The Psychological Association of the Philippines is celebrating its 50th year and it has come such a long way. The first time I attended a conference more than a decade a go, there were about 200 participants. This year we had about 1100.
A professional organization such as PAP runs on the blood, sweat and tears of its members who volunteer to lead and manage its activities. Pretty much like a relay, the baton of leadership is passed on to those willing to take on the challenging and thankless job. Most presidents ran sprints. In the recent years, it was heartening to see colleagues such as Allan Bernardo, Jay Saplala and Caring Tarroja run longer distances bringing PAP further.
When people began telling me they wanted me to be next, I had all sorts of excuses - “I had just come back on the board”, “I already have a lot on my plate”, and “there are others who are more senior.” Part of the resistance was the knowledge that the coming year would be challenging. We need to set our strategic directions for the future. We are growing so quickly and there are a lot of changes we need to make. We are hosting an international conference next year. The Psychology law that has become quite contentious will need to be implemented.
I talked to my colleagues in Ateneo because of its impact on my load and responsibilities. I asked my CORD family for their support and understanding if I have less time to give. I consulted my family because it meant less time and resources for them. I prayed, half-hoping for a reason to say “no.” In the end, my UP and Jesuit formation won over because I kept hearing in my head “to whom much is given, much is expected” and “kung hindi tayo, sino?” I finally bowed my head and gave in to the call to serve.
When you say "yes" to something, it also means saying "no" to other things. I’ve resigned myself that this year means more work, stress and juggling. It also probably means less research, practice, income, and personal time. Yet what gives me comfort is the knowledge that my family and colleagues have my back and that there are good people in the PAP board, committees and staff that have also made such a sacrifice for the profession. I am in great company. I am not running alone.
A professional organization such as PAP runs on the blood, sweat and tears of its members who volunteer to lead and manage its activities. Pretty much like a relay, the baton of leadership is passed on to those willing to take on the challenging and thankless job. Most presidents ran sprints. In the recent years, it was heartening to see colleagues such as Allan Bernardo, Jay Saplala and Caring Tarroja run longer distances bringing PAP further.
When people began telling me they wanted me to be next, I had all sorts of excuses - “I had just come back on the board”, “I already have a lot on my plate”, and “there are others who are more senior.” Part of the resistance was the knowledge that the coming year would be challenging. We need to set our strategic directions for the future. We are growing so quickly and there are a lot of changes we need to make. We are hosting an international conference next year. The Psychology law that has become quite contentious will need to be implemented.
I talked to my colleagues in Ateneo because of its impact on my load and responsibilities. I asked my CORD family for their support and understanding if I have less time to give. I consulted my family because it meant less time and resources for them. I prayed, half-hoping for a reason to say “no.” In the end, my UP and Jesuit formation won over because I kept hearing in my head “to whom much is given, much is expected” and “kung hindi tayo, sino?” I finally bowed my head and gave in to the call to serve.
When you say "yes" to something, it also means saying "no" to other things. I’ve resigned myself that this year means more work, stress and juggling. It also probably means less research, practice, income, and personal time. Yet what gives me comfort is the knowledge that my family and colleagues have my back and that there are good people in the PAP board, committees and staff that have also made such a sacrifice for the profession. I am in great company. I am not running alone.