After a transformative ICW Workshop in Bulacan, the Santa Barbara CSOs and barangay officials came back not just with newfound patience but with a few life lessons—and laughs—to share. They’re fired up with a stronger spirit of volunteerism, a newfound focus on their work, and even a sprinkle of humor to get them through the busiest days.

Participant 1
“When in doubt, take a deep breath and pretend you know what you’re doing. It’s worked wonders for my patience!”

She learned that sometimes the best way to handle stress is to act calm on the outside (even if you’re a little frazzled on the inside). “Breathe in, breathe out” is her new motto for staying composed under pressure.

Participant 2
“Deadlines? Bring them on! Now, I feel like I can take on anything as long as I’ve got my ICW toolkit—focus, patience, and just a dash of faith!”

He used to be one to fret over timelines, but thanks to ICW, he’s learned that meeting deadlines isn’t a race—it’s a slow-and-steady marathon. He now laughs at the stress he used to feel, knowing that the real key is keeping a level head.

Participant 3
“Volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it’s also about helping yourself. Plus, the more you give, the less you worry!”

She has discovered that the spirit of volunteering is as much about her peace as it is about others. Giving back has become her favorite stress-relief hack, adding joy to her days and extra strength to her coffee.

Participant 4
“They say patience is a virtue. Well, after ICW, I think I might be a saint now!”

He has gained Zen-like patience, claiming he’s now unfazed by delays, missing paperwork, or even last-minute changes. He’s decided to add “Master of Patience” to his resume.

Participant 5 

“Commitment is like rice—you can’t serve it raw. It needs time, patience, and just the right amount of heat to be fulfilling.”

She had an epiphany about the importance of following through with her public service promises. Just like a good pot of rice, a well-served community requires dedication and careful attention.

Participant 6 

“If I can handle a week in Bulacan learning patience, then I can handle anything!”

He jokes that the ICW Workshop was like a “boot camp for patience.” He swears that even his barangay meetings seem easy after that week—but he admits it’s the laughter, as much as the learning, that keeps him motivated.

Together, these reflections highlight the power of ICW to bring out the best in each person—whether it’s through volunteerism, a commitment to deadlines, or simply the patience to face daily challenges with a smile. It seems that no matter the storms, they’re all ready to roll up their sleeves and dig in, proving that the real strength of Santa Barbara’s community lies in its humor and heart. As one participant  might say, “If I can be patient, anyone can!”