It was in the later part of the 70's in the middle of the country's political instability that the National Council began to institutionalize its program thrusts particulary in the performance of the four service fields. Guided by the cardinal principles of LEADERSHIP, FRIENDSHIP and SERVICE under the stewardship of NP Emeritus Melchizedek Maquiso (Gamma) who authored the first APO-Philippines "Two-Year Development Plan", led to the creation of the Area Coordinators in the National Territories.

One of the territories that was activated in 1977 was the Eastern Visayas Region which was first chaired by Bro. Edgar Brosas (Beta Omega). Bro. Edgar was followed by the late Bro. Dan Cardillo (Gamma) and which eventually led to the organization of the Eastern Region Executive Committee (EREC).

Then, during the 10th Nat'l Biennial Convention in Cebu in March 1979, the concept of Regional Development Director was adopted and Bro. Dr. Frank P. Brosas Jr. (Alpha Omicron '66) became the 1st elected RDD of Region VIII. Brod Dr. Frank who later became the National President for DY 1981-83 activated the EREC and appointed the late Brod Rudy Anloague (Alpha Omicron '66) as the Executive Chairman. Under the stewardship of the late "McRod" as he was fondly called would become the foundation of continued professionalism in the regional organization inherent of Regional Development Council Region VIII (RDC VIII).

McRod's protege Bro. Rey Seno (Epsilon Omega '80), then a newcomer, followed his "godfather's" footsteps when he was elected as RDD 8 during 11th National Biennial Convention held in Cagayan de Oro in December 1981. It was during his short stint as RDD that the first Regional Development Council in Region 8 was formally organized and activated.

Bro. Rey later relinquished his position to Bro. Manuel Marta (Alpha Omicron) who finished the term with enthusiasm and who worked seriously on the affairs of the region. The newly structured RDC was further streamlined during his term.

As the pattern for regional development was introduced, an equally dynamic leader who is credited with the most chapters organized in the region succeeded the position as RDD. Bro. Ruben Bulic (Alpha Omicron) held the position in Development Year 1983-1985.

Development Year 1985-1987 became the historical milestone for RDC 8 under the late Bro. Oscar Pedrosa when the region hosted the National Convention in 1987 and had as delegates, members from APO-USA.

The succeeding years provided for the smooth transition of leadership to the first lady RDD for Region 8, Sis. Pinky Horca-Brosas (Alpha Omicron), the sister-in-law of Past NP Frank Brosas. Her administration proved that female members have equal opportunities for leadership with their male counterparts in the organization.

Bro. Edgar Velasquez (Alpha Omicon) took over as RDD 8 for Development Year 1989-1991 after being elected during the Davao Convention. It was during his term that the members in the region became aware of the major thrusts in the National Council's program through the region's networking when the Area Development Councils were activated, the latter of which addressed the RDC constituents with the RDC's programs of development.

Bro. Roy Pacto (Alpha) was the RDD for Development Year 1991-1993. The interest in the political arena became the trend during his term.

Bro. Jun Ballais (Alpha Omicron) broke the record when he held the position for two consecutive terms. Elected during the Regional Convention in 1993, he was reelected in 1995. The year 1997 was the turning point for the region. A complete facelifting and surgery unfolded. The dynamic leadership of Immediate Past NP Alquiza provided the "materials and tools" needed to once again revive the ailing region and to spring it back to where it was before.

Bro. Edmar Par (Sigma) became an "accidental hero" when he represented the region in the 1997 Baguio Convention and was elected as RDD 8. Little did everyone in the region know that the diminutive brother who works at PASAR would propel the RDC back to its old glory when during the 20th National Biennial Convention in Davao City on May 7-9, 1999, the region was awarded the Best RDC by the National Executive Board (NEB).

Past NVP Bro. Romi Restituto (Pi) became the RDD 8 for Development Year 1999-2001 (APO Philippines Golden Year) when he was elected during the Regional Convention on March 6, 1999 at UP Tacloban City and was confirmed by the NEB during the 1999 Davao Convention where a big delegation from the region attended.

Elected as RDD 8 for Development Year 2001-2003 during the 21st National Biennial Convention in Subic in May 2001, Brod Raul Mabini (Delta Phi) continued on the implementation of the national programs in the region. The Standard Training Procedure (STP), adopted by the National Fraternity and Sorority in 1995, slowly started to gain acceptance from the members in the region despite some controversies.

Bro. Brassett Espiritu (Alpha Omicron) was elected as the RDD for D.Y. 2003-2005 with a landslide win on March 2, 2003. The continuing implementation of the Standard Training Procedure, the full implementation of the Balik-Skawting Program, the use of Information Technology, conducting Information drives and leadership trainings, recognition of collegiate chapters and alumni associations, and ID registration and renewals became the noteworthy accomplishments during his term, among others. Brod Brassett's term also marked the end of the era of the old APO Code of By Laws. The legacy goes on...

Back   Top   Logout