Laugh, Learn, Lead: Santa Barbara’s ICW Graduates Share Life-Changing Lessons

What do mushrooms, stress, and community empowerment have in common? If you ask the graduates of Santa Barbara’s Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW), the answer is simple: everything! These dynamic leaders didn’t just attend a workshop; they walked away with life-changing realizations, laughter-filled reflections, and enough inspiration to rival a TED Talk. Maam Ethel Sucilla: The CSO Cheerleader “CSOs aren’t stress-makers—they’re sources of inspiration.” For Maam Ethel, ICW wasn’t just a workshop; it was an eye-opener. Instead of viewing civil society organizations (CSOs) and barangay groups (BGs) as extra work or endless meetings, she now sees them as drivers of change. “Instead of thinking, ‘Ano naman ini?’ when they call me,” she joked, “I now think, ‘Ano pa ang mahimo naton?’” “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

Maam Elsie Dujon: The Mushroom Maven

“Wala na ako gahibi sa stress.” As the powerhouse behind the Sta. Barbara Integrated Mushroom Farmers Association (SBIMFA), Maam Elsie wears a lot of hats—and sometimes those hats felt too heavy. But ICW taught her to let go of the stress and embrace the mess with grace. “Before, kon may Farmers Week celebration, ga-ugtas ako. Subong? Ginapalangga ko na lang,” she said with a laugh. Now, she handles her organizational duties with newfound calm and a ready smile. Who knew mushrooms and mindfulness go hand-in-hand? “Stress is like a mushroom—it grows when you let it. Keep it in check, and it’s delicious.”

Sir Julroy Calibang: The Visionary Dynamo

“ICW enhanced my knowledge, boosted my enthusiasm, and fueled my burning desire for sustainable development.” Sir Julroy is the kind of leader who doesn’t just walk the talk—he runs it. After ICW, his passion for sustainable development turned into a full-on sprint. From organizing community projects to motivating others, he’s all about action and impact. “ICW gave me the energy to go from ‘dapat siguro’ to ‘dapat gid!’,” he quipped, a grin lighting up his face. His dream? That Batch 2 will return with the same zeal to think, work, and live as empowered change-makers. “Burning desire fuels the fire of transformation. Just don’t forget to keep the fire extinguisher handy!”

Why ICW Matters

ICW isn’t just a training program—it’s a life recalibration. For these leaders, it turned stress into strength, bias into opportunity, and enthusiasm into action. Their stories remind us that personal growth doesn’t just benefit individuals; it uplifts entire communities. So, what’s the ultimate takeaway? Perhaps it’s best said in a line from Sir Julroy: “Kung gusto mo sang pagbabago, ikaw mismo ang mag-umpisa.” (If you want change, you have to start with yourself.) “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning to ask the right questions and finding joy in the journey.” Cheers to Santa Barbara’s ICW graduates! May your laughter, lessons, and leadership inspire the next batch to embrace their transformation.