This was attended by 31 representatives from the different sectors of the society, including those from the academe, business, civic, military and public safety, professionals, and youth. The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. was represented by two of its COPS Awardees namely: PSupt. Bernabe Balba (PROTECT External Vice President) and PSupt. Felicidad Gido (PROTECT Internal Vice President) and I. It started promptly at 9:00 am with everyone introducing themselves to the group.
This was followed by the opening remarks of Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao where he mentioned that in the Global Summit on Social Responsibility that he attended in Washington D.C., they discussed appreciative inquiry in the context of global challenges. Appreciative inquiry (AI) as he described it is the paradigm that is being adopted by industries these days where leaders stress inquiry and see organizations as center of human relationships. This principle focused on building up and magnifying the strengths of the people and the organization in developing a strategy for improvement. As such, the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) made use of AI paradigm in the conduct of the day’s workshop.
Dr. Estanislao highlighted the fact that the Philippines has quite a number of non-government and civic organizations, however it is still struggling with poverty. He presented two challenges to the group, the first one being the challenge of subsidiarity and the second one, the challenge of solidarity. Subsidiarity, according to him, is the empowerment of the people while solidarity is nation building. Companies are already employing the concept of subsidiarity through its corporate social responsibility programs but there is still a need to transcend it to nation building.
The workshop seeks to answer the following questions:
How to promote subsidiarity?
How to promote association and solidarity?
How to promote association and common good?
How to promote association and the promotion of the dignity of the Filipino people?
WORKSHOP PROPER
The workshop was divided into eight (8) sessions.
Session 1. “High Point Moment” of a Leader
The participants were grouped into three to share experiences in leading / participating in activities that would bring about change. This includes identifying one’s learnings and strengths in facing challenges.
Each group was asked to identify the most interesting story to be presented to the rest of the participants. Out of the six (6) presentors, two cited the stories of the COPS Awardees present. Both PSupt. Balba and PSupt. Gido highlighted their efforts in working with the community to promote the advocacies of the police force. They have initiated information campaign in their communities both in preventing and solving crimes. Participants took particular interest in the story of PSupt. Gido when the one who reported about her mentioned that she has six (6) children, four of which were adopted. These four children came from the families who were involved in the cases she was working on in the last few years.
Session 2. Innovations in Social Responsibility
With the same group, the participants were asked to identify innovations that were done / implemented by their respective associations in order to bring about social change. I was tasked to report on the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) case and the Project Citizen Philippines.
Case 1: Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC)
Ms. Antonieta F. Ibe, Former PRC Chair shared to the group that when she took the position of PRC Chair the situation then in the commission could only be described as chaotic because graft and corruption was so rampant in the institution. Since there are more than 2.5 million professionals and more than 600 would be professionals during her first year, she had to start with identifying priorities on what should be done first. She implemented the Customer Focused Service to raise the standard of the professionals. Her effort resulted to PRC gaining the trust of the different sectors (maritime, academe, etc.). In the end she was able to come up with the “Code of Good Governance” signed by President Gloria Macapacal Arroyo.
Case 2: Project Citizen Philippines
This program is being implemented in 60 different countries all over the world. Building on the idea that democracy is a consensus building, Project Citizen Philippines trains high school students to identify and solve problems in a democratic process. They engage the students into community immersions and ask them to prepare portfolios containing the community’s problem, the existing laws to address the problem and proposed laws. Some of the proposals were elevated to the city council level and were adopted by the councilors. They have prepared text books and manuals for easy replication.
In the following sessions, the two COPS awardees and I were grouped together with the public safety and civic sector, respectively.
Session 3. Visions of Philippines 2030
The group composed of business, civic and public safety sectors envisioned the Philippines in 2030 as a country that has already achieved its nationhood in its truest sense with high pride index and where people continuously build mutual trust and respect.
Session 4. Role of Your Anchor Group / Association in Bringing About Philippines 2030
To attain the vision of Philippines 2030, the group agreed that each of their associations should contribute to the strengthening of family ties, formation of fundamental values and promotion of balance approach to life where all facets of ones life is at work and is strengthened.
Session 5. Association / Anchor Group’s Contributions and Impact
In this part, the facilitator asked for the smallest and the boldest contribution one can make towards the attainment of the Philippines 2030 vision. The group agreed that for the smallest contribution, one must be able to “start where he can and where he must”. The change must be internal to be effective but one must believe that it can be done. For the boldest contribution, one must consider integrated development where all sectors will work accordingly to achieve the necessary change.
Session 6. Association / Anchor Group Services and Innovations and Session 7. Assessment of the Association / Anchor Group
The group identified Filipino people as their constituents. Being involved in the key sectors of the society, members of the group offered different services that they can offer to their countrymen, two of these were: strengthening family ties through the projects of the civic sector and protection of the community and the country from criminality and terrorism. The group also agreed that credibility, transparency, and fortitude are three of the strengths that can lead people towards nation building.
Session 8. Association Response to its Key Constituents and the Needs of the Nation
The group recognized capability building as the priority action program that should be adopted by the different sectors of the society.
Session 9. Social and National Responsibility of Anchor Group or Association
For the definition of social responsibility, the group was fortunate enough to be joined by Dr. Estanislao himself to give his definition of it. According to him:
“Social responsibility is the operative commitment to enhancing the personal dignity of every Filipino by contributing to the common good on the basis of subsidiarity and solidarity.”
The core principles involved are the following: respect for common good, for subsidiarity, for solidarity, and for personal dignity.
The best practices that associations can share with other groups are their:
· governance improvement pathways
· learn and share cascading initiatives
· personal governance score cards in every sector / area possible.
To be able to share the concept of social responsibility to the different sectors of the society, the associations should:
a. get the different anchors group to work with other sectors
b. have regular forums to highlight achievements
c. build bridges among the different groups to gain respect and network.
INSIGHTS FROM THE WORKSHOP
Overall this one-day workshop seeks to identify the sector’s strengths and level of involvement in nation building. The workshop was attended by key personalities of key sectors of society. Their inputs were based on their own experiences in doing projects and activities for the improvement of their sectors. Their efforts underwent rejection, revision, improvement, and afterwards adoption. The principles discussed in the workshop can be adopted by the newly established COPS Alumni organization, PROTECT to be able to establish itself in a sturdy foundation. Some recommendations are:
· Capability training. One cannot share what one does not have. In order for the officers and members of PROTECT to be involved in projects on education or even information dissemination, they should be properly equipped with knowledge on the subject that they are going to share to others. They should be trained properly as well on how they are going to carry out the trainings. These can be done by exposing themselves to different seminars and trainings on their subjects of interests.
· Documentation. Compared to other recognition programs in PNP, COPS is considered as the first one to organize all its awardees to form an association called PROTECT. This can be considered as a feat on its own and documentation of all its efforts, including its failures, may be helpful to others in the public safety sector should they decide to organize an organization with the same mission/vision.
· Conduct of fora to highlight individual and group achievements. One word of affirmation can speak thousands of words of encouragement. Recognition of best practices can be done through the PROTECT annual meetings as well as though the COPS yahoogroups. Updates are needed for members to know where their fellow members are at the moment. This can also be used as feedback channel for member’s improvement in their craft.
· Partnership with LGUs and NGOs. Partnership with local government officials and non-government is needed to expand the network of PROTECT. Their support as well as their involvement is needed to ensure that all sides are heard and considered.
· Have a strategic plan that would lead towards nation building. In a meeting with the ISA, it was mentioned that doing good on its own will not make a person a responsible citizen. In order to practice responsible citizenship, one must be able to influence other people to do good as well. The same principle should be adopted by the PROTECT organization. They should act as mobilizers of change in the society. This can be done by instilling the goal of nation building in all the projects of the organization.
Showing posts with label MBFI Reflection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MBFI Reflection. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Grants RTD
MBFI Reflection #2
The recently held Grants Roundtable Discussion gave me a bird’s eye view of who the beneficiaries of the Foundation are and their advocacies. It is very inspiring to know that the organization I am connected with has touched the lives of people in different sectors of the society through its benevolent works. The concept of “paying it forward” was manifested in the institutions and foundations being helped by the Foundation as they carry on their own advocacies to create a massive and global change in their own way.
Since we were informed beforehand that we were to submit a reflection paper after the roundtable, my first thought was to look for a foundation whose advocacy would correspond to my own interests, which were child development, education and environment.
I was familiar with the Family Farm School because one of our requirements to be able to complete a course in college was a module specifically made for them. It was just unfortunate that their president was not able to present his organization because I was really looking forward to hearing about the success of their projects for the farmers’ children.
Cartwheel and Trichet impressed me not only because they have catered to the special needs of the indigenous people and the special children, respectively, but also because the people behind these two organizations were, to some extent, the unlikely people to be involved in these kinds of work. When asked why did they stay and continue doing what they are doing, they both answered that their love for children made everything seem easy. They both wanted their beneficiaries to gain the respect that are due to them. I realized that these beliefs coincide with the Foundation’s mission of “supporting programs which strengthen the core sectors of the society as well as respond to the needs of the disadvantaged.”
On a more personal note, this roundtable provided a venue for me to start my healing process on the death of my cousin. While working at the SOS Foundation she was diagnosed of having nasopharyngeal cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for more than a year before she passed away March last year. Due probably to the chemicals injected to her, the treatment left her bedridden and depressed. I started looking for an organization or a support group that would help her and our family cope with all the strains that we were experiencing that time in dealing with her sickness.
It was very unfortunate that I became aware of Carewell Community only during the Grants Roundtable. Should I know about the services they offer to those with cancer (and their families), my cousin would have probably died happy. This, however, did not prevent me from being thankful to the founder of Carewell Community. It is encouraging to know that the Philippines has this kind of institution that promotes physical, emotional and even spiritual wellness among those who are stricken with cancer.
I have always believed that all things in this world are interconnected. The goodness that we do and the person that we become after are results of previous goodness that we have experienced. As the old adage goes, goodness begets goodness. In 1969, Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." The principle of “paying it forward” as adopted by the Metrobank Foundation would initiate a butterfly effect that would uplift the lives of the people and of the society in general.
~~~
Me, Malou, Trish and Marge
Khalid, Me, Aviec and Gloria
The recently held Grants Roundtable Discussion gave me a bird’s eye view of who the beneficiaries of the Foundation are and their advocacies. It is very inspiring to know that the organization I am connected with has touched the lives of people in different sectors of the society through its benevolent works. The concept of “paying it forward” was manifested in the institutions and foundations being helped by the Foundation as they carry on their own advocacies to create a massive and global change in their own way.
Since we were informed beforehand that we were to submit a reflection paper after the roundtable, my first thought was to look for a foundation whose advocacy would correspond to my own interests, which were child development, education and environment.
I was familiar with the Family Farm School because one of our requirements to be able to complete a course in college was a module specifically made for them. It was just unfortunate that their president was not able to present his organization because I was really looking forward to hearing about the success of their projects for the farmers’ children.
Cartwheel and Trichet impressed me not only because they have catered to the special needs of the indigenous people and the special children, respectively, but also because the people behind these two organizations were, to some extent, the unlikely people to be involved in these kinds of work. When asked why did they stay and continue doing what they are doing, they both answered that their love for children made everything seem easy. They both wanted their beneficiaries to gain the respect that are due to them. I realized that these beliefs coincide with the Foundation’s mission of “supporting programs which strengthen the core sectors of the society as well as respond to the needs of the disadvantaged.”
On a more personal note, this roundtable provided a venue for me to start my healing process on the death of my cousin. While working at the SOS Foundation she was diagnosed of having nasopharyngeal cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for more than a year before she passed away March last year. Due probably to the chemicals injected to her, the treatment left her bedridden and depressed. I started looking for an organization or a support group that would help her and our family cope with all the strains that we were experiencing that time in dealing with her sickness.
It was very unfortunate that I became aware of Carewell Community only during the Grants Roundtable. Should I know about the services they offer to those with cancer (and their families), my cousin would have probably died happy. This, however, did not prevent me from being thankful to the founder of Carewell Community. It is encouraging to know that the Philippines has this kind of institution that promotes physical, emotional and even spiritual wellness among those who are stricken with cancer.
I have always believed that all things in this world are interconnected. The goodness that we do and the person that we become after are results of previous goodness that we have experienced. As the old adage goes, goodness begets goodness. In 1969, Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." The principle of “paying it forward” as adopted by the Metrobank Foundation would initiate a butterfly effect that would uplift the lives of the people and of the society in general.
~~~
Rosalindas of the Foundation
Me, Malou, Trish and MargeThe GEAPH Team
Khalid, Me, Aviec and GloriaSFC Bicutan Upper Household Planning
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
6 Months After
MBFI Reflection #1
Today, exactly six months and ten days since I transferred work, I am going to write the difference between the job that I left behind and the job that I have now as a Program Assistant at MBFI.
When I arrived at MBFI I was confident enough that I could handle almost anything and everything that the management would give me. After all I came from a government institution with only twelve people (Executive Director, 4 technical staff, 7 administrative staff) running everything. My assignments in my previous job included: (1) handling a convention of scientists with more or less two hundred participants; (2) being an editorial staff of several publications (scientific journal, monograph and annual report); (3) coordination with the media for all the news releases in major events; (4) representing the Academy in different gatherings/meetings pertaining to gender and development, maintenance of the Academy’s scientific library and the likes. These were all on top of my official assignment as the one who handled the Academy’s scientific linkages function – both in the local and in the international arena.
I entered the Foundation during the awarding phase of the 2007 COPS. Sir Paul and Khalid had prepared everything for the awarding ceremony. All I had to do was observe and assist them in polishing minute details for the event. I used to wonder why there had to be a lot of people involved in the awarding ceremony when from the place I came from, only three or four staff were required to attend and assist in the conferment of a National Scientist in Malacañang. When the day arrived, I saw how organized everything was. Then I understood that these people were there to perform their tasks properly and accordingly based on what was planned.
A few weeks after the said event, Sir Paul announced that I would be the one to assist him in handling the 2007 TOWNS Search. I was so excited. Finally! I have work. With all the coordination meetings, preparation of materials and documents for the final judging, awarding ceremonies and winners’ forum, work really came pouring in. I was hesitant to ask help from people as I was used to doing things on my own but they have been generous enough to offer their help whenever I needed one. There were times when I became discouraged and disheartened by everything. I felt like I was a fresh graduate learning the ropes all over again.
After six months of being involved in the Foundation, I came to realize a lot of things. My stint at one of the government’s recognition and award giving agency exposed me to a selection and judging process that is very much different from what the Foundation is doing. Although I have nothing against the processes in my previous job, in comparison, the technical and scientific way the Foundation evaluates each nominee and finalist is much more impartial.
I admire the way people work here. To impress their employers, employees would often say that they give their 100% to their work. In the Foundation this statement is not just another word of the mouth. Officers and staff really give their 100% to their work which can be seen in the events and outputs each unit have. People are not contented with an “ok na ‘yan” output. Thing have to be reviewed, commented and if possible perfected in every angle. The opportunity to strive for excellence and growth are recognized and addressed. And that, I think, is where the difference with other institution lies.
I must admit that I really had a hard time adjusting. The process continues as I had to learn and unlearn a lot of things but whenever I feel down and distraught, I would always try to remember that before I got accepted here in the Foundation, I prayed for a work that would help me grow as a person and as an employee. With the Foundation’s tagline of excellence, I know that there are still things to change and improve in me but for now I am thankful.
Today, exactly six months and ten days since I transferred work, I am going to write the difference between the job that I left behind and the job that I have now as a Program Assistant at MBFI.
When I arrived at MBFI I was confident enough that I could handle almost anything and everything that the management would give me. After all I came from a government institution with only twelve people (Executive Director, 4 technical staff, 7 administrative staff) running everything. My assignments in my previous job included: (1) handling a convention of scientists with more or less two hundred participants; (2) being an editorial staff of several publications (scientific journal, monograph and annual report); (3) coordination with the media for all the news releases in major events; (4) representing the Academy in different gatherings/meetings pertaining to gender and development, maintenance of the Academy’s scientific library and the likes. These were all on top of my official assignment as the one who handled the Academy’s scientific linkages function – both in the local and in the international arena.
I entered the Foundation during the awarding phase of the 2007 COPS. Sir Paul and Khalid had prepared everything for the awarding ceremony. All I had to do was observe and assist them in polishing minute details for the event. I used to wonder why there had to be a lot of people involved in the awarding ceremony when from the place I came from, only three or four staff were required to attend and assist in the conferment of a National Scientist in Malacañang. When the day arrived, I saw how organized everything was. Then I understood that these people were there to perform their tasks properly and accordingly based on what was planned.
A few weeks after the said event, Sir Paul announced that I would be the one to assist him in handling the 2007 TOWNS Search. I was so excited. Finally! I have work. With all the coordination meetings, preparation of materials and documents for the final judging, awarding ceremonies and winners’ forum, work really came pouring in. I was hesitant to ask help from people as I was used to doing things on my own but they have been generous enough to offer their help whenever I needed one. There were times when I became discouraged and disheartened by everything. I felt like I was a fresh graduate learning the ropes all over again.
After six months of being involved in the Foundation, I came to realize a lot of things. My stint at one of the government’s recognition and award giving agency exposed me to a selection and judging process that is very much different from what the Foundation is doing. Although I have nothing against the processes in my previous job, in comparison, the technical and scientific way the Foundation evaluates each nominee and finalist is much more impartial.
I admire the way people work here. To impress their employers, employees would often say that they give their 100% to their work. In the Foundation this statement is not just another word of the mouth. Officers and staff really give their 100% to their work which can be seen in the events and outputs each unit have. People are not contented with an “ok na ‘yan” output. Thing have to be reviewed, commented and if possible perfected in every angle. The opportunity to strive for excellence and growth are recognized and addressed. And that, I think, is where the difference with other institution lies.
I must admit that I really had a hard time adjusting. The process continues as I had to learn and unlearn a lot of things but whenever I feel down and distraught, I would always try to remember that before I got accepted here in the Foundation, I prayed for a work that would help me grow as a person and as an employee. With the Foundation’s tagline of excellence, I know that there are still things to change and improve in me but for now I am thankful.
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