A volunteer from I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc., a nationwide non-profit organization in the Philippines, recently represented the country at the “Development of Productivity Practitioners for the Youth” training in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in cooperation with the Mongolia Productivity Organization, this event highlighted the role of young leaders in enhancing productivity across Asia.
Jake Villanueva, I am MAD’s volunteer lead for content and host of The MAD Talks Show, was one of two Filipinos selected for this prestigious training.
Villanueva, also a University Extension Specialist at the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries, joined 25 participants from 16 Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The APO’s Development of Productivity Practitioners program aims to develop a cadre of productivity experts within its member economies.
The training provides essential knowledge and skills for productivity enhancement, targeting professionals working in industry or those affiliated with National Productivity Organizations (NPOs).
Participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum covering fundamental productivity concepts, tools and techniques for productivity improvement, youth development, economic participation, generative AI in productivity, and designing productivity programs for the youth.
They also visited the Mongolia Foundation for Science and Technology, APU Company, and Gobi Cashmere Company to observe practical applications of productivity tools and techniques.
“This training has provided invaluable insights and practical knowledge that I can bring back to our community,” said Villanueva. “It’s an honor to represent the Philippines and contribute to the global conversation on productivity.”
Villanueva’s participation follows his notable return service activity in Baguio City in 2023, where he and Rocel Bajet from the Commission on Higher Education conducted learning sessions for student leaders. The initiative was also recognized by the APO for its impact on local productivity awareness.
I am MAD remains dedicated to supporting the personal and professional growth of its volunteers. For more information and updates on how to get involved, follow I am MAD on Facebook at fb.com/IamMakingADifference or email iammadph@gmail.com.
