Before attending the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW), Maria Elsie S. Dujon, President of the Santa Barbara Integrated Mushroom Farmers Association (SBIMFA), found herself at a crossroads. The association was facing internal conflicts stemming from differences in planning, overlapping responsibilities, and a lack of mutual respect. These tensions led her to consider resigning and starting her initiative outside the group. However, the ICW became a turning point in her journey, prompting her to realize that these struggles were merely the beginning of the hurdles they needed to overcome, not reasons to abandon the cause.

The workshop shifted her perspective, allowing her to reflect deeply on the challenges at hand. She was reminded of Socrates’ wisdom: “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” For her, the “new” was not just about new projects, but about new ways of thinking, collaborating, and persevering. While frustrations with corrupt practices and inefficiencies were valid, Dujon recognized that these issues were not hers to bear alone—they were the collective responsibility of the group and, ultimately, the burdens of the community they served. The grant provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA) was a significant opportunity, and despite the challenges, she felt the weight of responsibility to ensure that it succeeded—not just for herself, but for the members who depended on it.

A key realization during the ICW was the need to support the association’s indigent members, particularly the senior citizens who, like her, could no longer work in the plant. SBIMFA was not just about mushroom farming; it was about providing livelihoods and giving every member, regardless of age or ability, a fair chance. As president, Dujon committed to focusing on initiatives that would provide these members with grow houses and technical assistance, helping them build sustainable sources of income.

The workshop also underscored the importance of looking beyond SBIMFA’s immediate circle. Dujon recognized her renewed duty to support the neighboring barangay of Buyo, where unemployment was a key factor in the persistence of poverty. Citing John F. Kennedy’s words, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” she realized that the ICW had reminded her that uplifting others was equally important. To address this, she planned to collaborate with the Barangay Chairman and KALIPI, an organization for women, to launch livelihood projects. 

These initiatives would include training programs in sewing, gardening, and livestock raising, empowering the women in Buyo with the skills and knowledge to generate income and achieve economic independence. She also planned to assist in connecting them with marketing and funding opportunities to ensure the sustainability of these efforts.

Dujon was fully aware that the journey ahead would be met with resistance. Negative reactions were inevitable, particularly from those accustomed to the old ways of relying on grants without investing in long-term growth. However, she knew that change had to start somewhere, and it had to start with her. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Though she could not control how others would react, she could lead by example—fostering a culture of accountability, mutual respect, and shared commitment to their work.

More than just conflict resolution strategies, the ICW reminded Dujon of her purpose. Her role extended beyond growing mushrooms; it was about growing opportunities, fostering hope, and creating livelihoods for those who needed them most. She saw herself not only as a leader but as a catalyst for change within her community.

Determined and steadfast, Dujon concluded her reflection with a promise: she would persevere, making the initiative work—not for herself, but for the future she believed they could build together.