On October 3, 2024, in Brgy. Calumbuyan, 22 individuals representing the Calumbuyan Women Association, barangay officials, youth, and senior citizens gathered for an inspiring values formation workshop initiated by SEA Inc. This workshop aligns with SEA Inc.’s mission to strengthen the values of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), empowering them to become effective members of society. Led by the ever-spirited Mrs. Ruchel Depla, the event was more than just a session; it was a reflective journey into the core principles that bind communities and nurture individuals.

Opening with Faith

The workshop commenced with a heartwarming prayer and worship session, led by Mrs. Depla, who seamlessly transitioned from spiritual guidance to personal development. “In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the quest for values formation remains fundamental,” she stated. Her message was simple yet profound: values are the compass that guides our decisions, molds our behavior, and defines our character. Drawing from the Bible, she emphasized how its timeless wisdom can help form these essential values.

A Quiz of Morals and Spirit

Before delving into her main discussion, Mrs. Depla engaged the audience with a quick quiz to identify whether certain actions were moral or spiritual. Participants considered actions ranging from pagpa ambitsang gracias (spiritual) to magsugid kamatuoran (spiritual), pagpatawad (spiritual), and paunahon ang tigulang sa pila (moral). This interactive approach effectively sparked thoughtful reflection on how daily actions align with moral and spiritual beliefs.

The Biblical Foundation of Values

Mrs. Depla’s primary discussion centered around the essential values of love, integrity, humility, and perseverance, explored through biblical teachings. She reminded everyone of Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus commands us to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. “Love and compassion are at the heart of personal growth and societal harmony,” she stated, pointing out that cultivating these virtues fosters a sense of community and belonging.

She then addressed integrity and honesty, citing Proverbs 10:9—“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” Mrs. Depla stressed the importance of living in alignment with one’s words and actions, noting that honesty builds trust, which is the foundation of any strong community.

Humility was another key topic, as Mrs. Depla drew from Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” By practicing humility, participants were encouraged to prioritize others’ needs and perspectives, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

Finally, she tackled perseverance, particularly in the face of adversity. Quoting James 1:2-4, Mrs. Depla reminded the group that challenges are growth opportunities. “By embracing perseverance, we develop resilience, which strengthens our values and integrity,” she explained.

A Community United by Values

This workshop was not merely about gaining knowledge; it served as a reminder that value formation is a lifelong commitment. Mrs. Depla concluded by encouraging participants to continue reflecting on and practicing the values explored together. She emphasized that by integrating these principles into their lives, they not only enrich their character but also positively influence the world around them.

Participants left the workshop with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of how biblical values such as love, integrity, humility, and perseverance can serve as guiding lights in their everyday lives. It was a day that sparked self-reflection, fostered unity, and reinforced that values formation is a continuous journey—one that can inspire generations to come.