As September 2024 ends in New Lucena and Sta. Barbara, the Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency towards Sustainable Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) Governance project finds itself deep in its third year. The steady hum of activities in the region showcases the remarkable synergy between civil society, local government, and other stakeholders, all working hand-in-hand to make sustainable development a reality.
Laying the Groundwork: Municipal Development Council Meeting
The first step toward sustainable development is clear planning, and that’s exactly what unfolded on September 4, 2024, during the Municipal Development Council Meeting held at Baganihan Hall, New Lucena. The local government officials and key stakeholders convened to discuss and refine the Annual Investment Program for the 2025 calendar year. The atmosphere was charged with purpose as they meticulously went over the budget allocations, project proposals, and overall strategy to bring real, impactful progress to the municipality.
What stood out? The commitment to prioritize inclusive growth—ensuring that no sector of the community is left behind. From infrastructure projects to social welfare initiatives, the planning truly reflected the spirit of IPAT-SIAD governance: transparent, participatory, and sustainable.
Empowering Communities through Health: PhilHealth Konsulta Orientation
Moving forward in the month, September 11, 2024, saw PhilHealth Konsulta Orientation unfold at Bayanihan Hall, New Lucena, with an impressive turnout of 45 participants. The aim? To educate attendees on the benefits and medical assistance they can access through PhilHealth Konsulta. This orientation wasn’t just about healthcare—it was about empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to secure better health for themselves and their families.
For many, healthcare remains an overwhelming challenge, but initiatives like these help lift the veil of confusion surrounding public healthcare programs. The growing awareness and enthusiasm among participants were palpable as they grasped the real impact of these services on their everyday lives.
Dialogue for Development: The Monthly CIT Meeting
September 12, 2024, brought together the Collective IPAT-SIAD Team (CIT) at Singkwenta Meal, Sta. Barbara, where eight members of the civil society gathered to discuss pressing issues and upcoming events. Among the key topics was the CSO Assessment scheduled for later in the month, along with conversations on strengthening organizational structures and outlining future CIT activities.
The importance of these meetings cannot be overstated. It’s in these small, yet powerful gatherings where ideas are exchanged, concerns are addressed, and solutions are formulated—ultimately contributing to a stronger and more engaged civil society.
While in New Lucena, the CIT Monthly Meeting took place on September 17, 2024, at Pinili Restaurant, with 15 participants in attendance. The meeting began with a prayer led by Ms. Analiza Pacheco and a welcome message from CIT Vice Chairman Engr. John Suelo.
Key discussions included updates on major activities from August to September, such as training on bookkeeping, financial literacy, and leadership, as well as new partnerships with ISAT-U. Concerns were raised about the termination of the partnership with Brgy. Pasil. Upcoming activities include Mental Health Awareness on September 27, a Farmer’s Orientation on September 30, and a GAD Orientation. The status of the People’s Council was also discussed, with the first reading of the ordinance completed and awaiting the second reading.
Building Bridges: CSO Assessment Program
On September 18, 2024, LifeBank Plenary Hall in Sta. Barbara buzzed with energy as 26 attendees from various sectors—farmers, tricycle drivers, and women’s groups—gathered for the CSO Assessment Program. Here, the focus was on evaluating the impact and effectiveness of ongoing civil society efforts while fostering a collaborative atmosphere. The participants tackled key objectives and dissected the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process, further delving into the seven dimensions of development.
At the heart of this activity was the desire to ensure accountability and transparency in governance. By involving diverse sectors, the assessment ensured that each voice mattered in the grander scheme of development. After all, progress is not just about policy; it’s about people.
Appreciative Inquiry in Action
Rounding off the month, the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) training took center stage on September 19-20, 2024, at Brgy. Buyo, Sta. Barbara. The training, divided into two sessions, focused on the four stages of AI—Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny. This transformative process guided participants through a series of reflections and exercises aimed at identifying the type of development their community truly needed.
The brilliance of AI lies in its focus on strengths and opportunities rather than problems. Participants, armed with newfound optimism, mapped out visions for their communities. The workshops offered a creative, inclusive platform where each participant could voice their dreams and actively participate in shaping the future they wanted to see.
Reflection: A September of Synergy and Strength
If one thing was clear by the end of September, it was this: IPAT-SIAD governance is more than just a framework—it’s a movement. A movement that brings people together, builds bridges between sectors and lays the groundwork for sustainable, community-led development. From healthcare access to financial accountability, from strategic planning to community visioning, every step taken in September 2024 echoed the project’s overarching goals: inclusion, participation, and shared progress.
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