How to Lead?

“Kapag ka, minsan kasi, kapag marami kang alam, pero hindi mo din nai-she-share sa iba, wala rin.” - Carmen S. Basilla, SKPP Official

Nanay Carmen, the perfect example of a happy-humble leader.

Meet Nanay Carmen S. Basilla, 47, Samahan ng Kapisanan ng Paco at Pandacan (SKPP) Preschool’s Official for Programs and Services, our group’s Developmental Communication Professional.

The interview, which lasted for 30 minutes, was made possible last Monday, September 24, 2012 at Barangay Bagong Barangay at Pandacan, Manila.

*Interview Proper*

When asked about why she chose to be a DevComm Professional, she started telling the story about her ups and downs in this field.  A part of her story told that it wasn’t really a decision rather a calling. “Pumayag ako kasi para experience din.” Nanay Carmen said. She considered this experience as a mission for her to help the people in their barangay even without compensation. Indeed, Nanay Carmen is the kind of worker who doesn’t expect anything in return.

She experienced being the Secretary of the organization, monitoring the community’s condition and at the same time being the facilitator during meetings. She also took charge of the Ukay-Ukay store, St. Scholastica’s College, has donated to their organization, since St. Scho and SKPP are tie-ups for 10 years now.

She was then asked by the founder to teach the kids in the school since the founder was getting ill. And as always, she accepted the job without hesitation and loved it. 

The video below recaps her dedication to her job:

How to love thy job as for Nanay Carmen and her advice to everyone, well, most especially to the leaders:

Nanay Carmen, an inspiration, a servant-leader, a blessing.

Shiela Ramos interviews Nanay Carmen

After that 30-minute interview with her, Nanay Carmen, as what everyone fondly calls her, is an embodiment of true self service for others and a great example of noble humility. I really admire her commitment to her job in SKPP because she never thought of leaving the organization despite of the difficulties that she has been encountering. Even though, some of us would think that the kind of work that she has is not financially supporting her family, what is more important is the fact that she can contribute for the betterment of the organization she belongs. She wants to help the people around her, the members especially the nanay’s she is handling in her community. Her attitude towards her work serves as an inspiration for me to be a person for other people. 

-Shiela Marie S. Ramos, ABMC-202C

Videographer/Photographer: Klara Martinez

Brainstorming of Questions: Anna Altre, Faith Valenzuela, Kim Almosa, Mich Rapadas