“Ang pagbugtaw kada adlaw, bendisyon gid.” This simple yet profound truth echoes from the hearts of Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) graduates of New Lucena. During their kamustahan sessions, they shared stories of triumphs and trials, revealing the power of resilience, faith, and community. Here are their reflections—lessons for all of us navigating life’s unpredictable journey.

Humility in Leadership: Aida’s Revelation

“Whoever wants to be great must learn to humble themselves.” For Aida, leadership isn’t about wielding authority. “Hindi porket leader ka, ikaw na ang batas,” she quipped. This week, she embraced the grace of humility, discovering that true greatness lies in service. Her reflection reminds us that leadership grows stronger when rooted in empathy and humility.

Faith and Effort: Elsa’s Balance

“Ang pagpaninguha kag pangamuyo, amu ang susi sa kadalag-an.” Elsa celebrated a milestone as her loan was released, a testament to her perseverance and prayers. Yet, she knows faith works best when paired with action. “Hindi puwede nga magsalig lang ko sa sweldo. Importante ang pagpaninguha,” she shared, inspiring others to work hard while trusting in divine timing. Family as a Team: Liza’s Story “Ang problema, indi permanente. Buligay lang kag malampuwasan tanan.” After her child recovered from an illness, Liza reflected on how mutual support within her family helped them weather the storm. For Liza, teamwork begins at home, where unity transforms even the toughest challenges into manageable victories.

The Art of Delegation: Divinia’s Insight

“Wala man leader nga nakalampuwas nga solo lang ang pagpaninguha.” Divinia, a group leader, admitted feeling the weight of doing everything herself. “Budlay gid nga ako lang pirmi,” she confessed. This week, she embraced the power of delegation, learning that a leader’s strength lies in empowering others to share responsibilities.

Resilience in Challenges: Kelly’s Determination

“Ang challenges, wala permanente. Pero ang lessons, magapadayon.” Kelly’s unshakable spirit shone through as she faced life’s trials head-on. Her mantra is simple: challenges are temporary, but the lessons they leave behind last a lifetime. Her story reminds us to stay grounded and determined, no matter how tough the road gets.

Leadership as Growth: Ellen’s Journey

“Leadership is not a title but a journey of self-discovery.” Ellen, a first-time 4H Brgy President, discovered her strengths in servant leadership. Overcoming her introversion and honing her skills in communication and delegation, she learned that effective leadership requires humility, resilience, and an open heart for growth.

Reflections from Other Participants

The ICW spirit resonated across Cabilauan, Pasil, Bilidan, and Calumbuyan, where participants faced life’s hardships with hope:

• A farmer, after losing piglets to disease, chose problem-solving over despair: “Wala pulos ang kasubo, kinahanglan magsikad kag mangita solusyon.”
• A mother, despite the financial strain of rabies treatment for her children, felt grateful: 
• “Ang importante, okay na sila. Salig lang kay God, kay tanan nga kinahanglan, Iya iprovide.”

These stories highlight the community’s resilience, their faith guiding them through even the darkest times.

Final Words of Wisdom

“Kung may na baton ka nga grasya, ipasa mo gid sa iban.” (Ma’am Reysa) “Let go and let God. Kay ang plano Niya, permi gid ang the best.” (Ma’am Cleo)

Moving Forward with Hope

“Life is like a seesaw; sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down. But as long as you keep moving, you’ll never get stuck.” To the ICW graduates of New Lucena: your stories are proof that every struggle can be a blessing in disguise. Keep pushing forward, growing, and believing in the light that follows even the darkest storms.