The three-day combined workshop for the Highlands and Momase Regions on the District Community Development Centre (DCDC) officially commenced yesterday at the Lae International Hotel, with Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Hon. Jason Peter, opening the event. This marks the second such workshop, following the initial combined session for the Southern and New Guinea Island Regions held in Central Province last month.
The workshop brought together over thirty participants who were engaged in discussions around the DCDC concept, identified challenges, and priority programs aimed at developing effective strategies for program implementation. Emphasis was placed on enhancing collaboration among stakeholders and improving staffing arrangements necessary to operationalize DCDCs effectively.
Minister Jason Peter described the workshop as pivotal to shaping the future of sustainable, inclusive, and community-led development throughout Papua New Guinea. “By the end of this workshop, we will have a roadmap, one that ensures DCDCs become engines of opportunity, and every policy reaches the last mile,” he said. The Minister further noted that the DCDC initiative will be transformative, delivering services, training, and opportunities directly to the people.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots input, Minister Peter emphasized the need to identify gaps, listen to community experiences, and craft practical solutions. “Development must be rooted, not just theory. From provincial leaders to village elders, success depends on unity. We must align our efforts, resources, and hearts to make this work,” he said.
Secretary Jerry Ubase, speaking about the recently passed Community Development Bill, emphasized that the legislation elevates community development as a national priority. The Bill empowers local leaders to take charge of their communities’ futures and introduces accountability measures to ensure commitments translate into tangible progress. Secretary Ubase also mentioned that the Disability Services Bill is prepared and ready for presentation in Parliament, signaling further attention to inclusive development.
Morobe Provincial Administrator, Mr. Max Bruten, welcomed participants on behalf of the Governor, district MPs, and the people of Morobe Province, expressing gratitude to the department for hosting the workshop locally.
The workshop is scheduled to conclude this Thursday and aims to produce a comprehensive Program Implementation Framework. This framework will serve as a model that can be replicated nationwide, strengthening the role of DCDCs in fostering development that truly reaches communities across Papua New Guinea.