On June 13, 2024, the Municipality of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo witnessed a significant milestone with the formation of the Collective IPAT-S IAD Team (CIT) through the efforts of SEA, Inc. This event brought together threefold societal organizations from the local government unit (LGU), business groups, and civil society organizations (CSOs), marking a promising start to a collaborative journey towards sustainable development and good governance.

An Assembly of Diverse Voices

The event saw an impressive turnout of 23 active participants from various sectors. These participants were eager to engage in a program that promised to amplify their voices and enhance their roles in local governance. The formation of the CIT in Sta. Barbara is a testament to the community’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.

Inspirational Insights from New Lucena

To enrich the event with real-life success stories, SEA, Inc. invited esteemed guests from the Municipality of New Lucena. Ms. Divinia Babaylo, a solo parent from Brgy. Cabilauan representing the CSOs, and Mr. Wilfredo Labaro, Manager of PIDECO and current CIT Chairman of New Lucena representing the business group, shared their inspiring experiences. Their narratives highlighted the positive impact of the IPAT-SIAD program over the past three years, showcasing how it has fostered collaboration and led to meaningful community development.

A Promising Partnership

Mr. Vincent Lusaya, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) and focal person of the IPAT-SIAD program in Sta. Barbara expressed his gratitude for this new partnership with SEA, Inc. He emphasized the importance of the program in ensuring that the voices of all societal sectors are heard and respected. “This program is not just for the benefit of the LGU but for the entire community. It’s an honor to collaborate with SEA, Inc. to drive forward the goals of good governance and sustainable development,” he stated.

Electing the Leaders of Change

A highlight of the event was the election of CIT officials from each sector. These leaders are tasked with steering the program toward achieving its goals. The election process was a clear demonstration of democratic participation, ensuring that each sector had a voice in selecting their representatives. The following individuals were elected to lead the CIT in Sta. Barbara:

Overall CIT Officers:

CIT Chairman: Ethel Wilda Sucilla

Vice Chairman: Vincent Lusaya

Secretariat: Lian Mak Berja

Sectoral CIT Officers:

Local Government Unit (LGU):

CIT Chairman: Vincent Lusaya

Vice Chairman: Noel Jaspe

Secretariat: Susan Simpao

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):

CIT Chairman: Lian Mak Berja

Vice Chairman: Dandie Zaragoza

Secretariat: Jill Maravillosa

Business Sector:

CIT Chairman: Ethel Wilda Sucilla

Vice Chairman: Madeleine Madero

Secretariat: Maria Elsie Duson

A Bright Future Ahead

The formation of the CIT in Sta. Barbara is more than just an organizational step; it represents a collective commitment to creating a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance system. With the elected officers in place, the community is poised to embark on a journey that promises to bring about significant positive changes. This initiative by SEA, Inc. is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that when diverse sectors come together with a shared vision, remarkable progress can be achieved.

As we move forward, we look to the newly elected CIT leaders to guide us towards a future where every voice is heard, and every sector plays a vital role in shaping the destiny of Sta. Barbara. Here’s to a partnership that not only meets the needs of today but also paves the way for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

 

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