This week’s ICW Kamustahan with the youth of Cabilauan reminded us of something important:

Youth leadership isn’t just about big ideas — it’s also about budgeting your last ₱100, managing group chats with ghost members, and still showing up with heart.

In the SEA Inc. IPAT-SIAD framework, participatory leadership starts where life gets messy — and these youth champions are learning to lead not in perfect conditions, but in perfectly real ones.

Jed Mayormente: Managing Chaos with Clarity

Jed shared the multi-level pressure he’s been facing:

• No money.
• Balancing school, community duties, and family expectations.
• Trying to implement youth activities for the Mayor’s Cup with limited resources.
• And, perhaps most difficult of all — dealing with unresponsive, lazy, and unreliable teammates.

“Some days I felt like the only one rowing the boat — and the others were poking holes in it.”

But Jed didn’t give up. He shifted his mindset, categorized his problems, and asked: “Which of these can I control?” He realized that not all burdens are meant to be carried alone — there are people who will support you, no conditions attached.

“It’s not weakness to ask for help. It’s wisdom to know when to.”

Rod Christian Laña: Redefining Rest

Rod confessed something many young leaders can relate to:
Overthinking. He found himself restless, unmotivated, and haunted by the feeling that he should be doing more. But instead of forcing himself, he chose stillness. He went outside, enjoyed nature, and reframed his “idleness” as rest — not laziness.

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is give yourself permission to pause.”

In a culture that glorifies hustle, Rod reminds us that IPAT-SIAD’s integrated development includes the self — and that includes mental health, boundaries, and restoration.

John Carlo Somerano: Budgeting Through It

John kept it short, sweet, and painfully relatable:
He had no allowance. Finances were tight. And the only way through it?

Budgeting.

“No magic hacks — just planning, patience, and saying no to milk tea twice a week.”

His story might sound simple, but it reflects a bigger truth: systems change begins with self-discipline. And sometimes, small steps like budgeting are the foundation for big dreams.

Reflections from the Youth

These Cabilauan youth leaders are living proof that the path to genuine community transformation isn’t smooth — it’s full of side quests, self-doubt, and shoestring budgets. And yet, they continue. They adapt, reflect, and grow — one messy week at a time.

“True leadership isn’t about being in control — it’s about knowing what to let go of, and who to hold onto.”

This is the spirit of IPAT-SIAD: inclusive, human, and honest.
Because before we can build systems that work for the people, we need to raise people who believe in themselves — and in each other.