Sustaining the Gains: SEA IPAT-SIAD Framework 2

The success of the IPAT-SIAD Governance Program has positioned SEA to expand its initiatives into new areas while continuing its collaboration with the Municipality of New Lucena. With Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville’s strong vision to include all 16 barangays and establish New Lucena as a model municipality, SEA is ready to scale and enhance its impact.

Framework for Expansion

SEA will build on the Governance Framework and Operations Manual developed during the program’s implementation in New Lucena. The framework will integrate key lessons and refined strategies from the recent SEA-PTFA meeting in Angat, Bulacan, ensuring a stronger foundation for achieving strategic sustainability.

Core Elements of the Framework

1. Focusing on Tactical Gains
   • SEA recognizes that empowering barangays begins with addressing foundational needs, as outlined in the lower levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
     • Survival
     • Security
     • Belongingness
   • Community-specific capacitation activities will be designed based on local needs and supported by a comprehensive inventory of resources, programs, and projects available from the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) and National Government Agencies.

2. Empowering CSO Champions and LGU Gatekeepers

• CSO Champions: Community leaders who mobilize, inspire, and lead local initiatives, ensuring sustainability.
• LGU Gatekeepers: Key officials from various departments who advocate for the program and institutionalize its practices.
• These individuals will serve as the frontline implementers and stewards of the program, fostering trust-based relationships that drive locally initiated activities.

3. Inner Conditioning and Leadership Enhancement

• SEA emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, inner conditioning, and leadership training for sustainable development.
• New Lucena serves as a shining example, where Mayor Liecel motivated government employees, CSO leaders, and educators to participate in such activities.
• This approach bridges tactical gains with SEA’s long-term goal: creating development-oriented barangays and towns.

4. Achieving Long-Term Goals

• The ultimate objective is to help communities progress toward the higher levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Actualization
• Achieving these goals ensures sustainability, enabling communities to independently lead and innovate.

Strategic Expansion Areas

SEA has identified potential areas for program expansion, guided by refined selection criteria and sustainability considerations:

1. Additional Barangays in New Lucena

• Currently, the program operates in five (5) barangays.
• Phase III will expand the program to six (6) additional barangays, transforming New Lucena into a people-driven town with a people-centered governance model.

2. District Expansion

• SEA will identify potential partner towns within New Lucena’s district. Initial candidates include:
  • Pototan
  • Mina
  • Sta. Barbara

3. Regional and Island Expansion

• Beyond New Lucena, SEA will explore partnerships in other regions, focusing on municipalities with high potential for success.
• Initial target areas include:
  • Angat, Bulacan (Luzon)
  • Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (Mindanao)

By combining lessons learned, new strategies, and a steadfast commitment to empowering communities, SEA ensures that the IPAT-SIAD Governance Program will not only sustain its gains but also inspire transformative growth in new partner areas. Together, we move towards creating development-oriented towns that embody the essence of people-centered governance.