On January 14, 2026, the Barangay Hall of General Delgado, New Lucena once again became a space for honest conversation, healthy debate, and shared decision-making. From 9:00 to 11:30 AM, all 15 targeted participants were present—a full house of barangay officials, BHWs, 4Ps beneficiaries, SK members, tanods, farmers, and drivers—proving that when the community is invited to the table, they show up.

This wasn’t a meeting to start from scratch. It was about polishing what was already built.

“Diri na kita sa pagpa-nami, indi na sa pag-ubra halin sa wala,” one participant joked as documents were distributed.
(“Now we’re just making it better—we’re not starting from zero.”)

Why Refinement Matters

At the outset, the Ms. Angela Betita, SEA Community Facilitator clearly explained the purpose of the activity: to validate, edit, and correct the previously crafted Projects, Programs, and Activities (PPAs). More than a technical exercise, she emphasized that the refinement process itself was an act of transparency, participation, and inclusivity—essential pillars of sustainable development.

The Strategic Plan Refinement Workshop aimed to:

• Review and validate existing PPAs
• Ensure alignment with the seven (7) dimensions of sustainable development
• Identify community gaps and priority needs
• Strengthen collaboration between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the barangay government

In short, it was about making sure the plan truly reflected the community’s voice—and reality.

Going Through the Plan, Line by Line

The heart of the workshop was a careful review and enhancement of PPAs across all seven dimensions. Participants read, discussed, clarified, and improved entries to ensure that nothing was outdated, unclear, or disconnected from current community needs.

“Mas nami guid nga subong pa lang klaro na,” a barangay official shared.
(“It’s better to make things clear now.”)

This collective review ensured that the strategic plan remained accurate, responsive, and inclusive, rather than a document that simply sits on a shelf.

Filling the Gaps: New Priorities, Real Needs

As gaps surfaced, participants didn’t hesitate to propose additional priority PPAs grounded in everyday experience. Among the key additions were:

• Installation of safety barriers along accident-prone areas (banglid) to prevent injuries and accidents
• Rehabilitation and installation of street lights to enhance public safety and support environmental sustainability
• Concrete paving of unserved road sections, particularly in Sitio Inanglayan, to improve accessibility and mobility

A driver chimed in during the discussion:
“Kun mayo ang dalan kag masanag ang suga, mas safe para sa tanan,”
(“If roads are better and streets are well-lit, everyone is safer.”)

Culture, Youth, and the Soul of the Barangay

Beyond infrastructure, participants strongly emphasized cultural development, highlighting traditional activities such as Palo Sebo and Lagsanay Idik. These were recognized not just as festivities, but as vital tools for preserving cultural identity, building pride, and connecting generations.

“Diri guid makita kun sin-o kita,” one elder remarked.
(“This is where we see who we really are.”)

The group also underscored the importance of sports and youth development, proposing:

• An inter-barangay sports league
• Additional sports equipment, including ring balls, to encourage youth participation

These initiatives were seen as investments in healthy lifestyles, discipline, and community bonding.

Building Leaders, Not Just Programs

To ensure that good plans translate into good action, participants identified the need for a Leadership Training for community leaders. This capacity-building initiative aims to strengthen participation, representation, and collaborative decision-making within the barangay.

“Ang programa mangin maluya kun wala lider nga preparado,” one participant pointed out.
(“Programs weaken if leaders aren’t prepared.”)

What Changed—and Why It Matters

By the end of the workshop, the barangay’s strategic plan emerged stronger, clearer, and more community-driven. The process reinforced trust and collaboration between CSOs and barangay officials, ensuring that development efforts move forward with shared ownership and accountability.

This wasn’t just refinement—it was alignment.

A Shared Commitment

The Strategic Plan Refinement Workshop successfully strengthened the planning framework of Barangay General Delgado, reaffirming the community’s collective commitment to inclusive, participatory, and sustainable local development. With active engagement and open dialogue, the barangay proved that the best plans are shaped not by a few—but by many.

As one participant summed it up while packing away papers:
“Subong, indi lang ini plano—aton na guid ini,”
(“Now, this isn’t just a plan—it’s truly ours.”)