of research and community engagement. As a group of researchers, we came to this rural settlement with  certain  assumptions and prejudices. But this idea was soon overturned. From the moment we began our first meetings with local leaders and residents, it was clear that the people of Sto. Domingos were  true experts on the issues facing their community. They had a deep and nuanced understanding of the barriers they faced and the resources available to them. Our role was not to jump in and tell them what to do, but to listen, learn, and collaborate to find the right way forward. 

 Trust and relationships were at the core of this collaborative approach. Rather than conducting research in isolation, we made a concerted effort to engage with a diverse array of stakeholders - from farmers and small business owners to youth groups and indigenous elders. This meant spending time in the community, attending local events, and having countless informal conversations to better understand people's lived experiences.  

 As we delved into specific research projects, this relational foundation proved essential. Whether it was exploring food security challenges or developing environmental conservation strategies, we were able to draw on the community's insights to shape our research questions and methodologies. Community members actively participated in data collection, analysis, and the development of interventions. Their involvement in this process was evident. 

 But what impressed us most was the level of creativity and innovation seen in this collaborative model. Rather than simply implementing a predefined “solution,” we were able to co-create a new approach tailored to Sto’s unique circumstances. Domingo. For example, a community-led tree-planting initiative not only restored  local watersheds but also increased environmental stewardship among residents.  Of course, this type of community activity is not without its problems. Managing power dynamics, managing expectations, and ensuring fair participation required constant vigilance and flexibility on our part. There were times when progress felt painfully slow and we had to resist the urge to revert to more top-down methods. 

 But despite these obstacles, we remain excited about the innovative potential of this approach. By focusing the voice and leadership of  Sto. Domingo Community, we have been able to be a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change that is already happening everywhere. The relationships we have built will continue to be the basis for our collaboration in the future. 

 I look back on my experience at Sto. Domingo, we are reminded of the profound wisdom of an African proverb. “If you want to go fast, go alone. “If you want to go far, go together.” Community-based research may require more time and effort, but the results are much more impactful and sustainable. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this journey and  look forward to continuing to learn and grow with the great people at Sto. Domingo.

Reference:

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Information References:

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