From November 13-18, 2023, a week dedicated to strategic planning and community engagement showcased the IPAT-SIAD program’s remarkable achievements, marking a positive impact on the targeted municipalities.

Identifying Strategic Partners for Expansion: Environmental scanning and data gathering efforts resulted in positive verbal agreements with key stakeholders in Sta. Barbara. The Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) is currently reviewing a draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), setting the stage for a promising collaboration.

Activating Community Facilitators: Letters for Barangay Development Council (BDC) orientation were sent to selected barangays (Cabugao, Janipaan Oeste, Calumbuyan & Badiang), initiating discussions with Engr. John Suelo as the resource person. These efforts aim to foster dialogue with newly elected officials.

Sharing and Processing Learnings: Embracing transparency, the program documented and shared its learnings, ensuring knowledge and progress were well-documented and disseminated. This included uploading program outputs and revising seven dimensions in New Lucena.

Formalizing Partnerships: Actively pursuing partnerships with academia, the program received an invitation to the School Governance Council meeting at New Lucena National High School, with plans underway to craft a sustainable involvement strategy.

Long-term Strategic Goals Achievements: Mentoring sessions, like the ICW Graduates Follow-up Session, demonstrated a commitment to long-term development. Mayor Liecel Seville and ICW graduates expressed hope for Nicanor Perlas’s presence in future Kamustahan sessions. Additionally, a livelihood training for Solo Parents in Brgy. Damires resulted in practical outcomes, with participants acquiring cooking skills for Atchara Preparation and planning for future endeavors.

Stakeholder Motivation and Relations: The Cabilauan Farmers Association and BADA Downstream Irrigators Association made progress in Organic Vegetable Production Demo Farm activities and identified lacking items, activities, and facilities, showcasing the program’s dedication to ensuring local project success.

Community Integration and Monitoring: The program’s commitment to community integration and monitoring was evident in meetings like the Collective IPAT-SIAD Team (CIT) Meeting and the PIME Team Meeting. These sessions allowed for the assessment of strategic plans and active community participation. Notably, the CIT meeting involved an assessment of the Strategic Plan, focusing on unresolved concerns and proposed agro-eco-tourism activities. The team also addressed concerns raised by the newly elected Punong Barangay during the PIME meeting.

In summary, the recent accomplishments of the IPAT-SIAD program underscore its commitment to fostering sustainable development. From forging partnerships to on-the-ground community engagement, the program serves as a beacon of effective and holistic community development in the target areas.