Victoria Jucaban isn’t just a Barangay Kagawad of Brgy. Badiang, New Lucena—she’s also the fierce yet compassionate president of the Badiang Dawis Down Stream Irrigators Association (BADA). Balancing these roles is no easy task, but Victoria thrives on challenges, her resolve strengthened by lessons in leadership, kindness, and community.

“Be kind even when others aren’t—it’s like giving them a mirror to see their reflection,” Victoria shares. It’s a principle that guides her in every decision, every conflict, and every act of service she undertakes for her barangay and BADA.

Planting Seeds of Hope with IPAT-SIAD

Under Victoria’s stewardship, BADA has experienced a resurgence of purpose and productivity. Through the Integrated Participatory Accountability and Transparency for Sustainable Integrated Area Development (IPAT-SIAD) program of SEA Inc., her association gained clarity in its goals and strategies.

“Daw ginlatag nila sa amon ang klaro nga plano,” Victoria says with a grateful smile. (It’s like they laid out a clear plan for us.)

SEA Inc. assisted BADA in crafting a winning proposal for a mushroom-growing livelihood project and awarded the association ₱54,200 to turn this idea into reality. The project is now a thriving source of income for its members, and Victoria proudly sees the fruits of their labor growing—both literally and figuratively.

“This mushroom project isn’t just about earnings,” Victoria reflects. “It’s about proving to ourselves that we can make things happen together.”

Inner Growth for a Stronger Leader

While the projects and progress of BADA are impressive, the heart of IPAT-SIAD lies in its Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW). This workshop doesn’t just build skills—it builds leaders from the inside out.

For Victoria, ICW was transformative. It taught her to be patient, to listen deeply, and to embrace her potential as a leader. “Bisan ginakontra ako sang isa ka tao, ginbuligan ko man siya gyapon kay para mahibal-an niya nga wala ako nagadumot,” she shares. (Even when someone is against me, I still help them so they’ll know I don’t hold grudges.)

Victoria admits that before ICW, her leadership approach was sometimes reactive and emotionally driven. However, the workshop helped her develop a mindset of compassion and understanding, which she now applies to every decision she makes.

Leadership Rooted in Community

Being both a barangay official and an association president isn’t without its struggles. “May ara gid ya nga adlaw nga daw kapoy na gid, pero mabatyagan ko man nga indi ko pagbayaan ang barangay kag ang asosasyon,” Victoria says. (There are days when it feels overwhelming, but I feel strongly that I can’t abandon the barangay or the association.)

Hon. Victoria Jucaban, Barangay Badiang Kagawad and current President of BADA.

ICW gave her the resilience to face these challenges head-on. “ICW is the heart of IPAT-SIAD,” she says. “They work hand in hand—one helps us organize, the other helps us lead with purpose and kindness.”

Her newfound perspective has also influenced her approach to conflict resolution. “Basta, sa isip ko, wala ko sang nahimo nga maglain,” she says. (In my mind, I know I’ve done nothing wrong.) With this clarity, Victoria leads with a calm assurance that inspires those around her.

Harvesting Success Together

Thanks to Victoria’s leadership and the collective effort of BADA, the mushroom-growing project has brought economic benefits and strengthened community bonds. “Ang kada myembro may bulig nga mahatag,” Victoria says. (Every member has something to contribute.)

She believes that true leadership is about listening to others and recognizing their potential. “This isn’t just my success,” she says. “This is a shared victory for everyone in BADA and Brgy. Badiang.”

A Legacy of Kindness and Compassion

Victoria’s story is a testament to the power of kindness in leadership. “Wala sang malain nga matabo kon magpakita ka sang kabuot bisan sa indi maayo nga sitwasyon,” she says. (Nothing bad will happen if you show kindness, even in difficult situations.)

Her journey, marked by resilience, collaboration, and compassion, is a shining example of what can be achieved when leaders are guided by heart and purpose. In Brgy. Badiang, Victoria Jucaban is planting not just mushrooms, but seeds of hope and unity—and her community is flourishing because of it.