Flor G. Tarriela l July 19, 2024 l BusinessWorld
Tulay Sa Pagunlad Inc. (TSPI), a Christian Microfinance NGO, held a planning session cum retreat at EDSA Shangri-La June 28-30. Attendees were the Board members and their spouses led by Chairman Lamberto Meer, Chairman Emeritus David Bussau, Vice Chair Abraham Pascual, Treasurer Ric Lazatin, Corporate Secretary Cornelio Gizon, Directors Luz Planas, Anna Sobrepena, Lito Fider, Toto Ma lvar, Carlos Cervantes, Jun Cruz, Ricky Dagelet, and myself . Management present were: Executive Director Alice Cordero, Sherry Lou Salazar, Lorna Asuncion, Rexchell Querido, Robert Sia, and Leah Garcia
The primary goal of meet up was to clarify the vision and the “reason for being” of TSPI, what new directions to take as well as discernment by board and management how they can contribute more to the mission. Facilitators were Fr. Edwin Mercado, former chairman of Evangelion Foundation and Fr. Rico Ayo, Dean in San Carlos Seminary ably moderated by Director Jun with this wit and humor.
The “Open Space” methodology was used in the sessions, a technique for running meetings where the participants create and manage the agenda themselves. This is ideal for participants to own the issue and come up with solutions. Participants were divided into small groups and worked on the tasks of “Seven Milestones and Significant Moments” of their lives. Personal Conversation, Small Group Sharing and Plenary Discernment Narrative followed. In the Personal conversation, everyone wrote seven of their milestone events joyful or sad, in the past 5 years. Actually, it can be any significant event in your life. Then period of silence, listening to an inner voice. Pray and reflect on it. Why did it make you sad of happy then? What does it make you feel now? What did you learn from that experience and about yourself? Was God revealing anything to you? In the small group sessions, experiences and self-revelations were shared. Then the small groups learnings were discussed and summarized. The exercise culminated with the Plenary Discernment Narrative which was presented to the whole group.
The Milestone Events when summarized had many similarities: loss of loved ones, career ends, the disruptive impact of COVID to lives, business ups and downs as well as the joys of graduation, recognitions received, wedding celebrations and grandchildren. The significance of these events translated to deeper appreciation of the importance of family and extended families. Also, despite the trials and even because of the trials, it was clear: God is good and He was in control.
And from there, the discernment of deeper understanding of the issues of the world. To shift from the personal to the corporate, some major poverty in world issues were provided as a guide: Social Justice, the Family, Stewardship of Environment/ Climate Change, Protection of the Underprivileged etc. The group did quiet time, again silence, reflection and prayer on these issues. Same open space methodology until we came up with our own solutions as a small group and the whole group shared with all. To be relevant and true to the Mission and Vision of the organization, there is a need to transform, re-engineer, re-invent, be resilient and understand the new developments. One must distinguish between high importance from the least relevant. There is a need to direct the limited resources of the organization to actions. TSPI, a Christian organization will remain holistic in the delivery of its programs and services, focused on building better communities with more relevant programs of strengthening family core values. The organization must “change or die” with a new business model-adaptable and relevant to the changing environment.
At the concluding board meeting on the 3rd day, David Bussau asked a loaded question: can the Board see what is at the turn of the corner? Of course, we don’t know. We will only know if we are guided by SOMEONE WHO IS ALREADY THERE or by SOMEONE UP THERE above that can see what is at the turn of the corner. Well, turn the corner can also mean “to correct your past actions or get past most difficult period and begin to improve”. Hopeful indeed.
It was a wonderful weekend as these sessions always strengthen the bonding among the board members and with management, David leaves us food for thought and many of us want to do more in service to others.
*****
Ms. Tarriela was former PNB Chairman and now serves as Board Advisor. A former Undersecretary of Finance, she is lead independent director of Nickel Asia Corp., director of LTG Inc., FINEX and Philippine Bible Society. She founded Flor’s Garden, an events destination in Antipolo. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of FINEX and said organizations. (Photo from Pinterest)