After the reflections came the real battlefield: implementation updates. And if the women who inspire SEA taught resilience, the fieldwork proved it.

Santa Barbara: Women Leading the Way

In Duyanduyan, the CBL ratification for KADUYAN was successfully conducted — membership fees now serving as revolving funds. DOLE registrations are ongoing, with Cadagmayan Sur nearly complete (just one signature left — sometimes progress is one pen stroke away).

Bagumbayan women didn’t just meet their target in liniment-making — they exceeded expectations, producing 75 pots. Productivity with purpose. Several women’s groups are preparing for DOLE registration, while coordination with MDRRMO and DOH continues for First Aid and Life Support Trainings and the upcoming Medical Mission.

Courtesy meetings were done with Mayor Dennis. Oplan Tuli discussions are open. Hygiene kits and vitamins are being coordinated with DOH Region 6. SEA is not just showing up — it’s stitching systems together.

Bingawan: Systems Strengthening and Strategic Moves

The CIT meeting refined the Strategic Plan focusing on ecological, political, economic, cultural, and humane dimensions. What was expected to be a CSO-only meeting became richer when the MAO joined and brainstormed.

Highlights include strengthening Gulayan sa Eskwelahan, implementing BARKADA and HAPAG intensively, and launching a Mark of Excellence Awarding System. There are moves to modernize farming equipment, establish water catchment systems, and develop processing facilities.

Wildlife conservation agreements are underway, including seminars for ALS and schools. The Farmers Federation is enhancing its market, and linkages with DTI and NCCA are in motion.

In short? Bingawan is not just planning — it’s synchronizing governance from barangay assemblies to cultural preservation.

New Lucena: Technical Support and Organizational Growth

New Lucena focused on monitoring and strengthening CSOs. Challenges in native chicken raising were assessed — sustainability remains an issue. DATODA is exploring relocation for its vendo car wash due to competition. JEWA secured barangay support and invested in additional equipment using rolling funds.

BIGRUWA prefers to retain its current livelihood but is exploring shared spaces for collaboration. LEDIP is sponsoring training on pricing, costing, and organization management. Equipment.

Leadership training was conducted for the first time at Barnagy Bita-og Gaja — focusing on integrity, empathy, communication, and respect. Barangays Guinobatan and Balabag adopted strategic plans and added PPAs. WiFi concerns, hall renovations, and streetlights were addressed.           

Even fruit bags (300 of them) were delivered at BADA Grow House in Barangay Badiang, New Lucena— because sometimes development looks like mushrooms growing quietly under a shade net.

Looking Ahead

This week’s targets include CSO profiling in Bingawan, coordination with MDRRMO and BFP for First-Aid and Fire Drill trainings, facilitation of registrations, refinement meetings, and preparations for the March 21 and 28 Medical Missions.

There’s also a 3-day hilot training being arranged with TESDA, plus a Project Proposal Making Seminar for new barangays. 

Final Thought

If Monday’s reflection taught us anything, it’s this:
The strength of SEA’s fieldwork mirrors the strength of the women who shaped its people.

Resilient. Patient. Strategic. Nurturing.

SEA doesn’t just build programs.
It builds people.