By KFC Reno and Bjay
True customer service cannot be taught by a slideshow alone. It must be felt, lived, and discovered from within.
That is exactly what happened on September 4, 2026, at the tranquil and inspiring Victoria Farm Learning Center in Balilihan, Bohol, where the air is fresh, the farm is thriving, and people grow — not just crops, but character.
In a beautiful convergence of community and purpose, the staff of Victoria Farm, the frontline employees of the Local Government Unit of Balilihan, and the dynamic student volunteers of BISU-Balilihan came together for K-CLASP: Effective Customer and Frontline Service — a self-learning and participatory workshop that redefined what training feels like.
The day opened with Bjay Baquero warmly introducing the facilitator — Ms. Ardy Araneta-Batoy, Bohol’s beloved media personality and a passionate advocate for values-driven communication. But this was no ordinary lecture. Ardy did not come to talk to the participants; she came to bring out what was already in them.
K-CLASP, which stands for building confidence while strengthening frontline service, transformed the Learning Center into a space of self-discovery. Through interactive, laughter-filled, and deeply reflective activities, participants explored the real heart of service: Knowledge, Character, Leadership and Loyalty, Attitude and Ability, Skills, and Personality. If it were music, the genre was a medley of confidence, effective communication, professionalism, proper etiquette, and — most importantly — empathy.
Ardy has a rare gift. She makes you step beyond your comfort zone, but you feel safe doing it. She makes you speak up, but you want to listen more. One moment participants were working in teams, learning to communicate openly; the next, they were reflecting on how a simple smile, a tone of voice, or a posture of respect can change someone’s entire day.
“Effective frontline service doesn’t start with a manual. It is not built through flip charts and slides. It starts with people who are confident, compassionate, respectful, and committed to serving others,” Batoy shared — a philosophy that guided every activity.
One of the most unforgettable highlights was the Mr. and Ms. Personality Contest — a burst of joy, spontaneity, and courage. It wasn’t about who was the most glamorous; it was about who dared to shine. Frontliners who usually stay behind desks stepped into the spotlight with creativity and heart, cheered on by colleagues who discovered new sides of each other. Confidence, once quiet, became contagious.
Behind the seamless flow of the day were the BISU-Balilihan student volunteers, who served as the Secretariat. With youthful energy and professionalism, they assisted in coordination and documentation, proving that service is a value passed from one generation to the next.
This is what makes Victoria Farm more than just a farm. Nestled in the highlands of Balilihan, it is fast becoming Bohol’s sanctuary for learning, healing, and growing. With its serene surroundings and purpose-driven spaces like the Learning Center, it offers not just a venue, but an experience — where LGUs, schools, organizations, and individuals can reconnect with their purpose.
K-CLASP was more than a workshop. It was a reminder that behind every good service is a person who feels good about themselves. And when you nurture that person — with the right place, the right mentor, and the right community — excellent service follows naturally.
Victoria Farm does not just grow plants. It grows people. This is a realization of the dream of the great servant leader, former Congressman Edgar Chatto
