Every community has its unsung heroes—those who quietly and persistently make life better for those around them. For the tricycle drivers of Damires in New Lucena, Iloilo, that hero is Elbert “Tay Elbert” Esperacion, the Damires Tricycle Drivers Association (DATODA) president. With a leadership style grounded in patience, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility, Tay Elbert has steered DATODA toward progress, one small but significant step at a time.

Tay Elbert seals the deal! Signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SEA Inc. for the use of Beloy’s property—one of the DATODA members—where the association’s carwash now proudly stands. The signing took place during the grand opening of the DATODA Car Wash in Brgy. Damires, New Lucena, Iloilo.

Yet, as Tay Elbert would humbly tell you, this journey wasn’t easy. Leading an association of diverse individuals—each with their struggles and strengths—wasn’t something he was initially prepared for. “Patience, for me, was the hardest thing,” he admits. “As a leader, I needed to bring people together, not just in sharing what they could gain but in contributing their time and effort for the good of everyone.”

Building an Organization, Building a Family

Tay Elbert’s journey with DATODA took a transformative turn when SEA Inc., through its Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency-Sustainable Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) program, extended a helping hand. IPAT-SIAD focuses on empowering local communities to organize themselves, register legally, and access sustainable livelihood opportunities.

For DATODA, this meant transitioning from being a loose group of tricycle drivers to a formal, registered organization. With SEA Inc.’s guidance, the association was not only legally recognized but also granted a livelihood project—a car wash business—that provides additional income for the group.

“The car wash project is more than just a business,” Tay Elbert shares with a thoughtful smile. “It’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together. It’s not just for me but for every member of DATODA.”

Strengthening the Leader Within

However, the tangible benefits of IPAT-SIAD weren’t the only things that made a difference. For Tay Elbert, the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) provided by SEA Inc. was a game-changer. “IPAT-SIAD taught us how to organize and work together,” he says, “but ICW taught me how to lead—with patience, understanding, and strength.”

The ICW is designed to help leaders like Tay Elbert tap into their inner potential, fostering self-awareness and emotional resilience. For someone tasked with uniting a group of individuals with varying priorities and temperaments, this was invaluable.

“Without ICW,” Tay Elbert reflects, “my patience wouldn’t have lasted this long. Leadership isn’t just about giving instructions—it’s about inspiring people to believe in themselves and the collective good.”

He recalls a moment when his patience was put to the test: convincing some members to contribute not just financially but physically to the car wash project. It was a slow, uphill climb, but with the lessons he gained from ICW, Tay Elbert persisted. He learned to listen more and judge less, to empathize rather than criticize, and most importantly, to trust in the potential of his members.

The Road Ahead

Today, DATODA is thriving, not just as an organization but as a community. The car wash project continues to generate income, and the drivers are more united than ever. Members often remark how Tay Elbert’s leadership has made them feel seen, heard, and valued.

As for Tay Elbert, he sees his role not as a burden but as a calling. “Leadership is about service,” he says. “It’s about planting seeds of trust and nurturing them with patience and love. You can’t do it alone. You need programs like IPAT-SIAD to teach you the how, and workshops like ICW to remind you of the why.”

In the end, Tay Elbert’s story is one of transformation—not just for DATODA but for himself. It’s a reminder that great leaders aren’t born; they’re shaped by challenges, guided by mentors, and fueled by a deep sense of purpose. And as the tricycles of Damires buzz through the streets, their steady hum echoes the steadfast leadership of a man who has become their heart and soul.

Or as Tay Elbert would put it, “We all have the potential to lead, but it’s up to us to unlock it. With patience, with strength, and with faith in each other, we can all move forward.”