The TIBFI Board held its first meeting for the year on January 15 at the King Crab Restaurant at San Juan. In full attendance were TIBFI officers Tina Aquino from HRAP (Chairman), Paul Lim So from PTAA (Vice-Chair), Dean Ediser dela Santa from UP-AIT (Treasurer), Tinette Capistrano from PACEOS (Secretary), Gloria Baken-Siy from AAHRMEI (Auditor), Anabelle Ochoa from AHRM (PRO) and Danny Edralin from NUWHRAIN-CENTRO (Trustee). Also in attendance were TIBFI Advisers Dir. Rica Bueno and Arlene Alipio (DOT) together with Dir. Imee Taganas and Marissa Gamurot from TESDA.
Two of the important matters discussed during the board meeting were the creation of guidelines / mechanics for the screening and acceptance of new members into the organization. Although TIBFI aims to expand its membership base, it was discussed that quality and not quantity of membership needs to be emphasized. Thus, the need for clear guidelines for the screening and acceptance process. Also discussed were the year-end financials of TIBFI, which remains stable and healthy, as well as its plans / projects for 2018. One of the initial projects will be Camp Assess part 2, which will be a joint activity with TESDA.
A major part of the first board meeting was the awarding of a Certificate of Appreciation to Dir. Rica Bueno of DOT. As a valued adviser and supporter of TIBFI's projects, Dir. Rica played a significant role in bringing TIBFI to where it is now.
Dir. Rica has been re-assigned as Region 12 Director during the recent reshuffling of DOT executives initiated by Sec. Wanda Teo. In an emotional farewell speech, each board member of TIBFI was given the opportunity to express what they remember best about Dir. Rica, and to wish her all the best in her new assignment. Danny Edralin said this in closing... "Dir. Rica, this is not a good-bye, just a "see you again soon". Godspeed, Dir. Rica! Bring your spark to Region 12!
