In the world of local governance, there’s a common lament: “There’s so much to do, but so few hands to help.” For Celna Ramos, the department head of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of New Lucena, Iloilo, this sentiment strikes particularly close to home. With a team composed mostly of job hires who lack formal training in social work, the daily challenges of leading her department can feel overwhelming. But with a heart full of determination and a reliable partner in SEA Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD program, Celna has turned those challenges into opportunities for growth, not just for her office, but for the entire community.

A Shared Mission: MSWDO and IPAT-SIAD

Celna admits that before partnering with IPAT-SIAD, many Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in New Lucena were either inactive or unregistered, hindering their ability to serve the community effectively. “I knew we needed help,” she says. Enter SEA Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD program, which quickly became her “backbone” in revitalizing the MSWDO’s efforts.

Through capacitation activities, skills training, and leadership workshops, IPAT-SIAD empowered local CSOs, making them functional, engaged, and impactful. “It’s not just the CSOs who benefited,” Celna explains. “Even my staff gained new knowledge and skills, which was a huge help since most of them didn’t have formal training in social work.”

Empowering the Marginalized

One of the program’s crowning achievements was the transformation of the New Lucena Persons with Disabilities (PWD) group. Thanks to IPAT-SIAD’s consistent support and training, the group was recognized as the Most PWD-Friendly Champion in 2023 and first runner-up in 2024.

“Seeing them thrive was one of the most fulfilling moments in my career,” Celna shares, her eyes lighting up. “It wasn’t just about the awards—it was about watching them grow into active contributors to our community. And none of this would’ve been possible without IPAT-SIAD’s support.”\

The Inner Journey: ICW and Personal Growth

For Celna, however, the impact of IPAT-SIAD wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. She credits the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW), a cornerstone of IPAT-SIAD, with changing her perspective on leadership and life.

“Before ICW, I worked simply to comply with requirements,” she confesses. “I didn’t realize that true dedication had to start from within.”

Mrs. Celna Ramos, Head of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), New Lucena.

ICW helped Celna reflect on her inner self, recognize her strengths, and confront her limitations. “The workshop taught me to breathe, pause, and appreciate small victories. It made me a better person, and that transformation rippled outward. My staff started noticing the change, and it created a more positive environment in our office.”

Now, Celna dreams of having her entire staff undergo the same transformative experience. “If ICW can change me, imagine what it could do for my team!”

Collaboration for the Future

As a proud member of the Collective IPAT-SIAD Team (CIT), Celna values the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that the program fosters. “This team has been instrumental in helping me address the many challenges of leading the MSWDO,” she says.

Through collaboration with IPAT-SIAD, Celna has managed to extend the reach of her office, bringing vital services and programs to those who need them most. And despite the many challenges—manpower shortages, resource constraints, and the ever-present demands of governance—she remains hopeful.

“Problems are not permanent,” she says with a smile. “If we work together and support each other, we can overcome anything.”

Leading with Heart

Celna’s journey with IPAT-SIAD and MSWDO is a testament to the power of collaboration and personal growth. By empowering CSOs, uplifting marginalized groups, and fostering a culture of learning and compassion within her office, she has made a lasting impact on the development of New Lucena.

But perhaps the most inspiring part of her story is the transformation she underwent as a leader. Celna is no longer just a department head who works to meet requirements—she’s a passionate advocate for change, a mentor to her staff, and a champion for the people of New Lucena.

Her advice to anyone facing challenges in their work or personal life? “Dedication starts with yourself. Take a breath, believe in your potential, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Together, we can achieve more than we ever thought possible.”

As Celna looks to the future, she knows that the road ahead won’t be easy. But with the support of IPAT-SIAD, the MSWDO team, and the vibrant community of New Lucena, she’s ready to face whatever comes her way. After all, as she puts it: “When we lift each other, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.”