Fe, a proud farmer and cooperative president from Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, stepped out of her comfort zone one fateful morning in Angat, Bulacan. She attended an Inner Conditioning Workshop, her first-ever “Lakaran.” To Fe, nature was just something she worked with every day—tilling the soil, planting seeds, and harvesting crops. Little did she know that this walk would change her perspective not only on nature but also on herself and her community.

The Journey Begins

“Lakaran,” they said, was a walk of reflection, a chance to connect with yourself and the world around you. Fe thought it was just a fancy term for walking—but she was game. The path started as a grassy trail, then turned rocky, and soon became malutak (muddy and slippery). At first, she grumbled under her breath:
“Nagbisaya pa man ko ug sapatos diri, mura ra kog mananap nga nag-agi sa lasang!” (I’m wearing my best shoes here, and I feel like a wild animal in the jungle!)

But as she trudged on, something changed. The discomfort faded. With every step, she noticed the gentle rustle of leaves, the cool breeze brushing her skin, and the rhythm of her breathing syncing with the earth beneath her feet.

A Walk Through Her Leadership Journey

The Lakaran wasn’t just a walk—it became a metaphor for her life as a coop president. Since taking the role in 2010, Fe had faced more challenges than she could count. The rocky and muddy path reminded her of the rough early days—when members doubted her, funds were scarce, and trust within the community was fragile.

“Pareho ra gyud sa among kooperatiba,” (It’s just like our cooperative,) Fe thought as she stepped over a tricky patch of mud. “Ang problema dili ang pondo, kundi ang mga tawo mismo.” (The problem isn’t the funding; it’s the people themselves.)

She recalled how she had to mediate conflicts, rally her members, and inspire them to see beyond their individual needs. Fe smiled to herself, realizing how far they’d come—and how much further they still had to go.

Victoria’s Story: A Shared Path

Victoria, another New Lucena coop leader, shared her realization during the Lakaran. She had started her cooperative with nothing but sheer determination. When the organization began to thrive, jealousy brewed among members. One day, she overheard whispers of a plan to oust her as leader.
“Abi ko gani ako lang ni nga istorya!” Victoria laughed, sharing the tale with Fe. (I thought I was the only one with this story!)

But instead of giving up, Victoria took the challenge as a sign to strengthen her resolve. Just like in the Lakaran, she kept walking forward, knowing that the journey wasn’t about proving herself to others but about staying true to her vision.

Lessons from the Walk

By the end of the Lakaran, Fe felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time: clarity. She realized that the path mirrored life—it could be messy, uneven, and full of surprises. What mattered was not how perfect the path was but how she chose to navigate it.

“Dili ang kalisod ang babag, kundi ang dili pag-uswag sa imong kaugalingon,” Fe shared later in a heartfelt discussion. (It’s not the hardships that hold you back but your unwillingness to grow yourself.)

Nature, she realized, was more than just the backdrop of her daily grind. It was a teacher, a guide, and a mirror for her inner struggles and triumphs.

The Principle of Lakaran

Lakaran isn’t just about walking; it’s about embracing the journey as it comes, with all its bumps, rocks, and mud. It’s about connecting with yourself, with others, and with the world around you. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about walking alone but about guiding others to walk alongside you, even when the path gets tough.

For Fe, Lakaran wasn’t just a walk. It was a revelation—a reminder that every step she takes, no matter how challenging, is a step toward a stronger self, a united community, and a brighter future. As she said with a laugh and a tear in her eye:
“Grabe, no? Ang kahoy og ang yuta, mas maayo pa motudlo kaysa uban nga tawo.” (Amazing, isn’t it? The trees and soil teach better than some people.)

And with that, Fe walked on—not just on the path in Angat but on the journey of her life, with nature as her guide and her heart full of hope.