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TEMPORALITIES OF THE ORDER

PROPERTIES OF THE ORDER

All properties of the Knights of Rizal whether real or otherwise belong to it as a corporation or legal entity. Its charter further provides that "any donation or contribution which from time to time may be made to the corporation by the Government or any of its subdivisions, branches, offices, agencies, or instrumentalities, or by any other person or entity shall be expended by the Supreme Council solely to promote the purposes for, which the corporation is organized. (Rep. Act 646, Sec. 7).

Use of Property, Assets and Earnings - No part of the Order's property or income shall inure to the benefit of any member, trustee, officer or any private individual, corporation or association except as may be necessary to compensate reasonably staff members and other employees and persons who have actually rendered services in furtherance of the purposes and/or objectives of the Order. Neither shall any of the property, assets or earnings of the order be used for other than the purposes/s for which it was organized. (Sec. 1, Art. V111, Code of By Laws).

LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

The Order has set up a Library and Museum which contains books, pamphlets, letters, paintings, paraphernalia and other papers, works and relevant materials concerning the life, works and writings of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The Order is confident that in time it will serve the needs of Rizalists, scholars, historians and others interested in and about Rizal. At present the library museum has been receiving donations of worthwhile Rizaliana materials locally and abroad. Although it is still early to expect substantial flow of books and materials to be a haven for researchers, it will in due time be one considering the efforts being exerted by the Order to make it one of the finest book nooks of Rizaliana materials in the country.

COUNCIL OF ELDERS

There shall be a Council of Elders to be composed of all past Supreme Commanders and the incumbent Supreme Commander.

Council as Consultative Body - The Council of Elders may from time to time be consulted by the Supreme Council on vital matters affecting the interests and integrity of the Order; provided, however, that in the event of an internal controversy or dispute arising out of or in connection with the administration of the business or affairs of the Order or disposition of the assets of the Order or issues likely to cause or causing stalemate and/or deadlock or dissension in the Supreme Council, the matter shall be referred to the Council of Elders who shall act as arbitrators and whose decision shall be final.

The recourse to the Council of Elders shall be made whenever the incumbent Supreme Commander, or any three of the Order's o1ficers, or a majority of the members of the Supreme Council shall certify the same to the Council of Elders. (Art. IX, Secs. 1 & 2).

Comments: This article on the Council of Elders replaced the former provision on the Council of Advisers. It is believed that the change is advisable and necessary to insure stability, unity and promote desirable fraternal relationship between and among the members of the Order. Internal controversies and disputes in other organizations had contributed intolerable hardships and in other instances brought its untimely demise. Intrigues, petty jealousies, personal ambitions, self interest, factionalism or regionalism are some of the roots of selfish power play in many organizations or groups. These and others, we would want to avoid happening in our Order as a civic and patriotic organization in order to assure its dignity and respectability among our people.

It is precisely for this purpose that a provision on the "Council of Elders" was made part of the Order's by laws to do away with its members litigating matters in our courts of problems which otherwise can be solved in a fraternal atmosphere and decided by past supreme commanders whose judgment, experience and impartiality have been tested.

LOVE OF COUNTRY

"I have always loved my country and I am sure that if by chance men are unjust to me, I shall love her until death; and I shall enjoy the happy life, contented in the thought that all that I have suffered, my past, my present and my future, my life, my loves, my pleasures, I have sacrificed all of these for love of her. Happen what may, I shall die blessing her and desiring the dawn of her redemption." - Rizal,

Hongkong, 20 June, 1892

ORGANIZATION OF CHAPTERS

While we encourage you to organize satellite chapters of the Order within your territorial jurisdiction, we earnestly urge you, however, to do this under the following guidelines:

1. The organizer must orient the prospective Knights about our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, his teachings and principles, the Order of the Knights of Rizal and its avowed objectives;

2. The duties, roles and objectives of the Knights of the Order and his country (refer to the 5 questions asked of the postulants during the Knighthood ceremony) must be emphasized during the orientation;

3. After the orientation and they are sure of their intention to join the Order, the prospective Knights to compose the new Chapter (should not be less than fifteen – 15), should organize themselves by electing their set of chapter officers, as prescribed in the manual.

4. The elected officers must be listed down in the prescribed “Report of Chapter Formation” by the organizer and forwarded to the Order of the Knights of Rizal, togwther with the individual bio-data sheets of the proposed members, for review and approval of the charter by the Supreme Council;

5. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the Report of Chapter Formation and the bio-data sheets of the prospective Knights, the Order’s Secretariat will communicate with the organizer or the new chapter’s sponsor regarding the Council’s action and the application and at the same time, coordinate with him when and where the initiation of the new Knights and chartering of the new chapter will be held, subject always of course to the time schedule of the Supreme Council officers to be involved in the endeavor;

6. before any initiation or chartering is to be conducted by the Supreme Council, the following requirements must be first compliled with:

a) The charter fee and the induction fees of the postulants must have been remitted to the Order;

b) No less than ten (10) of the postulants are properly attired in KOR uniforms and the rest in formal attire (Barong), black pants and black leather shoes; and

c) The fee and the medallion of the prospective Chapter Commander must have been likewise paid and remitted to the Order.

ANNUAL DUES

Effective September 1, 1998, all members fo the Order who are carried under the National Headquarters shall be assessed annual dues of Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) while all chapters will be assessed P500.00 a year. Foreign Chapters will remain at $200 a year.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The election of the nine (9) elective members of the Chapter Council shall take place on the second Sunday in February of each year in accordance with the following procedure:

(a)

Only members in good standing as provided for in Section 5 of Article IV and Section 5 of Article V of these By Laws shall be entitled to vote or be voted upon for any office or position in the Chapter.

(b)

Nominations for the nine elective members of the Chapter Council shall first be submitted by a Nomination Committee previously constituted by the Chapter Council in any number as it may deem wise. Additional nominations on the floor may, however, be made by any member in good standing.

All nominees for the Chapter Council shall first accept the nomination before they may be voted upon.

Nominees present in the chapter assembly may manifest such acceptance verbally or in writing; nominees not present shall manifest such acceptance in writing.

After the nominations are closed, the members present and qualified to vote, shall proceed to vote, depositing their ballots in a box provided for that purpose.

(c) As soon as the voting is closed, the Chapter Commander shall appoint a Board of Canvassers from among the voting members who shall canvass the ballots cast; if they tally with the number of members present and qualified to vote, the votes shall then be counted and recorded on tally sheet; excess ballots shall be withdrawn by the chairman. The results of the voting shall be reported to the Chapter Commander by the Chairman of the Board of Canvassers.

(d) The nine candidates securing the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed by the Chapter Commander.

The newly elected members of the Chapter Council, including the immediate past Chapter Commander, shall then meet and elect from among themselves the Officers as provided for in Section 2 of Article VI of these By Laws. The elected Officers shall take and sign before the outgoing Chapter Commander the prescribed oath of their respective offices.

The members of the new Chapter Council may, at their discretion, postpone the election of the

Officers.

POINTERS ON EFFECTIVE CHAPTER ADMINISTRATION

The Chapters of the Order provide the link between the Supreme Council and the members in the municipalities, cities, foreign countries and institutions where such chapters are established.

Administering a Chapter of the Order is no different from that of managing a business enterprise and by these we mean basic elements that go with successful administration. They may be summed up into the following:

(a) Formulation of plans and objectives;

(b) Delineation of authority and responsibility;

(d) Regularity in the holding of meetings, and

(e) Sustained follow up and reporting to ascertain whether the assigned work has been achieved or completed.

THE CHAPTER COMMANDER

A word on the Chapter Commander may be in order. The success of Chapter administration depends largely on the leadership of the Chapter Commander. It may not be an exaggeration to say "tell me who is the Chapter Commander and I will tell you what kind of Chapter you have," is a truism which through the years has been proven correct. Hence, the head of the Chapter and its officers must be able to inspire by word and deed the general membership. The Chapter Commander must provide not only the expertise but serve as model worthy of emulation.

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

The activities of the Chapter must always be attuned to the objectives and policies of the Order. Needless to say, the Chapter's activities must be in line with the ideals and teachings of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Although conditions existing in one region may not necessarily be similar to another region or community, nevertheless, Chapter's activities must be gird toward the development and improvement of the Filipino character along Rizalian ideals and concepts. This must be so if we aspire to promote unity and love of country through individual and national discipline.

CHAPTER MEETINGS

Chapter meetings provide an Opportunity for the members to come together to discuss and exchange views concerning the activities and problems pertaining to the chapter. The members can come together only when they are properly notified of the date, time and place of the meeting. As soon as the chapter is organized the Chapter Commander should strive to get a consensus among the members regarding the weekly or monthly meeting as the case may be.

It is important that at every meeting of the chapter there should be an outline or agenda of matters to be taken up. It is suggested that only relevant matters and live issues be taken up so as not to bore the members.

The presiding officer of the meeting should never make the mistake of monopolizing the discussions.

He should not only hear the views of the members but better still he should listen. Wisdom can come even from the mouth of a child.

The Chapter Commander should be able to stimulate discussions and realizing at the same time the importance of each officer or member. The important thing is for the Chapter Commander as leader of the group to inspire and be the credible model for the general membership. Once good communication is established in the membership and mutual trust reigns, the Chapter's success is already assured.

CHAPTER'S FINANCES

If the Chapter is to succeed in its projects it is necessary if not essential that it should have funds. The funds can come from membership dues, fund raising, etc. Care however, should be exercised that the Chapter is not merely operated as a money making scheme. It is suggested that monies or funds generated by the chapter in legitimate endeavors be properly accounted for and deposited in reputable banking institutions in the name and for the account of the Chapter.

This is one delicate area of Chapter operations. It is therefore suggested that Chapter's funds be entrusted and its collection made by a most trusted officer or member.

CHAPTER DISPUTES

It happens invariably just like any other group or organization that disagreements and disputes show their ugly heads in the membership of the Chapter. While these problems are already parts of human affairs it must be avoided as much as possible, because precisely the Order of the Knights of Rizal is a fraternal organization and members must by all means give due respect to each other. This is the only sure way of promoting unity not only in the Order but among our people as well.

There are, however, situations in Chapter administration where disputes cannot but come into the open. This is one time where the Chapter Commander must show leadership and tact in handling the situation. Invariably, disputes of members in the Chapter must be contained and resolved within the chapter itself unless the matter is one which is cognizable only by the Regional Commander or the Supreme Council.

CHAPTER'S PROPERTY

Pursuant to its charter (Rep. Act. 646) the Order of the Knights of Rizal is a public corporation and as, such has the power to acquire real or personal property. A duly organized chapter may likewise acquire real or personal property and register the same in the appropriate registry as property of the Chapter of the Order. Evidence of ownership or registration as the case may be must be forwarded to the Supreme Council for approval and record. Property acquired by the Chapter must be administered by it within the territorial boundaries where it is established.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

The Order maintains administrative offices at the Knights of Rizal Building, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila. It is headed by an administrative officer and assisted by a staff of employees.

As a matter of established policy the Deputy Supreme Commander is the operations officer. The administrative offices are under the direct supervision of the Supreme Commander assisted by the members of the Supreme Council.

The following are the members of the administrative staff of the Supreme Council:

1. The Administrative Officer

2. Bookkeeper/s

3. Clerk Typists

4. Watchman Caretaker

5. Messenger/s

6. Utility Man

7. Building Assistants

AREA AND CHAPTER ADMINISTRATION

For effective administration of the Order and to provide a unitary chain of command, the Supreme Council divided the country into nine (9) areas and the foreign countries into as many areas as may be necessary, each of which has its own Area Commander. The Area Commanders are appointed by the Supreme Commander, with the concurrence of the Supreme Council. The Area Commander, in turn, recommends the appointment of a deputy or deputies, executive officer, and other area council officers to assist him in the supervision of the area within the ambit of the objectives of the Order and in accordance with the rules, directives and policies laid down by the Supreme Council.

The Area Commander, by the nature of his position, must keep in close touch with the activities of the chapters in his area of operations. He also serves as a liaison between chapters, area and the Supreme Council.

The Area Commander has the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Represent the Supreme Commander and officiate in ceremonies such as oath-taking, initiation of new members, elevation to the second degree of Knight Officer of Rizal (KOR), and with the approval of the Supreme Council, exaltation to the third degree of Knight Commander of Rizal (KCR) of deserving members.

2. Exercise supervision over, and coordinate the different chapters in the area.

3. Communicate and liaison with the chapter commanders, calling them to a meeting when necessary, to see to it that they conduct activities consonant to the lofty objectives of the Order, and conformably with the Supreme Council’s program of activities.

KR TERRITORIAL SUBDIVISIONS

The Order has for convenience adopted the political territorial subdivisions of the Government of the Philippines as follows:

METRO MANILA AREA

(Manila, Quezon City, Kaloocan City, Pasay City, Mandaluyong City, Makati, San Juan, Malabon, Marikina, Navotas, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Paranaque, Las Pinas, and Valenzuela)

NORTHERN LUZON AREA

(Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Abra, Kalinga-Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, San Carlos City, Dagupan City, Laoag City and Baguio City)

CENTRAL LUZON AREA

(Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Angeles City, Olongapo City, Cabanatuan City, Palayan City and San Jose City)

SOUTHERN LUZON AREA

(Aurora, Quezon, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan, Lucena City, Cavite City, Lipa City, Batangas

City, San Pablo City and Puerto Princesa City)

BICOL AREA

(Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Iriga City, Naga City and Legaspi City)

WESTERN VISAYAS AREA

(Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, La Carlota City, Roxas City, San Carlos City, Bacolod City and Iloilo City)

EATERN VISAYAS AREA

(Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Calbayog City, Ormoc City, Tacloban City, Tagbilaran City, Dumaguete City, Lapu-lapu City and Toledo City)

WESTERN MINDANO AREA

(Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Pagadian City, Dapitan City, Dipolog City, Zamboanga City and Cotabato City)

EASTERN MINDANAO AREA

(Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Ozamis City, Butuan City, Oroquieta City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and General Santos City.

FOREIGN AREA COUNCILS

On the other hand, the Foreign Area Councils are the following:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Central USA (North and South)

Eastern USA (I, II, III)

Western USA. Hawaii, Guam and Alaska

CANADA

Metro Toronto and Vicinities

Central and Western Canada

Eastern Canada

AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND OCEANIA

EUROPE

ASIA AND ASEAN

SPECIAL ASSISTANT AND COORDINATOR

In order to effectively carry out the programs and policies of the Supreme Council in the light of expanded activities of the Order, the Supreme Council created in 1992 the appointive position of Special Assistant to the Supremen Commander. In 1993, the Supreme Council issued a policy that the position carries with it the rank of Deputy Supreme Commander for the covered areas, and has the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Represent the Supreme Commander and officiate in ceremonies such as charter

presentation, initiation, elevation and exaltation.

2. Exercise administrative supervision, in coordination with the Area Commanders of the

Chapters in the Area.

3. Perform such other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

In 1993, the Supreme Council also created the appointive position of a Coordinator in Foreign Countries with many Knights of Rizal Chapters, through whose efforts consolidation of organizational growth may be effectively carried out. The Coordinator has the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Oversee, in coordination with the Area Commanders, the projects and activities of the Chapters;

2. Exercise administrative supervision over the Area Councils;

3. Ensure the implementation by the Area Councils of the policies and programs of the Supreme Council; and

4. Carry out effectively the division of the Chapters into areas and make them responsive to the programs and policies of the Supreme Council.

FORMATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF CHAPTERS

The Charter of the Order including its Code of By-Laws authorizes the formation and administration of Municipal, City, Foreign and Institutional Chapters throughout the Philippines and in foreign countries.

Section 6 of Republic Act 646 provides: "A group of five or more persons of legal age residing in any locality outside of Manila and who are of good moral character and reputation, may associate themselves and form a chapter of the corporation (Order) upon approval of a written petition to the Supreme Council. It shall be the duty of each chapter to promote and carry out the purposes of the corporation in the locality where the chapter is organized”.

Comments: Although the provision of law above requires only a minimum of five (5) persons to be able to form a chapter, the By-Laws of the Order requires at least nine (9) in order to complete the set of officers from Chapter Commander to the last Trustee similar to the set of officers of the Supreme Council. This is actually designed and accepted by a long standing practice because it is felt that Chapter membership and activities is a good training ground for higher and bigger responsibilities in the Order.

The pertinent provision of the Code of By-Laws in connection with the formation of chapters is as follows: “A group of nine (9) or more persons of legal age, residing in any municipality or city and who are of good moral character and reputation, may organize themselves into a chapter of the Order upon recommendation of the corresponding Regional Commander and approval in writing by the Supreme Council upon petition filed for the purpose; provided, however, that only one chapter shall be permitted to organize in a municipality or city.”

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