Reysa Jagunap, the Municipal Budget Officer of New Lucena, has always been a pillar of the local government unit (LGU). Like many, Reysa was initially uncertain about the impact of the Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency for Sustainable Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) program. But as she took part in its capacitation activities—and later the transformative Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) in Bulacan—everything began to fall into place.

At first, Reysa admits, she wasn’t sure how IPAT-SIAD’s focus on good governance would truly impact her or her community. “Sa una, wala ko gid masyado kaintindi kon paano ini mag-apekto sa akon kag sa LGU,” she says. (At first, I didn’t understand how this would affect me and the LGU.) But that was before she experienced the transformative journey that would change her perspective forever.

From Doubt to Clarity: The Power of IPAT-SIAD

As a budget officer, Reysa’s life revolves around numbers, figures, and policies. But what she learned from IPAT-SIAD—and particularly from the ICW—is that governance is not just about spreadsheets or balancing budgets. It’s about people. It’s about self-awareness, personal growth, and understanding the deeper forces that drive leadership.

“The more I participated in the capacitation activities, the more I understood that what IPAT-SIAD is planting isn’t just the seeds of good governance,” she reflects. “It’s planting seeds of self-awareness, of understanding and enhancing your own potential. And once you realize that, it all starts to make sense.”

The ICW Experience: Breathing Through Challenges

Reysa credits the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) with helping her connect with her inner self and cultivate a deeper sense of calm and resilience. The breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques she learned in Bulacan weren’t just theoretical—they became tools that helped her navigate the challenges of her daily life as a municipal budget officer.

“During the ICW, I learned how to appreciate the small things. Simple moments of peace and gratitude helped me breathe through my daily struggles,” she shares with a knowing smile. The pressure of managing the town’s finances, juggling urgent requests, and making sure everything is aligned with the budget can feel overwhelming. But the ICW taught Reysa to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the small victories along the way.

“When you practice patience and mindfulness, it changes the way you approach challenges,” Reysa adds. “I used to be quick to react, but now I try to breathe first and take a moment to think things through. It helps me make better decisions for the people of New Lucena.”

Spreading Grace and Gratitude

One of the core lessons Reysa took away from the ICW is the importance of sharing the blessings and grace you receive. “Kung may na baton ka nga grasya, ipasa mo gid sa iban,” she says with a smile. (If you’ve received blessings, pass them on to others.)

As a leader, Reysa knows that the work of good governance doesn’t stop with her—it’s about spreading the impact to others. Through IPAT-SIAD, Reysa has seen how capacitating civil society organizations (CSOs) can lift entire communities. She’s witnessed firsthand how the program helps grow these organizations and encourages them to step up and make meaningful contributions to the development of New Lucena.

“Ang CSOs sa New Lucena subong, mas organized na, mas aware na kung paano sila maghimo sang mga proyekto kag magpaambit sang mga kaayuhan,” Reysa observes. (The CSOs in New Lucena are now more organized and more aware of how they can create projects and share benefits.)

She credits IPAT-SIAD’s activities for giving these organizations the tools to thrive. “It’s not just about the capacity-building,” Reysa explains. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to take action.”

A Leader with a Heart for Growth

Reysa’s leadership is no longer just about managing the budget—it’s about managing the hearts and minds of the people she serves. By learning to appreciate the journey, not just the destination, Reysa has become a more patient, compassionate, and effective leader for New Lucena.

Her message to fellow leaders and citizens is simple, but profound: “Sa leadership, indi lang kita magfocus sa mga plano, kundi sa mga tawo nga ginapadalman ta. Kung magbaskog ang kada isa, magbaskog ang tanan.” (In leadership, we don’t just focus on the plans—we focus on the people we’re serving. If each one grows stronger, we all grow stronger.)

Reysa Jagunap’s journey through IPAT-SIAD and the ICW is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you become along the way. Through the seeds of self-awareness and personal growth that IPAT-SIAD planted in her, Reysa is now cultivating a community that thrives together.