“Women School Leaders: Striking a Balance between Career and Life”

Dr. Ma. Theresa A. Acosta introduced her topic “Women School Leaders: Striking a Balance between Career and Life” by asking the audience about their roles and challenges in managing work-life balance. She emphasized that a good balance is essential for mental and physical well-being, noting that overloading on work can lead to burnout and health issues, while excessive focus on personal life can hinder career advancement. Achieving balance allows individuals to enjoy personal interests while fulfilling work responsibilities, leading to a more sustainable lifestyle. She highlighted that maintaining this balance improves health, boosts productivity and creativity, and strengthens relationships through quality time with family and friends. She mentioned that to achieve balance, individuals should adopt strategies that promote harmony between work and personal life. Key strategies include setting clear boundaries, such as avoiding work emails after hours, and regularly evaluating and modifying work-life strategies. Cultivating skills like stress management, mindfulness, and resilience is essential for juggling various roles. Dr. Acosta emphasized the importance of these practices for overall well-being and productivity. Additionally, self-care practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep are crucial for facing daily challenges.

In the afternoon, Dr. Maria Agnes P. Ladia, the head of Project Lugud, began her talk, “Building a Sustainable Future through School-Based Management,” by inviting participants to pair up and discuss what SBM means to them for 60 seconds. They rotated partners every 2 minutes for three rounds, sharing joyful moments. She explained that sustainable school-based management (SBM) is a holistic approach that combines environmental stewardship, community involvement, and effective governance to create lasting educational and social benefits. Dr. Ladia emphasized that implementing sustainability in school management requires commitment from all stakeholders, including administrators, teachers, students, and the community.

Dr. Ladia emphasized the importance of shared leadership in decision-making, involving teachers, parents, students, and community members to foster ownership and accountability. She introduced a game called “Puzzle the Pillars,” where participants grouped scenarios to identify relevant pillars, followed by the "Barrier Breakers" Role-Playing activity to identify challenges and propose solutions. She showcased successful examples of Sustainable School-Based Management, highlighting participatory governance, community partnerships, data-driven decisions, and resource transparency. Dr. Ladia concluded by summarizing key points and thanking participants for their commitment to quality education and resource conservation for future generations.

The seminar ended with certificates from Dr. Ruby Ana Pineda, Public School District Supervisor, and Dr. Alona Mallari, principal of San Miguel Central Elementary School. Participants had the opportunity to take photos with the speakers while showcasing their certificates.