“There are many of us who see things as they are and ask ourselves why, but we must dream of things that never were and ask ourselves why not?”
George Bernard Shaw
On the occasion of the first induction of the Laoacanians Association of North America (LANA), I have quoted George Bernard Shaw’s inspiring 29 words to rally the officers and members of the newly formed organization to step up their plate and explore endless possibilities, or as Mr. Johnson Dolores, the youngish president, have declared, limitless opportunities.
There is no question that Mr. Shaw’s famous quotation has been the mantra of many Filipino associations in Toronto and many of them have been successful by following to the letter its meaning but it cannot also be denied that many have failed because of a twisted meaning put to it to advance personal interests.
Disengagement rather than engagement has been anyone’s mantra. Personal rather than collective agenda has become the norm. Title is better than virtue. Virtue seems to be an insufficient magnet for responsible leadership.
Among many ethnic community organizations, Filipinos included, to dream of things that never were is not the question but the lack of transparency and accountability.
LANA, however, is quite a different story. The officers and members engage in countless meetings and endless discussions to filter any issues that may create chasm or void in the fledgling organization and restrain themselves from petty squabbles, inconsequential acts, and fiery yet meaningless debates. Each has his or her own personal agenda and that is to help in the progress and development of their native town of Laoac, in the Province of Pangasinan. Each wants to partake in the legacy of bringing change to their town because everyone believes that Laoac will always be there to welcome him or her into his or her warm embrace like an eager mother waiting for her son or daughter who left to come back another day.
As they bear witness to the disintegration of many ethnic organizations due to irreconcilable differences and competing interests, Mr. Elpidio Enrile, one LANA’s indefatigable advisers, intimated that LANA’s main virtue is to aggrandize no one but none. “We cater to everybody’s interests. At the end of the day, it’s all about Laoac.”
The following is the excerpt of the speech before LANA’s first induction:
First of all, I would like to congratulate the officers and members of the Laoacanians Association of North America or LANA on the occasion of their First Induction.
This is the culmination of your hard work and perseverance – of countless meetings and discussions.
I must remind you that an induction is not an empty ceremony or a parade of good-looking
men and women in their finest suits or gowns. It’s more than that. It is not something that is done in a vacuum. That is your oath. That is your obligation. That is your pact – your pactum sanctum or covenant with your members.
By induction, you formally assume your position and your duties formally begin.
Your honeymoon with the members is over.
Your actions will now be under the scrutiny of the watchful or prying eyes of members but they watch not to despise you, not to ridicule you and not to wage war against you but to see that you are acting within the legitimate objectives and vision of the organization.
There will be challenges ahead.
But these are a part and parcel of any existing organization. If correctly managed, those challenges will become the blueprint or roadmap in the pursuit of the vision of the organization. As a caveat, however, issues that are not resolved will fan outrage and discontent which will likewise cause disharmony and disquiet and eventually disintegration.
And this is my disclaimer. I have faith in you – the officers and members of the Laoacanians Association of North America. And I believe in LANA. Your principled leadership and unwavering commitment make you a notch better than existing organizations. Your genuine concern for your fellow cabalens is like a molten brass of Ancient Egypt – pure and firm.
Let me quote this: “(T)here are many of us who see things as they are and ask ourselves why. But we must dream of things that never were and ask ourselves why not?”
For LANA to step-up and achieve its lofty objective, you should think of things that never were and ask yourselves why not. And, indeed, why not?
Always remember this proverbial saying: in unity there is strength .
Empires and kingdoms were built with collective hands, but absent one and some of those hands, no great empires and kingdoms would have existed.
And here’s the thing – the Laoacanians Association of North America is an epitome of unity and a well of strength.
I end by saying:
To the officers, directors and advisers, you were elected or appointed because of your leadership and integrity. Please keep that confidence to your heart.
To the members, you elected the officers and directors because you believed in them. Please support them.
To friends and supporters, please continue your support to LANA by attending to all its activities.
I urge you to consider this your mantra: LANA first, LANA follows.