HAPI-Bacolod Welcomes New Officers!
By Glemir Sordilla
HAPI Scholar | HAPI-Bacolod Member
“The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress,” go the famous words of Charles Kettering, the innovative engineer. Change, despite being daunting and difficult, can be what everyone needs. Management reform is a challenge for every organization. Everyone involved must welcome these changes with an open mind and be ready to adapt.
And so HAPI-Bacolod welcomed some changes last February 6 at Kapehan Kilid Patio during their first meeting of 2022. The chapter recognized that this year will bring new and exciting opportunities as well as hardships. They took these into account when they nominated and elected new officers.
Eldemar “Honeybunch” Sabete, who has been the face of HAPI-Bacolod in recent years, became the new Lead Convenor. The task of Deputy Head will be taken on by Rayd Espeja, who was one of the original founders of the HAPI’s Bacolod Chapter. Danzen Viscaya will be the one handling the Secretary position while Francine Abalayan will continue her work as the Finance Officer. The role of Programs Officer will be taken on by Genrick Catalonia. Kelly Kim Sepida, who takes care of the chapter’s graphic designs will now also handle the position of Communications Officer while Glemir Sordilla will keep the HAPI-Bacolod Facebook page updated and active as the Social Media Manager.
“I’m glad to be back! There will be a lot of upcoming changes in HAPI-Bacolod’s [operations], from organizing projects and events to maximizing our capacities and advocacies,” Sabete gushed when asked how he felt being the new Lead Convenor. He also added that re-orientation is the first step needed towards sustainable actions and solutions in our local struggles.
Abalayan, re-elected as the Finance Officer, said that it is “interesting, exciting, and somewhat challenging” to be one. She pointed out the substantial change in the organization due to the pandemic and how managing the resources is essential for more future projects. She promises to continue “embracing motivation and being productive.”
After the tense and serious atmosphere of the electing session, the HAPI-Bacolod members moved on to their next agenda which is their plans or activities for 2022. They collectively planned activities that will encompass the pillars of HAPI! HAPI-Bacolod has been known to be a determined and hardworking bunch so despite juggling the societal changes brought about by the pandemic, they will continue to grow together.
