December 2009 Issue Volume V I No. 12
After a prolonged wait, Federation headquarters finally advised the local Chamber that the Federation President would be available to induct its new set of officers either on January 9, or January 16, 2010. The first option was too near with the Christmas Season with its many holidays during December, to afford us enough time to prepare, while the second was within the preparations for the celebration of the Feast of Santo Nino which would be centered at the Santo Nino Shrine at Libertad. Between the airport and the City proper, there would be heavy traffic, especially on Sunday, January 17, where the street dancing and the various other activities would take place. There would be inconveniences to be encountered during the send off of guests.
Left with no other alternative, we chose the second option. Several meetings were held to map out the master plan. Assignments were given with the incoming president, Engr. Aniceto Bonpin, Jr., assisted by the outgoing one, taking charge. Possible venues were chosen with the TCA Social Hall as the probable venue. Upon inspection the next few days, however, the proposed venue was found to need too much repairs, which time did not permit. So it was proposed to select the Dottie’s Place instead. Upon verification of its facilities, it was found to be the better option – the Convention Center was spacious and air-conditioned, and the guests could be billeted in its hotel rooms for easy access.
The Induction was supposed to be held as close to the beginning of the term of office of the new set of officers, which was July 1, 2009. Due, however, to the fully booked itinerary of the preferred Inducting Officer, Dr. Alfonso A. Uy, Federation President, the affair was postponed subject to his availability. In the meantime, a little problem cropped up because, while the newly elected president had been accepted by the members, other organizations could not accept him as such until he was inducted into office. This resulted in the holdover capacity of the outgoing president. With the latest development, this little problem would become moot and academic.
The Chamber, in the six years under the outgoing leader, had its transformation from its previous dormant and weak state to a vibrant and active one. It had engaged in several socio-civic activities, recruited many new members, reorganized its internal set up and revitalized its official Securities and Exchange Commission papers. It began to act as a conduit of the Federation for the construction of school buildings that in a span of six years constructed 27 school buildings with a total of 54 classrooms to fill the dire need of the public school system. It made its presence felt in the various councils of the City with membership in a permanent capacity. In other words, the Chamber is now an organization to reckon with.
C. L. Young |
