Organization of Filipino Educators
in the South of Thailand (OFEST)
OFEST
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Organizational Profile
OFEST Constitution and By-Laws
| ARTICLES of the Organization of Filipino Educators in the South of
Chapter 1 The organization shall be called “Organization of Filipino Educators in the South of Thailand (OFEST)”. The name shall be written in English as “Organization of Filipino Educators in the South of Thailand (OFEST),” and in its abbreviated form shall be called “(OFEST).” The words “Organization” or “OFEST” hereinafter referred to in these by-laws shall mean the “Organization of Filipino Educators in the South of Thailand (OFEST).”
The principal address of the organization is at #17 Soi Sorgktoon, Amphur Muang 2, Yala,
Colors: blue, yellow and red represent the Philippine Flag. The gray and black represent the organization. The collage of colors represent unity. Article IV. Nature of Organization. The organization shall be a secular and strictly non-political organization and its official communications shall be in English. The character of the organization shall be maintained by keeping the membership of Filipino educators/teachers south of Chapter 2 Article V. The organization is committed to foster a culture of unity, cooperation, assistance, prestige and professionalism through dynamic and dedicated leadership and fellowship among Filipinos in the deep south of Article VI. Objectives. The objectives of the organization are: (1)To promote friendship and mutual understanding and to maintain unity and harmonious relations between co-Filipinos and Thai people in the south of (2) To address the various social and economic concerning the Filipinos in the south of (3) To represent the Filipinos in and out of the south of (4) To consult and cooperate with the Philippine Embassy and Thai government officials on matters concerning the Filipinos in the south of (5) To organize, undertake and support projects and activities not only for the benefit of each members but also for Thai people (specifically Thai students) that give recognition to the talents and abilities of Filipinos in the south of (6). To raise awareness and pride in the Philippine language, culture, heritage and traditions; and, (7) To broaden the outlook of Filipinos in current affairs, cultural, social and other activities important to the status of Filipinos in Chapter 3 Article VII. Membership 1. There shall be regular members and honorary members. Only regular members are eligible for election in the Executive Committee and Sector Representatives. 2. Regular membership shall be held by those who pay the membership and monthly dues holding organization’s official ID bearing its official logo duly signed by the President of the organization as stated in the by laws. 3. Honorary membership shall be held by the incumbent Philippine Ambassador to 4. Anyone who is willing to conform to the objectives of the organization and who is willing to contribute his/her time, effort and financial support to its programs and projects shall be eligible for membership. Those desiring to become a member will be required to make application for membership on the official form provided by the organization. 5. Termination of membership Membership in the organization can be terminated by any of the following: a. By written resignation b. Any member who fails to pay his/her dues by January 31st of the fiscal year shall be sent a notice from the Membership Director stating that his/her name will be removed from the organization’s roster unless his/her dues are paid within thirty (30) days. c. Any deliberate action to tarnish the image of Filipinos in c.1. Any act of misdoing against any activities/projects herein agreed; c.2. Misconduct or misbehavior that can demoralize or degrade the organization itself and Filipinos in general; c.3. Misappropriation and malversation of funds by any members; c.4. Tampering and falsification of any documents of the organization; d. In any event, the Membership Committee shall investigate and evaluate each case and shall submit its recommendations to the Board of Directors within sixty (60) days from the date such case was brought to its attention. The decision to revoke the membership of any member shall require a vote of at least three-fourths (¾) of the Board of Directors. C.1 and C2 are given warning for the first offense depending on its valid reason as the decision of the three-fourths of the BOD. C.3 and C.4 is highly recommendable for termination since it involves the vital concerns (fund, privacy and integrity) of the organization. Chapter 4 Article VIII. Rights of Members A member of the organization shall have the following rights: (1) To attend meetings, discussions and other activities that are open to members of the organization, to question the members of the Board of Directors, and to submit motions to the General Meeting. (2) To submit formal comments and suggestions to the organization or to the Board of Directors on matters within the objectives of the organization in order to make the organization more effective and responsive. (3) To examine and assess the activities and assets of the organization by submitting a letter to the Secretary of the organization. (4) To receive transparency reports and other documents pertaining to the status of the organization prepared by the organization for distribution to the members. (5) To receive a reasonable amount of financial assistance like personal loan amounting to Five Thousand Baht (5,000 Baht) and an emergency loan amounting to Ten Thousand Baht (10,000 Baht) determined by the Board of Directors depending on the organization’s available fund. All loans incurred herein are subject to pay with _____ percent interest monthly. Article IX. Right to Vote and Election to Office Only regular members have the right to vote and the right to be elected as Executive Committee Members or Sector Representatives.
A member of the organization shall have the following duties: (1) To abide strictly and honestly by the Constitution and By Laws and regulations of the organization, resolutions of the General Meetings and the Board of Directors, and the duties entrusted by the organization. (2) To maintain the integrity and guard the interests and benefits of the organization and to avoid disclosing any information which may disgrace the organization. (3) To support and promote the activities of the organization. (4) To maintain unity among the members by carrying one’s own business faithfully and providing assistance (moral, emotional, professional and financial) to each other. (5) To pay annual renewable membership fees and other fees approved by the General Meeting to the organization punctually. (6) To notify the Secretary of the organization, in writing, of any change in name, family name, nationality, residential address, business address, and other relevant information within thirty (30) days of such change. Chapter 5 Article XI. Membership Fees Fees shall be paid as follows: (2) Regular members of the organization shall pay a monthly dues of Fifty Baht (50 Baht) monthly as the organization’s floating fund. This amount may be changed by a resolution duly approved by the members during a General Meeting whenever deemed necessary. (2) Honorary members are exempted from paying annual membership fees. Chapter 6 Article XII. Board of Directors The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the organization. It shall be composed of the elected Executive Officers, elected Sector Representatives, and ex-officio members of the various recognized Filipino organizations in 1.) Elected Executive Officers The Executive Officers shall be responsible for carrying out the day-to-day affairs of the organization. The Executive Officers shall be elected during the annual meeting designated for that purpose. It shall consist of the following officers. 1. President. The President directs how the organization is operated in accordance with the Constitution and By Laws of the organization. The President shall be the representative of the organization in businesses involving third parties and shall be the Chairman at the Board of Directors Meetings and the General Meetings of the members. 2. Vice President. The Vice President assists the President in all businesses that are the duties of the President and shall act for the President when the President is not present or cannot perform his/her duty. 3. Treasurer. The Treasurer keeps and expends the money of the organization and prepares and maintains financial accounts and records of all receipts and payments. He/She keeps and records all the assets of the organization and performs other duties assigned by the Board of Directors. 4. Auditor. The Auditor assists the Treasurer in all businesses that are the duties of the Treasurer and shall act for the Treasurer when the Treasurer is not present or cannot perform his/her duty. 5. Secretary. The Secretary prepares and reviews all correspondences; keeps various non-financial documents and records of the organization; and acts as the Secretary at the Board of Directors Meetings and the General Meetings of the members. The Secretary shall prepare the minutes of each meeting and shall perform other duties assigned by the Board of Directors. 6. Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary assists the Secretary in all businesses that are the duties of the Secretary and shall act for the Secretary when the Secretary is not present or cannot perform his/her duty. 7. Public Relations Officer. The Public Relations Officer or PRO shall transact all pertaining tasks inside and outside the organization with regards to the correspondences, promotions, networking and communication-related matters officially within the BOD only. 2.) Elected Area Representatives To ensure broad representation in the Board, Area Representatives will be elected to the Board. The elected Area Representatives shall bring to the attention of the organization the particular concerns of the sector he/she represents and shall be responsible to communicate and disseminate information to the members in his/her sector. One (1) representative in each area shall have of the following sectors to be filled-up by election. The number of sectors may be expanded to include other sectors that are deemed by the Board of Directors and approved by a corresponding resolution as needed representation. (1) Academic Organizations 3.) Ex-Officio Members Chairmen, Presidents and Heads of existing and recognized Filipino organizations in Initially, the ex-officio members of the Board of Directors shall comprise the heads of the following recognized Philippine organizations: (1) Philippine Ladies Group (PLG) President Any Filipino organization may join the list of recognized Philippine organizations if they meet the eligibility criteria established by the Philippine Embassy in There shall be no less than 11 and no more than 25 officers in the OFEST Board of Directors. No person shall hold more than one elected office during his/her term of office. Article XIV. Advisory Council The Advisory Council shall provide overall guidance and offer advice to the Board of Directors. It shall be comprised of the incumbent Philippine Ambassador to Article XV. Standing Committees 1.) There shall be six (6) Standing Committees responsible for planning, coordinating and undertaking programs and activities in specific areas, namely: (1) Membership Committee. The Membership Committee shall be responsible for soliciting and reviewing applications for membership in the organization. The Committee shall maintain and publish a registry of members that will contain at least the following particulars (a) Name and nationality of each member (2) Programs & Projects Committee. The Programs and Projects Committee shall be responsible for planning, initiating and coordinating the various programs and projects of the organization. The Committee shall prepare, at the start of each calendar year, a proposed list of programs and projects for presentation and consideration by the Board of Directors. The Committee shall work closely with the members of the Board, particularly with the heads of various recognized Filipino organizations, to make sure that their program of activities are mutually consistent and complementary and are not in conflict with one another. (3) Social Welfare Committee. The Social Welfare Committee shall be responsible for planning, initiating and coordinating various programs of action to address the socio-economic and welfare needs of the Filipinos in the deep south of (4) Publications and IT Committee. The Publications and Information Technology (IT) Committee shall be responsible for producing and circulating the Newsletter (optional) and other publications of the organization. The Committee shall set up and update regularly the website of the organization and assist the organization in the design and dissemination of information through electronic means. (5) Public Relations Committee. The Public Relations Committee shall be responsible for preparing the Newsletter as well as other official communications of the organization to the public. The Committee shall assist the Secretary, Assistant Secretary and the PRO of the organization in preparing letters/correspondences/emails, announcements and other forms of communications to ensure that they are clear and effective and promote the good name and image of the organization. The chairman of this committee will be the official spokesperson of the organization. When so designated by the President, the Chairman of the Public Relations Committee shall also represent the organization in public functions. (6) Finance & Audit Committee. The Finance and Audit Committee shall be responsible for evaluating the financial aspects of all activities of the organization, particularly its major events and functions. The Committee shall take the lead in soliciting contributions, sponsorships and donations, whether in cash or in kind, and shall ensure that all funds and resources of the organization are properly recorded and accounted for. Whenever necessary, the Committee shall assist the Treasurer and in their functions. 2.) Each of the Standing Committees shall be headed by a Chairman who shall be appointed by the President of the organization. The Committee Chairman shall invite as many members of the organization as necessary to assist him/her in performing the tasks of the Committee. The term of office of the Committee Chairman and its members is concurrent with the elected Executive Officers. 3.) The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, can create additional or reduce the number of Standing Committees as deemed necessary for the effective function of and in the interest of the organization. Article XVI. Election of the Executive Committee and Sector Representatives and Terms of Office 1.) Executive Officers and Sector Representatives shall be elected for a term of two (2) years and may be elected for another term. However, no person shall remain in office for more than two (2) consecutive terms. 2.) Three (3) months before the end of the term of the Executive Committee and Sector Representatives, the Board of Directors shall appoint an Election Committee, which shall prepare, according to the By Laws, a list of nominees for the election of the new Executive Officers and the Sector Representatives for the succeeding term. The Election Committee, which shall comprise at least three (3) members of the organization in good standing, shall also prepare the rules and procedures for the conduct of elections. Article XVII. Vacancy of Office Any Executive Officer and Sector Representative shall vacate his/her office in the following events: (1) When his/her term of office expires.
In the event of a vacancy in the Executive Officers or Sector Representatives, with the exception of the President, the Board of Directors may appoint a replacement to the office, and the member so appointed shall remain in office for the remaining period of the term. For an interim election to elect the President to the vacated office, the Executive Officers shall call a General Meeting for this particular purpose. In the event the entire Executive Officers vacate the office before the expiration of their term of office, the outgoing Executive Officers shall convene a General Meeting in order to elect the new Executive Officers. The new Executive Officers elected shall remain in office for the remaining period of the former Executive Officer’s term. Article XIX. Board of Directors Meetings A meeting of the Board of Directors shall be convened at least once every three (3) months. The President, the Executive Officer acting in the President’s absence, or a group of no less than five (5) members of the Board of Directors may call a meeting of the Board of Directors whenever necessary. The Secretary, Assistant Secretary, or an Executive Officer acting for the Secretary shall prepare the minutes of each meeting and such minutes shall be submitted for approval at the next meeting of the Board of Directors. Approved minutes shall be signed by the President and the Secretary and kept on file at the office of the organization. Approved minutes may be inspected/checked by the members of the organization during normal working hours at the office of the organization. Article XX. Quorum for Meeting of the Board of Directors More than half of the total number of members of the Board of Directors shall be needed to form a quorum. Without a quorum, a second meeting shall be held within a week after due notice has been given to all members of the Board of Directors. In the second meeting, at least five (5) Board members present will constitute a quorum. Article XXI. Chairman of the Meeting The President of the organization shall be the Chairman of the meeting of the Board of Directors. If the President is not present or cannot perform his duty, the Vice President of the organization chairs the meeting. If both the President and Vice President are not present or cannot perform their duty, the meeting shall appoint a member of the Board of Directors to be the Chairman of that particular meeting. Article XXII. Adoption of Resolution by the Board of Directors Resolutions at the Board of Directors meetings shall be adopted by the majority of the members of the Board of Directors present at the meeting. Each member of the Board of Directors can cast only one (1) vote. If the votes are equal, the Chairman of the meeting shall have the casting vote. Article XXIII. Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Officers 1.) The Executive Officers shall represent the organization in all legal or relevant matters. 2.) Legal documents and contracts shall be signed by either the President or, in the President’s absence, the Vice President, and, in case of the absence of both, the Treasurer or Secretary. 3.) All financial transactions shall require the signatures of the President (or the Vice President in the absence of the President) and the Treasurer. 4.) The outgoing Treasurer shall present to the General body during the business meeting an audited annual statement of organization’s accounts, including statements of all other funds not later than two (2) months after the end of each financial year. Chapter 7 Article XXIV. Annual General Assembly/Meetings The President shall call for an Annual General Assembly of the members at least once every year. Among the agenda items in the Annual General Assembly are the election of the Executive Officers and Sector Representatives, evaluation of the work of the organization in the preceding year, and the adoption of the financial statements of the organization. A General Assembly other than the meetings as stated in the preceding paragraph shall be called “Special General Meeting/s.” A Special General Meeting/s shall be held within thirty (30) days from the date a resolution has been passed by the Board of Directors deeming it appropriate to hold such Meeting or within thirty (30) days from the date the notice has been received by the President from no less than one-fifth (1/5) of the regular members requesting for such meeting. Article XXV. Holding of Quarterly General Meeting The Board of Directors shall send, not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the General Quarterly Meeting, a notice stating the date, time, place and agenda of the Quarterly General Meeting to all members, either by hand, email or by registered mail to the addresses of the members as appearing in the Registry of Members. This Quarterly General Meeting will be hosted by each province in rotation basis. All expenses of this QGM is shouldered individually and not from the organizations except for the technical materials/office supplies for documentation purposes. The notice calling for the assembly as per the above paragraph shall enclose therein a copy of the minutes of the previous General Meeting or, in the case of the Annual General Assembly, a copy of the Annual Report of Activities. Article XXVI. Quorum at General Meetings The Board of Directors shall send, not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the Meeting, a notice stating the date, time, place and agenda of the General Meeting to all members, either by hand, email or by registered mail to the addresses of the members or any means of communication as appearing in the Registry of Members. The notice calling for the meeting as per the above paragraph shall enclose therein a copy of the minutes of the previous General Meeting or, in the case of the Annual General Meeting, a copy of the Annual Report of Activities. Article XXVII. Chairman of the General Meeting/Assembly The President of the organization shall be the Chairman of the General Meeting/Assembly. If the President is not present or cannot perform his/her duty, the Vice President of the organization performs his/her duty. If both the President and Vice President of the organization are not present or cannot perform their duty, the meeting shall appoint a member of the Board of Directors to be the Chairman for that particular meeting.
Unless otherwise provided in the Constitution and By Laws, resolutions at the General Meeting shall be adopted by the majority votes of the members attending the meeting. If the votes are equal, whether by show of hands, secret ballot or other methods, the Chairman of the meeting shall have the casting vote. A resolution put to vote at any General Meeting shall be decided by a show of hands, unless the Board of Directors, by a majority vote, request the vote to be taken by secret ballot or by other methods. Each member is entitled to only one (1) vote. Chapter 8 Article XXIX. Financial Year The financial year of the organization commences from the 1st of January and ends on the 31st of December. Article XXX. Financial Report The Board of Directors shall appoint an auditor to audit the accounts of the organization every year. The Balance Sheet and Statement of Income and Expenses of the preceding year shall be provided to the auditor not later than the end of February of the following year. Thereafter, the auditor shall complete the examination of accounts within thirty (30) days. The financial statements that the auditor has certified shall be submitted by the Board of Directors to the Annual General Meeting for approval within one hundred and twenty (120) days from the end of the organization’s financial year. The annual report of the operation of the organization and the audited financial statements shall be kept at the organization’s office for inspection by the members during normal working hours. Article XXXI. Power of the Auditor The Auditor has the power to inspect all assets, books, accounts and documents relating to the finance and operation of the organization and has the right to query Executive Committee members and other members of the Board of Directors who have been involved in the said assets, books, accounts and documents. In this connection, the Executive Committee members and members of the Board of Directors shall assist and facilitate such examination and inquiry.
The organization’s books, bank accounts and financial records shall be kept at the organization’s office and the Treasurer shall be responsible for them.
All cash of the Association shall be deposited in the organization’s name with any commercial bank or financial institution located in the south of As per Article XXIII, section 3, any deposit or withdrawal of money from the bank or financial institution shall require the signatures of the President (or the Vice President in the absence of the President) and the Treasurer.
The organization may raise and solicit funds through donations, sponsorships and other activities in order to be able to carry on its purpose according to its objectives so long as the activities are considered by the Board of Directors to be appropriated and do not contravene the law. Chapter 9 Article XXXV. Amendment Any amendment, alteration and deletion or addition to the Constitution and By Laws shall be made only by a resolution of the General Assembly and approved by not less than one half (1/2) of the total membership, including regular and honorary members. Suggestions for such amendments must be hand delivered or sent by registered mail, email and posted in the organization’s website by the Publications and IT Committee to all members at least fifteen (15) days before the General Assembly at which such amendments must be acted upon. Article XXXVI. Dissolution of the Organization The organization may be dissolved at any time by a decision taken at a General Assembly specially called to consider the dissolution, with a quorum of at least one half of the total membership required. The decision must have been approved by a resolution to dissolve the organization with no less than one half (1/2) of the votes of all members, including regular, honorary and guest members. A committee authorized by the General Assembly shall continue to function until matters relating to the dissolution of the organization are finally settled. Residual funds must be disposed of according to the wishes of the members, designating especially to an organization or organizations with allied objectives. Chapter 10 Article XXXVII. Actions Prior to Formal Elections The founding members of the organization shall elect among themselves an Interim set of officers comprising a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. These officers shall be responsible for setting into motion the formal organization of the organization, including the drafting of the organization’s Constitution and By Laws, elections of the first set of Executive Officers and Sector Representatives and the setting up of the OFEST Board. The founding members shall nominate an Election Committee to oversee the preparations for elections. The Election Committee, which shall comprise no less than three (3) people, shall be responsible for setting the guidelines, rules and procedures for the nomination of candidates and their election into the Board of Directors.
Once the new Board of Directors, comprising the newly elected Executive Officers, Sector Representatives and Ex-officio members of the various recognized Filipino organizations in Reference: UFT Constitution and Bylaws 2008 .Bangkok, Elmer Ursolino 16 February 2009, As approved by the BOD at the First |
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