Brgy. Sec Catherine Lacdo-o of Brgy. Bita-og Gaja is actively participating in General Assembly.

Regarding shaping the future of barangays in New Lucena, SEA Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD (Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency Towards Sustainable Integrated Area Development) approach takes center stage. With barangays like Janipa-an Oeste, Cabugao, Bololacao, Jelicuon Este, Bita-og Gaja, Calumbuyan, Bilidan, Cabilauan, Damires, and Badiang reaping the benefits, this process is a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven planning.

Strategic Planning with Purpose

The journey begins with a dynamic partnership between the barangay council, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the community, orchestrated by SEA Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD team. Through strategic planning sessions, these stakeholders come together to identify challenges, envision solutions, and map out their barangay’s development roadmap.

Brgy. Kagawad Mary Grace Jerusalem of Brgy. Jelicuon presenting the strategic plan.

This participatory approach ensures every voice is heard, from the seasoned wisdom of barangay leaders to the fresh perspectives of community members. The result? A Strategic Plan that is comprehensive and truly representative of the barangay’s needs and aspirations.

From Paper to People: The General Assembly

Once the plan is formulated, the real magic happens—bringing it to the people. In a General Assembly or Barangay Assembly, the community gathers to review the proposed Strategic Plan. Here, transparency and accountability shine as residents openly discuss, critique, and ultimately adopt the plan as their own.

Brgy. Captain Jose Sumbong of Brgy. Bita-og Gaja

This critical step transforms the Strategic Plan from a mere document into a shared vision, cementing the community’s commitment to its implementation.

The Barangay Council Takes the Lead

After gaining the community’s endorsement, the spotlight returns to the barangay council. The council formally adopts the Strategic Plan and passes a resolution to include it in the Barangay’s Annual Investment Plan (AIP). This action not only institutionalizes the community’s vision but also aligns it with funding opportunities and resources to turn dreams into reality.

The Impact of IPAT-SIAD in New Lucena

Through this systematic and participatory process, SEA Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD approach has transformed strategic planning into a collective endeavor that empowers barangays to take ownership of their development. By fostering collaboration, ensuring transparency, and anchoring decisions in the community’s best interest, IPAT-SIAD has paved the way for sustainable progress in New Lucena’s barangays.

Ms. Mary Angelic Muzones, Community Facilitator together with the residents of Brgy. Janipaan.

In essence, IPAT-SIAD is more than just a methodology—it’s a movement that turns plans into action, communities into leaders, and visions into realities. Barangays like Janipa-an Oeste, Cabugao, Bololacao, and others are living proof that when communities come together, guided by a shared purpose, the future they envision can indeed be achieved.