Argument ceased. Apologies expressed and good rhythm restored.
It was good reading in the Internet. I understood with clarity the question.
Hindsight is always 20/20 and with reasons from both sides, I had a good grasp
of what happened. The kiss and make up indeed was nice.
True that issues are put to rest. But the game is far from over. Politeness
and diplomatic civility may have come back, but it does not determine the mess
behind the decision of BG Forum becoming independently self-autonomous. The
shape of the new landscape is still to be drawn.
We know the position BG Forum took. But what about the previous partner? More
so on the money that was partially raised for registration? Sources before the
break-up was that almost half of the one million pesos were already raised.
This was exciting stuff. It was kind of Quebec leaving Canada. Understandably,
question of loyalty, management style, leadership competency and even a little
flavor of betrayal could have been thought of.
But regardless, forum and foundation people are now reconciled. This is what
matters most. We at the sideline are happy about it. We know that they are
dedicated individuals with serious intention to make Butuan a better place.
The story is not long to bore anyone. The foundation was just organized less
than a year ago and was registered in California. An attempt was made to also
register it with the Security Exchange Commission in the Philippines. This did
not come to pass as it lacked the required one million pesos to register it as
a foundation. A fundraising contribution drive was launched but the outcome was
short the required amount.
Meanwhile, the foundation needed legal personality to represent the issue of
Mt. Mayapay becoming a national park with congress. BG Forum then was hastily
created and registered with the commission as NGO to accommodate the role. This
was done supposedly with an intention to dissolve its existence the moment the
foundation acquires its own registration. This was the plan and the purpose was
well served.
Hindsight vision did not show any visible clue about a conniving scheme brewing
behind the foundation. There was a name change of the yahoo e-group from
foundation to forum. But this was changed later to Butuanon. This can not have
any significance. There was however a confidential vexing letter that was
mistakenly posted to public view. This was followed immediately after by a
litany of accusations about leadership misgivings justifying the forum's move
to secede.
All this is now history. Ordinarily, we just shove this off and charge it to
misunderstanding and on we go again like nothing did ever happen. Case close.
But not so fast. It isn't that simple. A can of worms was opened and we worry
about where the creepers could wind up. With blazing fanfare the foundation
people marched into town and trumpeted the good news. Charity groups long
working on the ground, though baffled about what role it would play, still
welcome the newcomer with glistening expectation. At Doum Hong Pasidungod, the
foundation was embraced warmly by people with delightful smile from ear to ear.
However, at the reception banquet prior to the pasidungod function, a city
councilor in his speech lambasted with impunity the chairman of the foundation.
I was dumbfounded. It was supposed to be an amiable social interaction and
obviously an awkward occasion to castigate anyone publicly, but there it was.
It took me by surprise.
It seemed that the foundation's first step was on the wrong foot. The
organizational meeting where attendees were expecting an open free democratic
election turned out to be an oath taking of officers that were already
pre-selected. There were those who were disappointed of the process and some
were even disgusted. Alumni seniors association representatives had negative
reports about it at their board meeting a day after.
Little as it maybe, these simple acts to consist first impression are
important. It defines among others the integrity of individuals. Yes, it's
harsh and even absurd but at times human instinct is difficult to deny. My
feelings with the foundation have been along this line.
Nevertheless, my chosen resolve is not based on this regard and neither on what
transpired lately. My bottom line too is the best for Butuan. I am a pragmatic
optimist and accustomed enough to bypass these kinds of petty nuisances.
Experience tells me that direct local management of projects is more effective
than running it long distance from somewhere else and more so from outside the
country. It is therefore imperative that Butuan should be calling the shot.
The term subsidiary or the likes of it doesn't cut very well. With this in
mind, the forum's independent autonomous status on site is my choice. This is
where I lend my trust and put my little worth.
The foundation though weakened is far from being discouraged. The current
recruitment effort in Butuan is indicative continuance of the original
blueprints. There maybe some adjustment, but eventually, it will grow in size
and strength. The foundation with its style of leadership will undertake its
purpose and all for the betterment of Butuan.
Henceforth, we have three organizations running parallel with each other. We
have the Butuan Ivory Charity Foundation, The Butuan Global Forum and the
Butuan Global Foundation. If we include international organizations and local
NGOs operating in an average-size city like Butuan, we have a jungle. There are
so many uncoordinated agencies doing individually their thing. We surely fit
accurately into the wise adage of too many cooks.
