Connie Padilla, the former president of the Simbayanan-KAMMPI expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organisation for years.
She believes the experience as invaluable opportunity. “I’m happy to serve and to be at service having these opportunities is once in a lifetime. I thank God for the gifts and talents he gives to me,” she told the Sunday Examiner.
She said there are always challenges as the officers lead a large group with diverse personalities. The former president emphasizes the importance of patience as a key quality for effective leadership, acknowledging that it’s essential for navigating differences and managing expectations of different parties.
Padilla was appointed president in 2011 and her term lasted until 2015. She has been an officer supporting the community since then.
“I will never forget when I became the president, I asked God: why me Lord? What is your message for me? I did not get the response immediately, then later on I got the answer — patience,” she said.
“If you don’t have this kind of attitude it’s very hard to handle a huge organisation because each and everyone has their own personalities and characters. I’m blessed and happy and I’ll still help the group the best I can,” she said.
During her term, she was well-remembered for designing different theme for the annual Pistahan sa Nayon, a festival organised by the community to celebrate the Philippine tradition and culture. For example, in 2012, every contestant was invited to dress in the Maria Clara style, while in 2013, she chose the traditional Mestiza style, making every one happy and excited during the village fiesta. As a president, she joined the fun by carefully designing her costume too. She recalled that these are one of the many happy moments in her services for the community.
Padilla will cease being an officer of the community in the next term but she said she will give ongoing commitment to support the group in any way possible. SE
