UMEDFI Strategic Planning: A Visionary Blueprint

Occurred on January 11, 2025, the Strategic Planning Session has been a prolific exchange of ideas between University of Makati Educational Development Foundation, Inc. (UMEDFI) Board of Directors and Resource Speaker Ms. Victoria V. Alcoseba.

The session commenced with a Board meeting immersed on proposed organizational structure, budget and upcoming activities. Participants were President Dr. Dalisay G. Brawner, Vice President Mr. John Tiong, Treasurer Dr. Milagros Torres, Auditor Ms. Elaine Go and Dr. Alex Brillantes, Jr.

Led by Ms. Victoria, the second phase of the program was focused on revisiting the foundation’s vision and mission, organizational possibilities and long-term goals within a 5-year mark; starting off with an imagery interpretation exercise followed by member introductions, expected outcomes and inputs they can contribute in the discussion.

Thereafter is the 3D Mapping, a brainstorming forum that served as a cornerstone in defining UMEDFI’s standpoint. Using symbolic representations, each member shared their perspective on system evolution, concurrent situations and future plans. Remarkable analogies are as follows:

For Ms. Go, rope represents system entanglement needed to be fixed.

Similarly, Dr. Brawner states that a rope serves as an instrument in strengthening linkages and further solidifying the bond that has already been established.

Dr. Torres associated a robot toy in the mantra of not giving up even if the stakes do not go the way they have anticipated. “Everyone achieves more with teamwork,” she added.

Mr. Tiong pointed out the resemblance of grapes as the product of how the organization collectively forms decisions.

Dr. Brillantes perceived an empty canvas as a stepping stone where opportunity begins. Additionally, he described the kitchen as a sandbox of creating harmonization.

The second part of the activity delves into an in-depth dissection of viewpoints from each participant regarding frustrations, hard truth needed to be spoken and conflict resolution

This strategic planning session emphasized the importance of exploring opportunities, improvement, strengthening linkages, work-life balance and maneuvering different directions.

“Let us be visionary,” Dr. Brawner remarked. Given the circumstances, the collective insight of the UMEDFI Board of Directors showcased a reaffirmed commitment to sustained impact in the field of education.

Written by: Crisbel Bronzal