One step at a time: A crisis management leadership seminar

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Sunny South News

By S.C. Baysa
Pinoy Hour

A society that is focused on individualism and achieving success mostly on your own leads to systemic challenges. In this context, individuals are anticipated to have managed their personal matters independently, without assistance from others. 

Certain groups and individuals lacking information on how to move forward often feel ignored and unheard, whether the issue required immediate action or just suggested minor impacts.

These subjects were highlighted during the summer weekend of September 6-7 by F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Filipinos Rising for Inclusion and Equity to Nurture Democracy) along with A.F.C.L.A. (Alberta Fil-Can Community Leaders of Alberta) members as they engaged together in their annual Crisis Management at the Multicultural Center in Lethbridge. 

Most of the activities were hosted by F.R.I.E.N.D.S. sharing their experiences of leadership with participants from Lethbridge (Filipino Canadian Association of Lethbridge Alberta), Taber (Filipino Society in Taber), Brooks (Brooks Filipino Community Association), and Medicine Hat (Filipino Canadian Association of Medicine Hat). 

On the initial day, the engaging seminars concentrated on workshops aimed at enhancing critical thinking abilities to comprehend various societal issues from multiple viewpoints and generating diverse strategies to mitigate the impact of those issues. These potential insights can lay the groundwork for the initial stages of recovery, not only for Filipinos but for everyone facing any form of mental or physical health challenges. 

While the day emphasized more profound practices, it served as preparation for the subsequent day. The second day was dedicated to examining the different types that fulfill the criteria for defining a crisis, in addition to acquiring knowledge on how to work together with other foundations to enhance their programs. 

Cesar Cala, one of the program leads and F.R.I.E.N.D.S officer conveyed an uplifting message to the community, “we can use that strength so that we could respond to the issues that we face.” In addition, “Keep believing that we can change the things that confront us and we can build a more inclusive, a stronger, more welcoming community for all of us.” 

Moreover, Sports Director of the F.S.T., DeoRey shared a message as a representative of Taber regarding the town’s aspirations, “We want our community to engage and expand our partnership for Taber, to be known and at the same time to be educated.” 

A virtual follow-up meeting is scheduled for the third week of November to discuss any inquiries and collect feedback for the participants to consider. The leaders and participants expressed their excitement as they anticipate future workshops.