They say wisdom isn’t just about what you learn—it’s about what you do with what you’ve learned. This sentiment rings true for the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) participants, who have returned to their communities with renewed energy and purpose. Like ripples in a pond, their experiences create waves of change. As Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” These dedicated individuals—farmers, women leaders, business professionals, government officials, educators, and members of the religious sector—have taken that first step. Let’s take a closer look at how each group is embracing its newfound knowledge and turning it… Read more: Echoes of Transformation: The Inner Conditioning Workshop Lives On

This week, the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) in New Lucena unveiled the profound inner journeys of its participants. Their reflections, a blend of personal struggles and unwavering faith, illuminated the transformative power of ICW, showcasing its impact on both their personal lives and their roles within the community. Secretary Roselle, receiving a valuable livelihood opportunity, faced the common challenge of funding her children’s education. “Through the ICW, I’ve learned the importance of placing God at the center of everything,” she affirmed. Her message: “No matter the circumstances, I strive to always put my faith and trust in Him.” Kagawad Azucena… Read more: New Lucena’s Heart Speaks: Inner Strength Forged in Faith and Resilience

In the fast-paced world of community leadership, where responsibilities accumulate like unharvested rice stalks before a storm, finding a moment of calm can seem impossible. However, through the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW), leaders are discovering that true leadership is not merely about action but about mastering emotions and decisions with clarity and purpose. One such leader, serving as a Farmers President and a CIT Member in Santa Barbara, navigates a daily schedule filled with meetings, concerns from members, and the constant challenge of balancing personal responsibilities with community duty. Before attending ICW, frustration often surfaced, particularly when working with difficult… Read more: Calmness Amidst a Busy Schedule

At SEA Inc., each week unfolds as a tapestry of challenges, victories, and heartfelt moments that remind us why we do what we do. As we navigate the complexities of community work, we find inspiration not just in the impact we create but in the people who surround us—lifting our spirits and fueling our passion. This week, our team discovered motivation in the most unexpected places, from the warmth of a sunrise to the strength of human connections. Angela finds her drive not just in her family but in the communities she serves. The ability to share knowledge, experiences, and… Read more: Finding Inspiration in Every Corner

Development begins with a vision, and in Barangay Sinai, that vision is rooted in the people themselves. On March 7-8, 2025, community members gathered for the Appreciative Inquiry Workshop—a two-day journey of reflection, dreaming, and planning. Twenty participants from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) came together not just to talk about progress but to actively shape it. Discovering Strengths, Finding Purpose The workshop started with a simple but powerful exercise: reflecting on the best aspects of their community. Participants shared stories of resilience, camaraderie, and past achievements that defined Barangay Sinai. “I never really… Read more: A Vision for Barangay Sinai: Reflections on the Appreciative Inquiry Workshop

What does it take to truly serve a community? Is it power, authority, or mere presence? The recent reflections of Santa Barbara participants in the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) in Bulacan reveal a deeper truth: Leadership begins from within. Before we change policies, we must first change perspectives. Before we empower others, we must first empower ourselves. This is the essence of IPAT-SIAD governance—where self-transformation becomes the foundation of sustainable development. Barangay Kagawad Susie Sulijon is no stranger to leadership, yet she faced a challenge many can relate to—an internal hesitancy to speak up. “I am usually a quiet person.… Read more: Breaking Barriers, Building Leaders

Life is a continuous journey filled with battles—some expected, others unforeseen. The participants of the Inner Conditioning Workshop in New Lucena have shared how they navigate these struggles with faith, gratitude, and resilience. Their reflections serve as a powerful testament to our strength and how it aligns with the principles of Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency towards Sustainable Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) governance. Cleo: Faith as the Anchor “We face many struggles every day—raising children, financial concerns, health challenges. We need to focus on Him because only He can provide solutions to everything we are going through.” Cleo’s reflection reminds… Read more: Anchored in Faith, Strengthened by Community

This week at SEA Inc.’s Inner Conditioning Workshop, reflections ranged from celebrating small victories to wrestling with the divine “not yet.” The staff, as always, proved that resilience and a touch of wit are their secret weapons. Angelic, basking in the warm welcome of local officials, declared, “It’s good to feel the presence of the Brgy. officials in welcoming the newly assigned community facilitator to the area. I’m grateful to those who appreciate my efforts. It wasn’t a stressful week; I was able to handle everything.” One imagines her sipping a metaphorical (or literal) cup of tea, a picture of… Read more: A Week of Wins, Wiggles, and Divine “Maybe Laters”

In a democracy, the voice of the people is paramount. Through active participation, transparency, accountability, and good governance thrive. This was the central theme of the recent Public Consultation on the Proposed People’s Council Ordinance in the Municipality of New Lucena, a significant step towards institutionalizing citizen engagement in local governance. The People’s Council: A Tool for Participatory Democracy A People’s Council is an organized body composed of accredited Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Business sectors actively participating in local policy-making. It serves as the bridge between the government and its constituents, ensuring that development initiatives align with the needs… Read more: Strengthening Governance Through the People’s Council of New Lucena

In the fast-paced world of local governance, where every decision affects the lives of many, the officials of New Lucena face daily pressures that test their patience, time management, and well-being. Recognizing the need for balance and resilience, SEA Inc. introduced the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) to the local government unit (LGU) and barangay officials, integrating it with the IPAT-SIAD governance framework. The results? A profound shift in both professional and personal lives. Ma’am Maria Rhica B. Salmeo, one of the participants, shared how the workshop reshaped her approach to work and personal interactions. “I applied the breathing exercises to… Read more: Breathing Through Challenges

The CIT Monthly Meeting held on February 13, 2025, at Baganihan Hall, New Lucena, was not just another routine gathering. It was a convergence of committed minds, a reaffirmation of shared purpose, and a launching pad for greater things. With CIT officers and SEA staff in attendance, the meeting embodied a spirit of progress, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to community development. Setting the Tone: A Welcome to Inspire The meeting commenced with an engaging audiovisual presentation that set the tone for the discussions ahead. In Sir Willy Labaro’s absence, Ms. Rosanna P. Constantino’s warm welcome message reflected a deep sense… Read more: Empowered Voices, Expanding Horizons

The Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) in Bulacan was more than just a learning experience for the New Lucena participants—it was an awakening, a realization that strength, patience, and faith are essential in both personal and professional life. Each reflection tells a story of struggles, perseverance, and a renewed sense of purpose. Dr. Reala: Leadership with Patience and Purpose “Sometimes, there are misunderstandings among the staff, and I have to deal with them. I have to reflect on who has lapses, and on my part, I reflect on my shortcomings.” As a leader, Dr. Reala understands that leadership isn’t about being… Read more: Inner Conditioning, Inner Transformation

January 30, 2025, wasn’t just another day at Baganihan Hall in New Lucena—it was a day of rekindled civic spirit, dynamic discourse, and a reaffirmation of the indispensable role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in local governance. With 45 committed participants—CSO representatives, LGU staff, and SEA Inc. members—the assembly buzzed with energy and purpose, proving that grassroots leadership is alive and well in New Lucena. The event started with a prayer led by Angela Betita, setting the tone for a meeting rooted in service and commitment. CSO Desk Officer Mr. Rudy Asesor then delivered a welcome message that was both… Read more: The CSO General Assembly: A Powerhouse of Civic Engagement

The SEA Inner Conditioning Workshop was more than just a gathering—it was a transformative experience that allowed participants to pause, reflect, and reset. Each individual carried their burdens into the workshop, yet they emerged with newfound clarity and resilience. Their stories are powerful testaments to the impact of self-awareness, faith, and purpose. Ma’am Anne reflected on the importance of giving oneself grace in difficult times.  “It’s okay to have bad days. It’s okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or sad. But as the days go by, always remember to PAUSE, REST, RESET, and RESTART.”  For her, life’s challenges serve as reminders… Read more:  A Journey of Pause, Clarity, and New Beginnings

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that change doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a plan, a strategy, and—most importantly—people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and make things happen. Enter the PIME Team, the local champions of planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, who recently convened in two barangays in New Lucena: Barangay Damires on February 5 and Barangay Badiang on February 13, 2025. While government programs and frameworks may sometimes feel like lofty ideals on paper, the PIME Team is here to ensure that they don’t just stay there. With a mission to… Read more: Bridging Plans to Action: PIME Team Meetings in Barangays Damires and Badiang

Personal transformation is not an overnight miracle—it is a journey that begins with self-awareness and a willingness to change. For Madeline Madero, a dedicated CIT member and Lifebank Foundation employee, attending the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) in Bulacan last August 2024 was a turning point. “Growth begins where self-awareness starts.” Before, patience was a struggle. Emotions often dictated reactions. But through the lessons from ICW and the values shared by Sir Nicky Perlas, she learned to pause, reflect, and respond with wisdom rather than impulse.  “True strength is not in reacting but in choosing how to respond.” Where once tempers… Read more: From Impulse to Inner Strength

“The soil does not rush, yet it nurtures life. As farmers, as leaders, we must learn from it—patient, persistent, and deeply rooted in purpose.” The Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) was not just a seminar; it was a recalibration of the heart and mind. As a CSO leader advocating for sustainable farming in Santa Barbara, John Julroy Calibang has always believed that the land teaches us lessons beyond agriculture. This workshop reminded him that leadership, like farming, requires patience, discipline, and a vision that extends beyond the present season.  One of the most striking realizations he had during ICW was the… Read more: Rooted in Purpose: Cultivating Leadership and Sustainability

They say that growth isn’t linear. Sometimes, it feels like climbing a mountain, reaching the peak, only to find yourself slipping back down again. For Ivan, a young man from Barangay Cabilaun, New Lucena, attending the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) for the first time was like standing at the edge of something unknown—hopeful, hesitant, and maybe somewhat skeptical. Ivan had been struggling emotionally, so much so that his mother saw the ICW as a lifeline for him. He attended, sat through the sessions, listened, and reflected. And for a time, he felt change take root. “My reflection on ICW that… Read more: Lost and Found: A Youth’s Journey Through Inner Conditioning