Bagac, Bataan – A "Systems Thinking and System Dynamics" workshop was recently conducted for De La Salle Bataan teachers last June 5 & 6, 2025. The workshop was spearheaded by Mr. Marlon Pareja, Basic Education Principal at De La Salle Dasmariñas with assistance from the De La Salle Philippines. The two-day seminar emphasized the importance of a holistic perspective in addressing complex issues that concern the efficient management of available resources in the community.
Day 1: Laying the Foundation
● Introduction to Systems Thinking: The presentation highlighted that "purpose without perspective can become narrow" and that systems thinking helps individuals "see how our purpose plays out within a larger web of relationships." A key question posed was, "What is the cause of the problem?" encouraging participants to look beyond immediate symptoms.
● Problem Tree and System Dynamics: Participants were introduced to problem tree analysis, a tool that can help identify the root causes and the basics of system dynamics - a methodology for understanding how complex systems change over time.
Day 2: Goals, Priorities, and Practical Application
The second day focused on translating the participant’s insights into actionable goals in key priority areas.
A powerful quote adapted from Peter Senge's "The Fifth Discipline" was highlighted: "The deepest change comes not from new policies or structures but from new ways of thinking—and leaders must go first by modeling the mindset they hope to see in others."
Towards Sustainable Resource Management
A significant outcome of the workshop was the formulation of a clear, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) objective and goal centered on enhancing resource management.
This objective outlines a strategic step towards integrating systems thinking into daily operations at De La Salle Bataan, aiming for noticeable improvements in resource utilization and waste reduction. To help in the implementation of the output, quarterly monitoring will be conducted. This reflects the commitment to continuous improvement and accountability, demonstrating how a shift in mindset, as advocated by systems thinking, can lead to concrete, measurable results.
