ORNAP OFFICERS EMPOWERED AFTER ANNUAL RECOLLECTION

ORNAP Officers with Fr. Joel Eslabra at WVSUMC Chapel

Last March 18, 2013, the Operating Room Nurses Association of the Philippines (ORNAP) Iloilo Chapter held their annual recollection at West Visayas State University Medical Center Chapel. The speaker was the chaplain of the institution, Father Joel Eslabra. The theme of the event was power. This was in relation to the responsibilities as an ORNAP officer.

            The concept of power revolves around three main faces, the powerful, the powerless and the empowered as Father Eslabra discussed. He quoted that, “power changes people,”, and “the sole advantage of power is that you can do more good.” He described how power can be addictive and more precious than anything else in the world and how it can negatively affect a person’s attitude. He also emphasized that someone who holds great power should have the authority, strength, influence and courage to do good to those who are under their control.

            With regards to being powerful, it is vital that one holds true to his moral principles, character and responsibility. He stated that the rank we hold in society does not give us the privilege but instead the responsibility to do good to others.

            On the concept of the powerless, he related this to human failure and the experiences in life of the famous Harry Potter book series author, J.K. Rowling- that one must go through failure in order to discover what his or her capabilities are. Failure was sort of a reflection of one’s self in order to get rid of what was inessential and focus on things that really mattered.

            Lastly, Father Eslabra discussed about empowerment. Being empowered meant that despite your struggles in life, you have the choice to do whatever you want with your situation-whether it is for better or worse. Whatever one goes through at the present does not shape who he is. Everybody has the capacity to be empowered. It is just a choice we have to make.

            After almost two hours of discussion, the recollection ended with the story of, “Life is like a Cup of Coffee.” He compared the coffee to life, and the cups to the jobs, money and position in society. He stressed that the type of job, money and position in society that we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. He laid emphasis on savoring life and not the labels that society gives us. The story and the discussions during the recollection left the attendees contemplating on their responsibilities as ORNAP officers and have truly empowered them to do their best in the ORNAP Iloilo Chapter’s future undertakings.

Article by: Katherine Rose Monroy, RN (WVSUMC)