On July 23, 2024, the UAP Davao Chapter held a significant board meeting at Meeting Grounds, Ponciano St., Davao City. Attended by 10 out of the 15 chapter officers, the meeting was a critical event that focused on adopting several resolutions to refine and enhance the chapter's governance and operational procedures. The presence of Past UAP National President, Architect Benjamin Panganiban Jr., as the resource person added depth and insight to the discussions, drawing from his extensive experience and leadership within the organization.
The first major agenda item was the adoption of Board Resolution No. 1 (BR.1), which proposed amendments to the existing Board Resolution No. 1 from Fiscal Year 2023-24. This earlier resolution had established house rules for General Membership Meetings (GMM), but as the chapter evolved, it became clear that these rules needed updating to serve the current needs of the members better. The proposed amendments focused on creating a more structured yet flexible environment during GMMs, encouraging broader member participation and ensuring that meetings remained orderly and productive. The board discussed the importance of these changes in fostering a more inclusive atmosphere where all members could voice their opinions and contribute to the chapter's decision-making processes. The resolution was adopted with unanimous agreement, signaling a commitment to continuous improvement in the chapter's operations.
The second resolution, BR.2, addressed the need to amend Chapter Resolution #3, Series of 2023, which pertained to the status of chapter members. This amendment was driven by the recognition that the chapter's membership demographics were shifting, with more members facing varying professional and personal commitments that affected their level of participation. The board recognized the importance of accommodating these changes to ensure that all members felt valued and included regardless of availability or activity level. The amended resolution introduced a new category of membership status that allowed for more flexibility, enabling members to maintain their affiliation with the chapter while participating at a level that suited their circumstances. This approach was seen as a progressive step towards inclusivity, acknowledging the diverse needs of the chapter's members while maintaining the integrity and active engagement of the group.
Another critical resolution discussed was BR.3, which proposed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events be counted as official General Membership Meetings (GMM). This resolution was part of the chapter's broader strategy to integrate social responsibility into its core activities deeply; by officially recognizing CSR events as GMMs, the chapter emphasized the importance of community engagement and encouraged more members to participate in these initiatives. The board's discussion highlighted the dual benefits of this resolution: it provided members with additional opportunities to fulfill their GMM attendance requirements and reinforced the chapter's commitment to positively impacting the community. The resolution was enthusiastically supported by all present, reflecting a shared belief in the value of embedding social responsibility into the chapter's identity and operations.
The final resolution, BR.4, focused on establishing clear guidelines for the resignation of chapter officers. Recent experiences had highlighted the need for a structured process to manage officer resignations, ensuring that such transitions were smooth and did not disrupt the chapter's activities. The proposed guidelines included a formal notification period, a requirement for a written resignation letter, and specific obligations that resigning officers must fulfill before their resignation can be accepted. These guidelines were designed to maintain organizational stability, ensuring the chapter could continue operations without interruption, even in the face of leadership changes. The board agreed that this resolution was crucial for maintaining the chapter's continuity and professionalism, and it was adopted without dissent.
Architect Benjamin Panganiban Jr. provided valuable insights throughout the meeting, drawing on his experience as a past UAP National President. His input helped contextualize the resolutions within the broader framework of UAP's goals and objectives, offering guidance on how the chapter could align its efforts with the national organization's strategic direction. His presence underscored the importance of continuity and mentorship within the UAP, as seasoned leaders like him played a crucial role in guiding the next generation of chapter leaders.
The July 2024 board meeting of the UAP Davao Chapter was a landmark event, setting the stage for enhanced governance, greater inclusivity, and strengthened community engagement. The adoption of these resolutions demonstrated the chapter's commitment to evolving in response to the needs of its members and the community it serves. The collaborative spirit of the meeting and the strategic guidance provided by Architect Panganiban ensured that the chapter was well-positioned to achieve its goals in the coming years. As the meeting concluded, the officers left with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear roadmap for the future, confident in their ability to lead the chapter toward continued success and relevance.