Associations meet to inspire, collaborate and grow
CONTINUING from my column the other week on the Sixth Associations Summit (AS6) that the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on November 23 and 24, 2018, let me share some insights from the speakers during the event.
From the first panel, “Inspiring Stories and Case Studies:”
Jose P. Leviste Jr., director for Environment and Climate Change of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, cited the strength of PCCI’s organizational structure that works efficiently through “consensus and decisive action.”
Atty. Paul A. Santos, chairman of the Philippine Retailers Association who was recognized as one of this year’s ANG SUSI Awards “Board Member of the Year,” said PRA’s main focus is on the business development of its members.
Linda P. Gonzalez, president of the National Federation of Women’s Clubs of the Philippines, mentioned her organization’s strategy to promote good governance and to increase membership recruitment and involvement.
Mary Lizabeth Lu, executive director of the Game Developers Association of the Philippines, spoke about leveraging membership in securing a good deal for health insurance coverage for members.
Zedrik T. Avecilla, director of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, highlighted SBFCC’s annual “State of the Freeport Address” event that attracts 300 attendees from 20 countries.
From the second panel, “Collaboration Stories and Case Studies:”
Helen P. Macasaet, chairperson of the ICT Committee, Management Association of the Philippines, shared MAP’s partnership with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce in organizing business forums.
Rene M. Gener, executive director of the People Management Association of the Philippines, cited PMAP’s partnership with government and other stakeholders in crafting the law on contractualization.
Dr. Victor C. Quimen Jr., national treasurer of the Philippine Nurses Association, talked about PNA’s collaboration with ABS-CBN’s Salamat Doc TV program to promote health and wellness.
Arlene Padua Martinez, president of the Philippine Marketing Association, discussed PMA’s partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry in mentoring 240,000 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs in the country.
Joel B. Pascual, president of the Philippine Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, shared how Paceos members collaborate with its clients in terms of revenue generation, advancement of cause and messaging delivery.
From the third panel, “Sustainability Stories and Case Studies:”
Rolando B. Victoria, board adviser of ASKI Multi-Purpose Cooperative and also this year’s ANG SUSI Awards “Board Member of the Year,” discussed ASKI’s holistic approach to sustainable development—taking care of business, finance and the environment.
Arch. Manifelmo C. Dacanay, vice president of iHome Greater Metro Manila Inc., called for the need for sustainable communities and urgent solution for the housing backlog in the country.
Catherine Rowena Villanueva, president of the Manila Bay Sunset Partnership Program Inc., presented her organization’s Manila Bay cleanup drive and its eco-brick project.
Arch. Benjamin K. Panganiban Jr., national president of United Architects of the Philippines, highlighted UAP’s “heart and soul” focus on corporate social responsibility.
From the session, “Making Associations Relevant Today:’
Toni Brearley, CEO of the Australasian Society of Association Executives, shared the evolving models of associations such as tiered, subscription and “freemium.”
Jason Yeh, president of the Taiwan Convention and Exhibition Association, walked the audience through the transformation of meetings management from Meetings 1.0 to 4.0.
I also spoke about association leadership practices and attributes of an association leader.
The contributor, Octavio “Bobby” Peralta, is concurrently the secretarygeneral of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific, founder and CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives and President of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Association Organizations. The purpose of PCAAE—the “association of associations”—is to advance the association management profession and to make associations well-governed and sustainable. PCA AE enjoys the support of ADFIAP, the Tourism Promotions Board and the Philippine International Convention Center. E-mail: obp@ adfiap.org