In Bingawan, Iloilo, a quiet revolution is happening—not on the streets, but in the hearts and minds of its young leaders.

Every week, during their Kamustahan sessions, the youth participants of the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW)—a transformative initiative under Solution Ecosystems Activator (SEA) Inc.’s IPAT-SIAD program—gather not just to talk, but to connect, reflect, and rise together.

It’s a safe space where laughter meets tears, and stories once kept in silence find strength in being shared.

“Daw ginkilala ko liwat ang akon kaugalingon.”

(“It felt like I reintroduced myself to… me.”) – Johnrey Miro, SK Chairman

For many, like Johnrey, the most confronting challenge was letting go of their phones for a week. But in return, they gained something more powerful: self-awareness.
“Before, I didn’t realize how lost I was in distractions. But when I started writing in my journal, doing heart breathing, and sharing my story, I saw my purpose more clearly,” he said.

And it wasn’t just about looking inward—it was about looking around. “I discovered that even my pain could be someone else’s comfort. Our shared experiences are our strength,” added Karen Mae Lebin, a working student and future community developer.

“Wala ko ginpili sang kurso, pero ginpalangga ko siya.”

(“I didn’t choose my course, but I learned to love it.”) – Stephanie Ann Delos Reyes

Life doesn’t always give you choices. Many of these youth, like Ronemae Bersamina and Pia Mae Dagum, didn’t get to study what they wanted. “I was pressured—ako lang nakatapos sa pamilya. There were days I asked, ‘Kaya ko pa ba?’ But my family’s support became my fuel,” Pia shared.

And like Stephanie Maye Lampon, who gave up her dream course because of her sister’s illness, they all made sacrifices. “I chose a course we could afford, not the one I dreamed of. But I promised myself I would thrive—and I did.”

 “May ara guid ya solusyon—basta may pagsalig ka sa Ginoo kag sa kaugalingon mo.”

(“There’s always a way—as long as you trust God and yourself.”) – Oem Palma

The stories shared weren’t sugar-coated. They talked about financial struggles, family problems, grief, and mental exhaustion. But behind every hardship was a heart that refused to give up.

Take Rynz Johanne Bandada, who was raised without parents and relied on his aunt’s meager income. Through the Iloilo scholarship program, SK service, and working student gigs, he carved a future out of sheer determination.
“I couldn’t afford school, but I found ways. I found hope,” he said.

The Power of Inner Work

The ICW was more than just activities—it was an invitation to confront their fears and realign with their purpose.

From heart breathing to journaling, from silent reflection to group sharing, participants learned to pause and ask: Who am I really? What do I carry? And where am I going?

As Joshua Noel Somejo, an SK official, shared:

“Madaling maging tao, mahirap magpakatao. I learned that being a leader isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about growing with your community and admitting you’re still learning.”

For Gwendolyn Villariez, it wasn’t until after the weeklong workshop that things made sense. “I joined not knowing why. But when Sir Nic said, ‘You bring back what you’ve learned to your community,’ it hit me—I’m here to serve, not just to survive.”

The ripple effect is real.

Sheryl Anne Bandada became an unexpected light to her classmates.

“They told my mom, ‘Kung wala si Sheryl, indi ko ka graduate.’ I never thought helping others with assignments would matter that much.”

Jhea Maye Justado, once a consistent honor student, found peace in failure. “I may have fallen, but I stood up. Not everything is for you—but you’ll find what is.”

The IPAT-SIAD Connection

This transformation isn’t accidental. It’s the IPAT-SIAD governance model in action—Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency towards Sustainable Integrated Area Development.

It starts with empowering the inner lives of individuals—especially the youth—so they can step into active roles in reshaping their barangays and municipalities.

SEA Inc. believes that local development must go beyond infrastructure and income—it must begin with the human being, the inner condition of the heart, and the willingness to co-create a better future.

Words to Live By from Bingawan’s Youth:

• “Just stay positive.”
• “Life may be tough, but through Him it comes so easy.”
• “In every obstacle, there is a solution.”
• “At the end of the day, just smile.”
• “Don’t settle for less.”

One week. One workshop. A lifetime of change.

The youth of Bingawan have proven that when you turn inward with honesty, you can step forward with courage. Because the journey of transformation—of a person, of a barangay, of a whole nation—starts from within.