Flor G. Tarriela l August 15, 2023 l Manila Bulletin
“Leaving a Lasting Legacy” was the topic of the three-day board retreat and strategy planning conference of microfinance NGO Tulay sa Pagunlad Inc (TSPI) held at Fairmount Hotel on July 21-23, facilitated by Father Dennis Paez, SDB.
Present were TSPI Chairman Emeritus David Bussau, Chairman Spanky Meer and wife Apples, Vice Chairman Abe Pascual with Sylvia, directors Kune Gison with Lina, Lito Fider with Mely, Ric Lazatin and Didit, Toto Malvar, Luz Planas. Also present were the new board members and spouses: Anna Sobrepena, Raymond Cruz, Caloy Cervantes and Ricky Dagelet with the capable TSPI Management team lead by Executive Director Alice Cordero and Corporate Secretary Leah Banasen.
What is legacy? According to Webster’s dictionary, it is “a gift by will especially of money or other personal property; something transmitted by or received from the past.” Fr. Dennis added that a legacy could also be “a gift of knowledge or kindness or love for the outdoors, etc. A legacy captures your life and the lessons learned along the way, or it celebrates things that were most important to you such as a cause or an interest. It is a timeless treasure that one shares with family, friends, and generations to come. The legacy we leave behind signifies the impact we made on the world, the wisdom we gained and the contributions we continue to offer through the years.
Fr. Dennis continues – why should we care about legacy? Basically, because it stems from an innate desire for significance, it is intertwined with hope and the yearning to make a positive difference in the lives of others. When we find meaning in our life, there is the desire to share this wisdom.
How to start the journey of creating a legacy? He recommended to choose a medium that resonates to your personality such as words, images, music. The purpose is to pass on the things you received in your life in a way that communicates value, meaning and emotion. He suggested to keep a journal: to write a list of values, significant life stories, dreams for the future, life lessons and major milestones.
Fr. Dennis asked us to do letter writing exercises on several topics such as: What is legacy? What is legacy to you? What do you want to achieve with legacy? What are your memorable moments? Who are important persons that influenced your life? and some others. He gave us two minutes to address the letter to someone, “write without thinking” and sign our name.
Transitioning from concepts to practice, living a legacy starts in our homes. According to Billy Graham, “the greatest legacy one can pass on is not material things, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” The foundation is trust and Fr. Dennis said we must be honest and transparent in our communications. Only then can we create a lasting relationship build on trust and respect. Trust is the bedrock upon which meaningful relationships are built. He asked us to choose – to be loved or be trusted?
Fr. Dennis reminded that the great legacy of a human being is to live with a purpose. On the last day, the strategy discussion day, everyone was “recharged” and thought of how we can make a difference in the lives of TSPI stakeholders. The strategic discussions produced tangible action plans: Director Raymond volunteered to craft a transformation roadmap inspired by Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life”; Director Ricky will take charge of digital maximization, etc.
The sessions were enlightening and thought provoking. The legacy discussion initially “confused” us, perhaps done deliberately as it led to engaged discussions. Director Abe was “class philosopher” with Director Lito, “valedictorian” as he got the right answers without trying by just telling his story and challenges. Precisely In our own life stories and adversities, Fr. Dennis said that we usually find our “true calling”.
How do we begin to create a lasting legacy? Share stories from the past and present with family, cultivating stronger bond and mutual understanding. The power of documentation through journals, pictures, video, letters to capture key events and thoughts. Live each day with character, passion, and conviction.
The TSPI board retreat offered an extraordinary experience for us to reflect on our own personal journeys and a a Board on the mark we want to leave behind. Our story, our life, is our legacy. Pray that we live our lives that will be inspiring.
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Ms. Tarriela was former PNB Chairman. She is currently PNB Board Adviser, Nickel Asia Lead Independent Director, and director of LTG, FINEX, TSPI and TSPI MBA. A gardener and environmentalist, she founded Flor’s Garden in Antipolo.