If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that change doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a plan, a strategy, and—most importantly—people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and make things happen. Enter the PIME Team, the local champions of planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, who recently convened in two barangays in New Lucena: Barangay Damires on February 5 and Barangay Badiang on February 13, 2025.

While government programs and frameworks may sometimes feel like lofty ideals on paper, the PIME Team is here to ensure that they don’t just stay there. With a mission to turn strategic plans into tangible actions, these meetings were more than just another round of discussions—they were a reminder that local governance works best when communities take an active role in shaping their own development.

A Refresher on the Basics (Because Good Governance is a Continuous Process)

In both barangays, Ms. Rosanna P. Constantino led the discussions, reorienting both new and existing members to the PIME Team’s core functions. She emphasized that being part of the Barangay Development Council (BDC) isn’t just a title—it’s a responsibility. As stakeholders, they play a crucial role in ensuring that programs, projects, and activities under their barangay’s strategic plan are properly planned, implemented, monitored, and evaluated.

A key takeaway? Development isn’t just about building roads or launching livelihood programs; it’s about ensuring checks and balances, fostering accountability, and aligning every effort with the Sustainable Integrated Area-based Development (SIAD) framework. And yes, if that sounds like a mouthful, just think of it as a holistic approach to governance—where economic, political, cultural, social, ecological, spiritual, and humane dimensions all come into play.

From Plans to Picture-Perfect Execution

One of the highlights of the meeting was the introduction of ‘photo voice’—a simple yet powerful tool that allows the PIME Team to document community concerns through photographs. This innovative approach shifts the focus from mere discussions to visual evidence, making it easier to highlight pressing issues that need immediate attention.

Speaking of concerns, Barangay Damires raised important topics such as their water system, the reorganization of persons with disabilities (PWD) groups, and the continuation of the Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency (IPAT)-SIAD Program. Meanwhile, in Barangay Badiang, the local drivers’ group voiced their request for the inclusion of their terminal shed in future planning, along with assistance in formalizing their association’s registration.

Beyond the Meeting: The Road Ahead

If there’s one thing these meetings proved, it’s that local governance is alive and kicking in New Lucena. The PIME Team isn’t just about words; it’s about action. As both barangays prepare for a program evaluation in late March, the challenge now lies in ensuring that the momentum doesn’t fade.

True progress is measured not just by the plans we draft, but by the changes we implement. With a team of dedicated individuals ensuring that every project is monitored, evaluated, and refined, the future of Barangays Damires and Badiang is undoubtedly on the right track.

So, to the PIME Team and the communities of New Lucena: Keep asking the hard questions, keep pushing for accountability, and most importantly—keep showing up. Because at the end of the day, the best plans are the ones that turn into action.