Bugsay philosophy inspires foundation leaders

By RAFI
May 20, 2012

CEBU CITY  –  Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s (RAFI) president Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz presented the Bugsay philosophy during the Association of Foundations (AF) general assembly held last April 18-20 at El Salvador Beach Resort, Danao City, Cebu.

Aboitiz was the keynote speaker for the event, which gathered leaders from AF-affiliated foundations nationwide. AF also celebrated its 40th anniversary during the assembly.

“His speech is a reminder to us leaders of our responsibility to affect change amidst apathy and indifference,” Dominica Chua, RAFI chief operating officer, said.

In his speech, Aboitiz shared his own guiding principle, which he calls Bugsay philosophy.

"Bugsay" is the Visayan word for paddle or oar. In the Bugsay philosophy, every one is a paddle and it is the choice of each person whether to pick up his paddle and paddle forward through working on one’s potentials and taking opportunities, or remain motionless or move in circles without any focus or direction.

Aboitiz emphasized the crucial role of a sense of accountability on one’s own choices and determination in making it through life’s challenges.

“The Bugsay philosophy tells us that a person should take charge of his life, not solely depending on what others can do for him,” Chua said.

Aboitiz imparted the value of character, competence, and citizenship in leadership.

While being equipped with skills it is equally important to have the right attitude in carrying one’s duties and responsibilities the end goal of which is serving the greater number, especially the less privileged.

Aboitiz believes that true service is helping others help themselves, that real progress can be attained through collaborative efforts.

The Jesuit-educated RAFI president stands as a testament of a service-oriented leadership as he called on other foundation leaders to strive to do more and deliver better services to their respective organizations and communities.

“He encouraged us to constantly check on our motivation for doing things for it is that which sustains us in our work. It must be clear that we serve not to gain credit for ourselves, but for others to live better lives,” Chua said.

“Many of the participants asked him how he started and how he sustained the works of the foundation. His answers focused on working together in service,” she added.

RAFI has been a member of AF for 36 years and continues to be an “architect of change,” with the support of partner agencies and organizations.  From a purely philanthropic institution founded by the late Don Ramon Aboitiz, RAFI has evolved into a nongovernment organization dedicated to social development with focus areas on Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

“In RAFI, we are one, big bugsay. We paddle forward with a shared goal and vision,” Chua said.