It wasn’t just the start of a 5-day evaluation—it was a day that reminded us why SEA’s work goes beyond reports and indicators. As we kicked off the IPAT-SIAD Program evaluation for New Lucena and Santa Barbara, the atmosphere wasn’t stiff or heavy. Instead, it was filled with insights, laughter, and that familiar SEA blend of honesty and heart.

Guided by our Good Governance Independent Evaluator, Sir Rene Llorin, the team dove deep into the stories behind the statistics—those real, raw accounts of community breakthroughs, stumbling blocks, and shared triumphs. It felt less like checking boxes and more like flipping through a living scrapbook of community journeys.

Far from being a mere assessment, Day 1 felt like holding up a mirror: showing how far we’ve walked with our partner communities, how much we’ve grown alongside them, and how much further we can still go. And in every conversation—whether light, profound, or somewhere in between—one truth shone through:

Real governance begins in the heart of every empowered community member.

And true to SEA culture, inspiration came wrapped in good humor. With coffee on the table, stories on our sleeves, and shared purpose in the room, the evaluation felt less like an obligation and more like a reunion with the work that matters most.

Here’s to the next four days—

to more grounded realizations, braver dialogues, and an even stronger commitment to inclusive, self-reliant development.

At SEA, we don’t just evaluate.

We inspire, reflect, evolve—and yes, we enjoy every step of the journey.