NEWS

ASA Area Administrators from Mindanao Region

On August 16-17, 2019, at the Nuestra Senora Del Pilar Retreat House and Lay Formation in Zamboanga City, thirty-five (35) Area Administrators from ASA, Mindanao Region, attended the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey (NCALJ). As part of ASA’s continued efforts to form committed, passionate, and well-rounded leaders, the Area Administrators went through two days of rest, reflection, and prayer. Inspired by Ninoy and Cory’s own brand of spiritual-leadership, the participants underwent modules of prayer, discernment, and self-sacrifice. The program was led by NCAF Program Director and Facilitator, Mr. Jampao Reyes.

The Journey began with the opening remarks of ASA Director of Operations, Mindanao Chapter, Mr. Taib Abduraji. He expressed his excitement for program and its contributions to the participants and their work, and he also invited them to open themselves to the process of the Journey and be inspired to love and care all those they serve within the ASA Foundation. Then, Mr. Reyes shared the objectives for the two-day activity, as well as guided the participants towards the right reflective disposition for the Journey.

Some of the main activities for Day One included the Photo Language Activity, Connecting the Dots, and Kuwentong-Buhay. In these activities, the participants were asked to look back at their lives and identify key moments where they felt cared for, inspired, and loved. The participants were also asked to reflect on high and low moments as members of ASA, as well as the people who motivate them to continue their work within the company. Then, the Area Administrators were divided into their sharing groups and each was given an opportunity to share his or her life-story.

Mr. Reyes also emphasized the power of care in one’s life, saying that “the call to leadership is the call to love.” He encouraged the participants to recall moments and even people whom affected them positively and express their gratitude to these people. After, the participants were also given an opportunity to thank the people they work with in ASA.

During Day Two, ASA Senior Director, Shayn Pacifico, expressed her gratitude for the Area Administrators, thanking them for their dedication and commitment to ASA. She also encouraged them to not only do their work well, but find meaning in the help they are able to provide the Filipino people. Next, the participants heard from beloved Theology Professor and Former Ateneo College Associate Dean for Student Formation, Roberto “Bobby” Guevara. He discussed with them the story of the exodus as a parallel to one’s life of commitment and trust. He challenged the participants to look at the parts of their lives that hold them back and offer these to God, and allow themselves to be inspired by the His love and the love of the people around them.

The program ended with the “Commitment Wall” Activity, where each participant wrote down his or her promise to ASA moving forward. Each participant shared his or her commitment to the group. Some participants also expressed their significant learning from the two-day program. One participant shared, “[What] I liked most about the program was the Paglalakbay and sharing with other staff.” Another said, “[I liked] the very exceptional and hopeful stories.” One even suggested, “I hope [this] will be conducted to our branch managers, JMFO, and MFO. Continue the good mission.”