What do you get when you mix a town full of passionate youth, a master of the lens, a visionary mayor, and a bold vision for inclusive development? You get a picture-perfect day in New Lucena—a moment that captured not just images, but possibilities.

The Photojournalism Workshop held by Solution Ecosystems Activator (SEA) Inc. was more than just a lesson in lighting, angles, or shutter speeds—it was a living, breathing manifestation of IPAT-SIAD: Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency towards Sustainable Integrated Area Development. That’s a mouthful, we know—but in action? It’s magic.

The Youth: Storytellers-in-Training, Leaders-in-the-Making

From the halls of New Lucena Comprehensive High School, Bololacao National High School, and New Lucena National High School to the rising stars of the RADAR Team, the town’s young minds gathered to learn how a camera can be both a mirror and a megaphone. Even a Grade 5 student showed up and showed out—proving that when it comes to passion, age really is just a number.

Guiding them was none other than the “Ilonggo Sniper” himself, Mr. Arnold Almacen—a photojournalist whose work doesn’t just take pictures, but takes a stand. His message to the youth hit home: “A single photo can reveal truth, shift perspectives, and inspire action.” A mission that fits perfectly within the IPAT-SIAD spirit, where transparency and participation are the foundation of good governance and sustainable change.

The LGU: Leadership that Listens and Learns

Speaking of inspired action, Mayor Carl Vincent Mondejar didn’t just make an appearance—he made a promise.

“In reading the newspaper, I survived law school,” he confessed with his trademark candor.

In that simple line was a challenge: Learn. Stay informed. Speak truth. And more importantly? Amplify your voice. He pledged to bring in fellow journalism advocates from UP to train more of New Lucena’s youth—because every empowered storyteller becomes a guardian of accountability.

This is the IPAT-SIAD model in motion: a local government that doesn’t just govern, but co-creates with its people—young and old alike.

The Community and CSOs: Nurturing the Next Generation

True to the IPAT-SIAD approach, the day was backed by the ever-committed civil society players like SB Member Jocelyn Espia, whose words were equal parts wisdom and warmth:

“With the right guidance, these young people will become the strong pillars of New Lucena.”

Here lies the heart of participatory development. By training youth in truth-telling and civic engagement, we’re not just forming journalists—we’re building informed citizens who will someday lead, question, protect, and empower their own communities.

The Business Sector: Opportunity in Clarity

And let’s not forget: where truth thrives, trust follows. Businesses flourish in places where transparency and accountability are not just buzzwords, but everyday practice. When young people are trained to tell honest stories and document realities, they create a climate where both investors and innovators feel safe to grow.

In short: when you support workshops like these, you’re not just framing photos—you’re framing sustainable development that includes everyone: the LGU, the CSOs, the youth, and the private sector.

Final Snapshot: Focused on the Future

So yes, the workshop may be over—but the roll is still developing. These young minds now carry lenses loaded not just with memory cards, but with mission. They’re learning to capture not just what’s pretty, but what’s true—and in doing so, they become key players in New Lucena’s transformation.

That’s IPAT-SIAD at work. That’s SEA Inc. activating ecosystems. That’s hope, framed in 4K clarity.