Effect of Office Productivity Software Training on the Efficiency and Communication Skills of Barangay Secretaries During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study investigates the impact of office productivity software training on the efficiency and communication skills of barangay secretaries during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on their use of common IT tools before and after the training. A total of 35 respondents participated in the study, comprising 31 females and 4 males. The research employed a descriptive survey method, utilizing frequency counts and percentages to analyze the data. Findings revealed that prior to the training, Microsoft Word was the most widely used IT tool, with 30 respondents (85.71%) reporting regular use. Additionally, 14 participants indicated they used Gmail for communication purposes before the training session. Post-training results showed a significant increase in the use of other software applications, including MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Canva, reflecting the participants' expanded digital competencies. The training notably enhanced the respondents' knowledge and technical skills, with most reporting improved proficiency in the use of office productivity tools. Based on these findings, it is recommended that continuous monitoring and evaluation of software usage be implemented to ensure sustained improvement. Furthermore, introducing updated and advanced productivity tools regularly can help maintain and enhance the secretaries' digital capabilities.