Fostering Growth, Sustainability, and Empowerment: SEA Inc and LGU New Lucena’s Transformative Partnership

In the heart of Iloilo, where history and progress intertwine, SEA Inc and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of New Lucena have forged a dynamic partnership, joined by eleven vibrant barangays—Bololacao, Badiang, Bilidan, Bita-og Gaja, Cabilauna, Cabugao, Calumbuyan, Damires, Janipaan, Jelicuon Este, and Pasil. Together, they aim to create a ripple effect of sustainable development, empowering communities through the Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency towards Sustainable Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) framework.

Revisiting New Lucena’s Historical Roots

This legacy of community-driven progress provides the perfect foundation for the SEA Inc-LGU collaboration, aiming to address modern challenges while respecting the town’s storied past.

Catalyzing Development Through SEA Inc and IPAT-SIAD

The partnership leverages the IPAT-SIAD approach, integrating good governance, economic development, and environmental stewardship into every initiative. This collaboration ensures that every barangay plays an active role, fostering transparency and accountability across all levels of governance.

1. Economic Empowerment:
   SEA Inc.’s initiatives with New Lucena focus on enhancing livelihoods, particularly in agriculture and eco-tourism. By promoting value-added products and innovative farming techniques, barangays like Jelicuon Este and Cabugao are transforming indigenous resources into sustainable income sources.
2. Cultural Preservation and Community Building:
   The partnership celebrates New Lucena’s historical landmarks, such as the Elvas Ancestral House (built in 1934), while promoting cultural awareness. Programs emphasize the importance of maintaining the town’s identity, ensuring that its legacy endures for future generations.
3. Health and Nutrition Initiatives:
   Through programs like KUSINA LMS, a plant-based nutrition initiative, SEA Inc, and the LGU are cultivating healthier habits among children. Barangays such as Badiang and Pasil are spearheading community gardens to support this mission, reinforcing the value of indigenous vegetables for holistic health.
4. Environmental Stewardship:
   Barangays like Damires and Bita-og Gaja are leading efforts in reforestation and watershed management, ensuring that natural resources remain abundant for generations to come. SEA Inc and the LGU emphasize environmental resilience as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Impact on New Lucena’s Future

The SEA Inc-LGU partnership is more than an alliance; it’s a transformative movement. By prioritizing participatory governance, every resident becomes a stakeholder in New Lucena’s growth. The IPAT-SIAD framework ensures that development initiatives are inclusive, transparent, and sustainable.

• Economic Growth: Local economies are thriving as barangays adopt innovative approaches to entrepreneurship and resource management.
• Social Empowerment: Programs enhance skills, foster education, and strengthen local leadership, preparing residents for greater responsibilities.
• Environmental Sustainability: Eco-conscious practices are preserving New Lucena’s natural beauty and resources, safeguarding its future.

A Legacy of Leadership

As New Lucena continues its journey, its partnership with SEA Inc ensures that the town remains true to its name—pure and peaceful in leadership, yet bold and innovative in action. Together with its barangays, the LGU and SEA Inc are not just shaping a better New Lucena but setting a model for other towns to emulate.

From the historic streets of Bololacao to the thriving farms of Janipaan, the spirit of collaboration and sustainability is alive and thriving in New Lucena. Indeed, this partnership marks another chapter in the town’s enduring story of resilience and progress.