Effective public service thrives on a proactive approach to well-being, directly addressing stress and fostering a healthy work-life balance. This principle guides the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) CALABARZON’s daily operations.
As a testament to their ongoing commitment, they recently conducted a two-day training titled “Navigating Stress: Tools & Techniques for Reducing Stress & Achieving Work-Life Balance” in Lipa City, Batangas last April 29–30, 2025.
This initiative empowered DA-SAAD CALABARZON’s Program Management Office and its partners, ensuring that those dedicated to serving agricultural communities are themselves resilient and well-balanced.
The training equipped 40 participants – representing the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO), Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO), and partner stakeholders from the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA), Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), Banner Program Staff, and the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) – with practical strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and achieve a healthier integration of work and personal life.
Through guided discussions, self-awareness activities, and relaxation techniques, attendees were encouraged to become more mindful and productive.
Ms. Amor A. Dela Cruz, Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, commended SAAD CALABARZON’s forward-thinking approach.
“This training is a vital reminder that in our drive to serve agricultural communities, we must never neglect our own well-being. A healthy mind and balanced life are absolutely vital to delivering quality service,” she emphasized, highlighting the intrinsic link between staff wellness and effective program delivery.
The training covered crucial ground, led by Mr. Gino A. Cabrera, an Associate Professor from Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) known for his work in psychology and human resource management. The first day delved into gender sensitivity, underscoring the importance of cultivating safe and inclusive spaces for everyone, regardless of gender identity or preference.
Mr. Cabrera highlighted how embracing gender diversity is fundamental to creating respectful and equitable workplaces.
On the second day, the focus shifted to stress management, offering insights into how stress impacts productivity and overall mental health. Participants learned practical tools such as mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-compassion techniques to better navigate daily challenges. Mr. Cabrera particularly stressed that “Kindness, both inward and outward, can go a long way. Taking the time to understand and care for ourselves allows us to show up better for others.”
This comprehensive activity underscores DA-SAAD CALABARZON’s ongoing efforts to create a supportive, sustainable, and truly inclusive environment for its personnel and partner agencies. It directly aligns with the broader goal of the Department of Agriculture to institutionalize gender-responsive and people-centered development programs. ###
