Liza Cotimo, Secretary of the Calumbuyan Women’s Association (CWA) and a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) of Barangay Calumbuyan, New Lucena, Iloilo, is one of the many unsung heroes in her community. Juggling her family life with her leadership roles, Liza represents the heart and soul of what it means to give back—whether through her work in health, her leadership in empowering local women, or her unshakable belief in community support.

It wasn’t always easy for Liza to step into leadership, but thanks to the support and training she received through the IPAT-SIAD initiative, she was able to cultivate the confidence and skills necessary to guide her peers. Liza’s journey is one of growth, of realizing her potential, and of truly making an impact on the people around her.

IPAT-SIAD: Strengthening the Community from the Inside Out

Liza’s involvement in IPAT-SIAD has been transformative, not just for her but for the entire Calumbuyan Women’s Association. Through IPAT-SIAD’s various capacitation programs, including skill-building workshops in dessert-making, waffle-making, and computer literacy, CWA members, regardless of age, were given the tools to enhance their lives and contribute meaningfully to the community.

“For me, IPAT-SIAD helped build the foundation for us to become a strong and united organization,” Liza says. “It wasn’t just about learning new skills; it was about realizing that we, as women, are worthy and capable of achieving great things.”

The CWA is an inclusive organization—welcoming both young women and senior citizens—who, through IPAT-SIAD, were brought together to interact, share knowledge, and inspire one another. Liza reflects on how their once-small organization has now blossomed, empowering women from all walks of life.

As Secretary, Liza plays a key role in keeping things running smoothly, ensuring that the CWA stays organized and connected. But she humbly admits that leadership, at first, was a challenge. “I had my doubts,” she says. “I wasn’t sure if I could lead well. I was nervous about speaking in front of others.”

The Power of Inner Conditioning: A Confidence Boost

While skill-building workshops helped the women of CWA, it was the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) that really unlocked Liza’s potential as a leader. “The ICW showed me that I had something valuable to offer,” she says, her voice full of newfound confidence. “I didn’t realize it before, but now I can stand up and speak, and I know that what I say matters.”

One of the most significant takeaways for Liza from ICW was learning to harness her inner strength through simple techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness. “I used to freeze up when it was my turn to speak. But now, I take a deep breath, relax, and go for it,” she shares. Through this workshop, Liza learned that leadership isn’t just about directing others—it’s about trusting yourself and embracing your own potential.

As a mother of four and a dedicated wife, Liza also recognizes that family is the first training ground for leadership. “I always say that teamwork starts at home,” she reflects. “When my child was sick, we all rallied together as a family. We supported each other and made it through. That’s how I approach leadership—together, we can overcome anything.”

Building Confidence and Overcoming Challenges

Reflecting on her growth, Liza explains how attending the IPAT-SIAD programs has built her confidence. “Before, I was nervous about speaking up, but now, every time I attend a workshop, I gain more confidence,” she says. “It feels good to know that I’m growing and learning. And I can share that with the women in our organization.”

Liza also appreciates the lessons learned in social media management—something she never thought she would be interested in. “Before, I didn’t understand how social media could be used properly,” she admits. “But now, after hearing from Sir Nic, I realize how important it is to use it wisely and for good purposes.”

Her message to others who might be struggling with their leadership doubts is simple: “Ang problema, indi permanente. Buligay lang kag malampuwasan tanan.” (The problem is not permanent. We just need to help each other, and together we’ll overcome everything.)

Liza’s story is a testament to the power of community and the strength of women when they come together to learn, grow, and support one another. Through IPAT-SIAD’s support, she has not only helped lift herself but she’s also been an integral part of lifting the women of Calumbuyan.

Unity and Support: The Power of a Strong Community

Ultimately, Liza’s leadership is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: mutual support. “I’ve seen how much can be accomplished when we support each other. It’s the same at home, in our community, and in our organization. When we help one another, we can weather any storm,” she says. She leaves us with a reminder: “When you’re unsure, just remember—your potential is always within you. You just have to trust it.”