When people think of local government units (LGUs), they often picture stacks of paperwork, meetings, and the occasional community project. What they rarely imagine is the heart behind the system—the people who make the gears turn. For Dinah Malcontento, head of the Human Resource Department in New Lucena, the heart of governance became more evident with the arrival of SEA Inc. and its IPAT-SIAD program.

Dinah smiles when she talks about it. “Before IPAT-SIAD, we were doing our jobs, sure—but something was missing. Then this program came along, and it felt like a breath of fresh air,” she shares.

The Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency – Sustainable Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) program is a mouthful, but its impact is easy to see. From capacitation workshops to skills training, SEA Inc. became New Lucena’s trusted partner in development. For Dinah and the rest of the LGU, one component stood out: the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW).

Learning to Trust and Transform

For Dinah, ICW wasn’t just another seminar but a revelation. “As HR, you think you have to have everything under control and micromanage every detail. But ICW taught me to step back, to trust my team, and to see the potential in each of them,” she explains.

The workshop focuses on personal growth, emphasizing empathy, self-awareness, and purpose. “I used to think leadership was about being the most capable person in the room. Now, I know it’s about making everyone else feel capable too,” she adds.

One anecdote she shared stood out: “I used to get frustrated when tasks weren’t done my way. After ICW, I started to ask myself, ‘Why do I need it to be my way?’ I began to trust my staff more, and guess what? They exceeded my expectations every time.”

A Ripple Effect Across Departments

Recognizing the power of ICW, Dinah strongly recommended it to Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville, advocating that all department heads should undergo the workshop. “If it changed the way I handle my team, imagine what it could do for others,” she said. The mayor agreed, seeing it as a way to build a more compassionate and effective LGU.

Since then, the workshop has become a cornerstone of New Lucena’s leadership training. It’s no surprise that the LGU, already known for its innovative programs, has been making waves in the region. In 2023, they were recognized as the Most PWD Friendly Champion, a feat that Dinah credits to the strengthened relationships and renewed purpose fostered by ICW.

SEA Inc.: The Partner Behind the Progress

For Dinah, SEA Inc. isn’t just a partner—it’s family. “They don’t just train us; they empower us,” she shares. From organizing skills training for various departments to guiding New Lucena through inclusive governance initiatives, SEA Inc. has been a driving force behind the LGU’s development.

But it’s not just about programs and workshops. “What makes SEA Inc. special is that they care. They see the potential in our community and help us see it too,” Dinah says.

A Heartfelt Recommendation

As Dinah reflects on her journey with IPAT-SIAD and ICW, she recalls a quote that resonates deeply: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” For her, this is the essence of ICW and what makes SEA Inc.’s work so impactful.

Her advice to other LGUs is simple: “Invest in your people. Programs like ICW don’t just build skills; they build heart, trust, and purpose. That’s the kind of governance that lasts.”

In New Lucena, governance is no longer just about rules and regulations—it’s about relationships, compassion, and shared growth. With SEA Inc. and IPAT-SIAD, Dinah and her colleagues have found not just a partner but a guide in creating a brighter, more empowered community.