For many, being a Barangay Captain is a job; for Elmer Monares of Barangay Bololacao, New Lucena, it’s a calling. Known fondly as “Kap Elmer,” his journey as a leader has been a testament to the power of growth, humility, and listening to the voice of the people he serves.

Yet, Kap Elmer’s leadership wasn’t always what it is today. “I used to be quite hard-headed,” he admits with a laugh. “I thought my decisions were always the right ones. After all, who knows the barangay better than its captain?” But, as Kap Elmer soon realized, being the head—or as he calls it, the “father”—of the barangay is about more than making decisions; it’s about fostering collaboration and empowering the community to thrive together.

A Helping Hand from IPAT-SIAD

Kap Elmer’s transformation began when SEA Inc., through its Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency-Sustainable Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) program, extended its support to Barangay Bololacao. IPAT-SIAD didn’t just help organize Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the barangay—it provided much-needed capacitation seminars, First Aid training, and Computer Literacy sessions.

Through these initiatives, the barangay council gained valuable skills and knowledge, enabling them to better address the community’s needs. Most importantly, SEA Inc. guided the council in identifying priority initiatives that would truly make a difference.

“Before, we were like a family working without a clear roadmap,” Kap Elmer shares. “IPAT-SIAD gave us that map, showing us how to move forward together.”

The Inner Transformation

But the most profound change came not from the programs themselves but from the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) Kap Elmer attended with two of his barangay kagawads in Bulacan. ICW is designed to help leaders reflect on their inner thoughts and emotions, cultivating self-awareness and intentional leadership.

“For me, ICW was an eye-opener,” Kap Elmer says. “It made me realize that leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about listening. Listening to your team, your community, and even yourself.”

The workshop also helped him embrace the power of his thoughts, recognizing how they influence his actions. “Be careful what you think—it shapes who you are,” Kap Elmer now tells his team. With this newfound perspective, he approaches leadership with patience and positivity, ensuring that every decision is rooted in the well-being of his barangay.

SGLG: A Proud Moment for Bololacao

Brgy. Captain Elmer Monares (holding the plaque) alongside Bololacao Barangay officials during the Liga ng Barangay event at the Iloilo Sports Complex, Iloilo

The results of Kap Elmer’s leadership transformation speak for themselves. Barangay Bololacao was recognized as one of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) barangay-level passers in Iloilo—a prestigious achievement that reflects the hard work and unity of the barangay council and its people.

For Kap Elmer, the plaque of recognition isn’t just an award; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when a community works together with intention and purpose. “This isn’t just my achievement,” he says, holding the plaque with pride. “It belongs to everyone in Barangay Bololacao.”

Leading with Love and Listening

Now, Kap Elmer is a leader who listens first and acts second. He values the input of his council and the community, knowing that development is best achieved when everyone’s voice is heard. “The best decisions come from understanding what people truly need,” he says.

With the guidance of IPAT-SIAD and the introspective journey of ICW, Kap Elmer has become a leader who inspires trust and unity. His story reminds us that leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, listening with an open heart, and serving with a purpose.

“Being the father of Barangay Bololacao is challenging,” Kap Elmer admits, “but it’s also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. And now, with the lessons I’ve learned, I can lead with confidence, patience, and love.”

As Barangay Bololacao continues to flourish under Kap Elmer’s intentional leadership, one thing is clear: when leaders grow, so do their communities.