On February 23, 2025, the BCBP Panay Region held the On-boarding and Kamustahan of Senior Leaders at Hotel Alunsina, Roxas City. The event was attended by Bro. Apol Chan, AMD of Western Visayas, RCD Rex Debuque of Southern Panay, RCD Rotelo Palmes of Northern Panay, and various chapters from the BCBP Panay Region.

The event, which was facilitated by former RCD of Panay Region, Bro Jess Diaz,  began with a short praise and worship by Bro Rex Villarina, followed by the introductions and welcome remarks by RCD Northern Panay, Bro Rotelo Palmes. Bro. Alex Madrid, the main speaker, addressed the senior leaders, emphasizing their pivotal role in the community. He reminded them that as former chapter heads, they should remain active and serve as role models within the community. Senior leaders must provide silent feedback to the new Chapter Heads when they observe areas for improvement. Support the governance, even without formal roles. They are entrusted with being the keepers of the vision and the protectors of the BCBP Way of Life, ensuring it remains vibrant and faithful to its mission.

Where Are We Now?

Recent statistics reveal that 86% of the estimated 500 Senior Leaders remain active, while 7.6% are inactive, and 6.5% are deceased. Notably, members in the 31 to 40-year-old age group represent only 1%, highlighting the urgency of appointing younger leaders to various directorates and chapter leadership roles. Without addressing this, the community risks facing challenges akin to the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Pastoral Plan for Senior Leaders

To address the chronic issue of inactive senior leaders, the Senior Leaders Directorate for Formation has developed a pastoral plan focused on organizing, activating, and engaging members.

• Organize: Activities, programs, and committees like RTTC and CRV teams are being created, along with group chats on Viber and Messenger for communication.
• Activate: Senior leaders will be given assignments with clear expectations, along with a scheduled Senior Leaders’ AGM (SL AGM), separate from the regular AGM that they belong. The SL AGM will provide a platform for senior leaders to voice concerns that they may not feel comfortable discussing in the regular AGM.
• Engage: Senior leaders will be invited to Regional Council Meetings to share best practices and ideas. Additionally, Create an Action Group for Senior Leaders where Chapter Heads can update them on upcoming activities at the Chapter, Regional, and National levels.

Bro. Alex also stressed that being a senior leader and a former Chapter Head does not grant them unlimited authority to dictate activities or insist on activities that they are used to. As AMD Apol mentioned, BCBP is a dynamic community, not a static one – what works for them before, may not be applicable now. Therefore, senior leaders must show respect and submission to the current leadership and trust the direction set by the community’s new governance.

The current leadership is responsible for communicating the plans and programs to senior leaders, ensuring their spiritual growth and engagement. Senior leaders act as consultants to the new governance, offering guidance and support without interfering in the day-to-day operations. They are there to help the current leaders navigate challenges while ensuring the smooth functioning of the community.

Senior leaders are also encouraged to collaborate closely with the Chapter Head, RCD, and AMD. Any activities initiated by the Senior Leaders must receive permission from the current Chapter Head. The BCBP, as a community of order, requires strict adherence to protocols and lines of authority (Mancom → AMD → RCD → CH).

Conclusion

A total of 23 Senior Leaders attended the on-boarding session, pledging to be more engaged in assisting their respective chapters. The On-boarding and Kamustahan of Senior Leaders serves as a nurturing ground where the seeds of leadership are planted. Through these efforts, we trust that God will help these seeds grow and bear fruit, ultimately raising future Regional and National leaders for the community.