If there’s one thing to learn from the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Workshop held at Barangay Buyo, it’s that community transformation starts with positive storytelling. Over two days (September 19-20, 2024), the participants—barangay officials, women leaders, and barangay health workers (BHW)—gathered in their humble barangay hall to share their aspirations and brainstorm ideas. With the guidance of skilled facilitator Mr. Gideon Palmejar, they embarked on a journey of self-discovery, collective dreaming, and actionable planning.

Small Steps with Big Intentions

The workshop began with heartfelt prayers and reflections, setting a tone of gratitude and purpose. Barangay Captain Celso Sunalan shared how the previous Inner Conditioning Workshop changed his perspective, stating, “Everything that happens in my life has a purpose.” His words resonated deeply with the participants, sparking a proactive and hopeful atmosphere for the workshop.

The introduction of Appreciative Inquiry as a development tool was met with intrigue. PEACE (Participatory, Empowering, Appropriate, Community-driven, Enabling Access)—a paradigm that embodies inclusivity and grassroots empowerment—became a guiding principle for the workshop.

Highlights: Discovering and Dreaming Together

On Day 1, participants delved into the Discovery Stage, sharing why they love their community. From the accessibility of transportation and schools to the thriving camaraderie among neighbors, the responses underscored their deep-rooted pride in Barangay Buyo. Achievements like the parish church, a functioning water system, and cemented roads reminded them of their capacity for progress through collaboration.

During the Dream Stage, aspirations took flight. Group discussions revealed hopes for improved medical services, livelihood facilities, and sustainable waste management. The participants envisioned a barangay with infrastructure that caters to all, including PWDs, senior citizens, and solo parents while fostering ecological and cultural harmony.

Translating Dreams into Dimensions

Day 2 brought clarity and focus as the participants worked to categorize their aspirations into seven dimensions: Economic, Political, Cultural, Social, Humane, Ecological, and Spiritual. This exercise demonstrated how interconnected their goals were. For instance, the dream of renewable energy solutions and communal gardens isn’t just ecological but also economic, as it could lower costs and generate livelihoods.

Programs like Inner Conditioning Workshops and transparency mechanisms aligned with political and spiritual dimensions, fostering leadership that is not only accountable but deeply values-driven.

Lessons in Threefolding and Good Governance

This workshop exemplifies the Threefolding Approach—a model that integrates the strengths of civil society, government, and business sectors. Barangay Buyo is proof that no sector can drive sustainable development alone. The residents’ willingness to contribute their voices, coupled with the barangay officials’ openness to listen, is a hallmark of good governance.

Through the IPAT-SIAD (Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency for Sustainable Integrated Area Development) program, Barangay Buyo is steadily moving toward holistic development. This workshop’s participatory nature ensures accountability while fostering a shared vision for the future.

Conclusion: Buyo’s Path to Brilliance

As the workshop concluded, it became clear that Barangay Buyo’s greatest asset is its people. Their ideas, values, and unity are what make development not just a goal but a shared experience.

If every barangay embraced tools like Appreciative Inquiry and principles like Threefolding, imagine the ripple effect of empowered, transparent, and sustainable communities nationwide.

With Barangay Buyo leading by example, we are reminded that transformative change begins when communities dare to dream together—and commit to turning those dreams into reality.