Constitution

PREAMBLE

          Invoking Divine Guidance, we the Members of the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines, Inc., in our efforts to adhere to the Veterinarian’s Oath, to transcend the practice of our profession as a means of livelihood, to uphold dignity and ethics in the practice of the profession and to foster comradeship of purpose among practitioners, do hereby ordain and promulgate this constitution and by-laws to govern the association towards the achievement of these endeavors.

ARTICLE I
NAME AND DOMICILE

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (VPAP).

Section 2. Its Secretariat Office shall be located at VPAP Home, Unit 8C32 Victoria Towers, 79 Panay Avenue corner, Timog Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines.

ARTICLE II

VISION, MISSION, AND CORE VALUES

Section 1. Vision. VPAP aims to be a leading organization geared towards the improvement of the veterinary
profession by providing different avenues of learning through conferences, trainings and skills
enhancement laboratory.

Section 2. Mission. VPAP envisions to lead in professional development and education of veterinary practitioners by:

2.1.     promoting and enhancing the practice of Veterinary Medicine in the Philippines

2.2     fostering a stronger and more active fellowship and comradeship among practitioners in the
eradication of animal diseases

2.3.     serving as an avenue of scientific exchange of information and expertise by different
practitioners in specialized fields

Section 3. Core Values

3.1. Virtue – members show behavior of high moral standards

3.2. Professionalism – members show competence and/or mastery of skills expected of a well- trained professional

3.3. Accountability – members are fully responsible for their endeavors and actions toward the profession

3.4. Professional Growth – members are conscientious of the responsibility that each professional
is responsible to grow in knowledge, skills, and attitude

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. General Membership. Membership in this Association is open to all Licensed Filipino Veterinarians.

Section 2. Types of Membership: Membership in the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines, Inc. shall be in any of the following categories:

2.1. Regular. Regular members shall consist of the original incorporators and such other persons as from time to time may hereafter be elected to membership.

2.1.1. Licensed Veterinarians in the Philippines are eligible for regular membership after having accumulated a total of 4 attendance points.

2.1.1.1. The Annual and Regional Scientific Conferences are worth 2 attendance points.

2.1.1.2. The Monthly General Membership Meeting is worth is 1 attendance point.

2.1.2. The applicant should signify his intent to join VPAP in writing addressed to the President thru the Membership Committee Head.

2.1.3. Induction during the Annual or Regional Conference and payment of the membership fee will formalize his membership into the Association.

2.1.4. Payment of annual dues are requirements to maintain a regular membership status

2.2. Life. Regular members who have a minimum 5 years of active membership upon payment of the assessment for this category as fixed by the Officers and Board of Directors in cash or in an installment basis belong to this category. They shall be exempted from the payment of the annual dues but are subject to all other requirements of regular or associate membership.

2.3. Emeritus. Regular and life members who have attained the age of 60 years shall automatically
be classified under this category and shall have no financial nor attendance obligations to maintain membership.

2.4. Honorary. Honorary membership is bestowed by the association to personalities who have contributed eminent, distinguished and valuable service to veterinary science and its practice. Proposals for honorary membership should be submitted to the Officers and Board of the Directors.

Section 3. Rights of Members

3.1. Regular and Life. All active regular and life members shall have the right to vote and participate in all matters relating to the affairs of the Association. They are eligible for elective position and appointments to standing committees. Upon prior authorization, they have the privilege to avail of the facilities of the Association and examine its records during business hours.

3.2. Honorary. All honorary members shall have the right to participate in the Annual Conference of the Association. They have no voting power, nor can they be elected to any position.

Section 4. Active Membership. Only those members who have paid their annual dues shall be considered active. Members who fail to pay their annual dues will be considered inactive, until such time that they have paid the financial obligations to the association.

Section 5. Certificate of Membership. All persons belonging to any type of membership, after having been duly inducted, shall be given a certificate upon admission in the Association. The form shall be signed by the President and Secretary and sealed with the Official Seal of the Association.

Section 6. Register. A register shall be kept at the office, which lists the members of the association.

Section 7. Grievances. Complaints with regards to the conduct of any member of the association can be raised by members of good standing. The accused shall have the right to due process.

Section 8. Termination of Membership. Membership shall be terminated upon resignation, withdrawal of license to practice, or forfeiture and all interest of the member in the assets of the association. The Officers and Board of Directors, in a meeting duly called for the purpose of withdrawing membership from those who have committed or have been involved in grossly unethical act or acts patently inimical to the best interest of the association, may cause the deletion of the member from the register upon the majority
vote of the Officers and Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. General Management. The general management of the association shall be vested in the Officers and Board of Directors.

Section 2. Composition of Officers and Board of Directors and Qualifications to be Elected.

2.1. The Officers of the Association shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Auditor and the Board of Directors shall consist of four (4) Directors: two (2) Internals and two (2) Externals.

2.2. The Immediate Past President will sit in an Advisory Role to the Newly Inducted Officers and Board of Directors, without voting powers. He shall also be automatically be a member of the Board of Advisers, comprising Past Presidents. The Past Presidents shall not be eligible for any reelection.

2.3. Nominees for the position of Vice President must be an incumbent Officer and Board of Director. All other positions have the minimum requirement of the status of an Active Member.

Section 3. Term of Office. They shall hold office for one (1) year or until their successors shall have been duly elected and inducted into office.

Section 4. Duties of the Officers and Board of Directions.

4.1. President. He shall have the following duties:

4.1.1. Exercise general supervision over all the other officers of the association;

4.1.2. Preside at all meetings of the Members and the Officers and Board of Directors;

4.1.3. Execute on behalf of the association all contracts and agreements which the association may enter into;

4.1.4. Sign, endorse and deliver all checks, drafts, promissory notes and or orders of payment of sum of money in the name of and behalf of the association;

4.1.5. Present the Annual Report to the general membership at the Annual Meeting;

4.1.6. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as the Officers and Board of Directors may form time to time fix or delegate.

4.2. Vice President. He shall have perform the following duties:

4.2.1. Be the President-Elect for the succeeding Fiscal Year;

4.2.2. Be vested with all the powers and authorities of, and required to perform all the duties of the president during the absence or incapacity of the latter for any case;

4.2.3. Perform such other duties as the Officers and Board of Directors may from time to  time assign to him.

4.3. Secretary. He shall perform the following duties:

4.3.1. Keep full minutes of all meetings of the Members and the Officers and Board of Directors;

4.3.2. Keep the corporate seal which he shall stamp on all documents requiring such seal of the association;

4.3.3. Give or cause to be given, all notice required by laws of the association as well as notices of all Meetings of the Association and of the Officers and Board of Directors;

4.3.4. Keep all records, documents, and other registries required by the law and the by-laws;

4.3.5. Prepare ballots for the annual election and keep complete roll of members under proper classification and to notify the treasurer of any change therein;

4.3.6. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Officers and Board of Directors or the President

4.4. Treasurer. He shall perform the following duties:

4.4.1. Have custody of, and be responsible for all the funds of the association and shall keep a complete and accurate record of receipts and disbursements and other transactions of the association, and see to it that all disbursements and expenditures are evidenced by appropriate vouchers;

4.4.2. Receive and give receipts for all moneys paid to the association from whatever source or for any purpose, and generally, to perform such other duties as may be required by the law or prescribe by the Officers and Board of Directors or the
President. He may be required by the Officers and Board of Directors or President to
file bond with sufficient surety for its faithful performance of his duties;

4.4.3. Present the Annual Report to the general membership at the Annual Meeting;

4.4.4. Turn-over all annual statements showing the financial condition of the association on the 30th day of June of each year and such other financial reports to the newly elected Officers and Board of Directors.

4.5. Auditor. He shall perform the following duties:

4.5.1. He shall examine and pass upon all accounts of the association and shall counter sign the Annual Report of the Treasurer;

4.5.2. Make an audit of the financial and material assets of VPAP

4.5.3. Shall perform such other duties as the board or the President may, from time to time, assign.

4.6. Board of Directors. Four Members of the Board of Directors shall be elected and shall perform the following duties:

4.6.1. Be responsible for providing guidance and formulation of resolutions needed for the orderly conduct of all activities of VPAP;

4.6.2. Advocate policies of VPAP on matters that protect the interest of the members.

4.6.3. Perform duties and functions assigned by the President or by the Officers.

Section 5. Powers of the Officers and Board of Directors. The Officers and Board of Directors shall have the management of the business of the Association and such powers and authorities as our herein provided by these by-laws or by statutes of the Philippines expressly conferred upon it. Without prejudice to the general powers herein above conferred, the Officers and Board of Directors shall have the following express powers:

5.1. From time to time make and change rules and regulations inconsistent with these by-laws for the management of the Association and Officers and Board of Directors;

5.2. To affiliate with other organizations in support of their objectives insofar as such objective are
congruent are contributory to the endeavors of the association for their support;

5.3. To purchase or otherwise acquire for the association rights or privileges which the association is authorize to acquire as such price and such terms and condition and for such consideration as it shall from time to time see;

5.4. To pay for any property or rights acquired by the association to discharged obligation of the association either wholly or partly in money, bonds or other security of the associations;

5.5. To borrow money for the association and for such purpose to create, make and issue mortgages, bonds, deeds of trust and negotiable instruments or securities, secured by mortgage or pledge of property belonging to the association, provided that, as herein after above provided, the proper officers of the association shall have this powers, unless expressly limited by the Officers and Board of Directors;

5.6. Appoint such committee from its own members as may be necessary and prescribe their respective duties, appoint the election committee for the annual election, provide for auditing accounts of the treasurer and submit to the annual meetings its report for the year;

5.7. To delegate from time to time any of the powers of the board which it could lawfully delegate in the course of the current business of the association to any standing or special committee or any officers or agent and to appoint any persons to be agent of the association with such powers, and upon such terms, as maybe deemed fit.

Section 6. Meetings of the Officers and Board of Directors. The Officers and Board of Directors shall hold:

6.1. A regular board meeting (monthly or otherwise) at any convenient time and place upon the orders of the President.

6.2. A special meeting at any convenient time and place, may also be called by the President, should the need arise.

ARTICLE V
STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees. The following committees shall be headed by an Officer or a member of the Board of Directors:

1.1. Continuing Education Committee headed by the Vice-President. The committee shall take charge of the continuing professional education of members, and is responsible for crafting and facilitating conference programs.

1.2. Membership Committee headed by the Secretary. The committee shall take charge in the growth of the Association’s membership. The committee shall conduct screening and perform recommending approval for the acceptance and termination of membership, update roster for all types of membership, and facilitate communications and notices for the annual membership meeting.

1.3. Finance Committee headed by the Treasurer. The committee shall take charge of the Association’s funds, manner of raising the latter, and provide programs for the proper usage of such.

1.4. Logistics Committee headed by the Auditor. The committee shall take charge of the Association’s material assets and the upkeep of the VPAP Home.

1.5. Communications and Media Committee headed by the Director for Internal Affairs I. The committee shall take charge of the communications platform of the Association.

1.6. Community Service Committee headed by the Director for Internal Affairs II. The committee shall take charge of community service projects of the Association.

1.7. Ethics Committee headed by the Director for External Affairs I. The committee shall take charge of all ethical issues brought about to the Association and ensuring that the later be resolved within the bounds of VPAP.

1.8. External Relations Committee headed by the Director for External Affairs II. The committee shall take charge in the different Government and Standing Committees VPAP is a member of.

Section 2. Membership in the Standing Committees. Each standing committee must have at least 3 minimum members with a maximum of 5 members.

Section 3. Committees may be created when there is a need, upon the discretion of the Officers and Board of Directions.

ARTICLE VI
MEETING AND ELECTION

Section 1. The Annual Meeting of the Association shall be held at any convenient place every June of the current year as determined by the Officers and Board of Directors duly elected.

Section 2. Regular monthly meetings (General Membership Meetings) of the members of the association shall be held at any convenient place as determined by the Officers and Board of Directors.

Section 3. Special Meetings. A special meeting of the association may be called at anytime by order of the President or the Officers and Board of Directors, or whenever fifteen (15) members shall so request in writing setting forth the purpose of such meeting. At the special meeting, only the business specified in the call shall be considered.

Section 4. Notice. Notices of regular and special meetings shall be posted in the bulletin board and send by mail or electronic mail, facsimile, courier, or any related route to all members entitled to vote fifteen (15) days before the date of meeting.

Section 5. Quorum. At all meetings of the association the majority (50 percent + 1) of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a majority vote of the quorum shall bind the association except in those cases where the corporation law requires the affirmative vote of a greater proportion. If a quorum is not reached, it can be waived through a motion and approval of the members present at the said meeting.

Section 6. Voting. At every meeting, only members of good standing shall be entitled to vote in person. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed.

Section 7. Order of Business. At the Annual Meeting of the Association, the order of the business shall be as follows:

7.1. Board of Officers and Directors Roll Call;

7.2. Proof of the Required Notice of Meeting;

7.3. Secretary’s Proof of the Presence of Quorum;

7.4. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Last Meeting;

7.5. Matters Arising from the Minutes;

7.6. Reports of the President, Treasurer, and Standing and Special Committees;

7.7. General Business;

7.8. Opening of the Call for Nominations for Elections;

7.9. Election;

7.10. Other Matters;

7.11. Adjournment.

Section 8. Rules and Procedures on Election. The following conditions and procedures shall be followed for the election of the Vice President and President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, and Board of Directors.

8.1. An active member is qualified to be nominated and voted upon as a candidate provided he is a regular active member and shall have been a member of good standing for three years prior to election as duly certified by the Officers and Board of Directors and provided he is willing to serve. The nominee for the Vice President should have served as an Officer or Board of Director for at least one year.

8.2. Election shall be held by secret ballot.

8.3. Any member who has not settled all his account and financial obligations shall not be qualified to vote or be nominated for any position.

8.4. A majority of total number of members who are of good standing present during the election shall be required to make the election valid.

8.5. The Induction of the newly elected Officers and Board of Directors shall take place at Fellowship Night of VPAP during the 2nd day of the conference.

8.6. The elected Officers and Board of Directions shall assume office on the date of their induction for a term of one year unless sooner disqualified for a cause.

ARTICLE VII
CHAPTERS

Section 1. Chapters of the VPAP may be organized in such areas within the Philippines as may be authorized and designated by the Officers and Boards of Directors; provided that no chapter shall be organized unless there are at least fifteen (15) members.

Section 2. The Local Officers and Board of Directors shall coordinate and supervise the operations of all chapter members in all association activities and affairs.

Section 3. All Chapter shall be governed by the Uniform Constitution and By-Laws of Chapters, but the Local Officers and Board of Directors of any Chapter may submit for consideration and approval by the National VPAP Officers and Board of Directors such other provision as may be require to conform with local conditions.

ARTICLE VIII
FISCAL YEAR

Section 1. The fiscal year of the Association shall begin on the first day of July and shall end with last day of June of the following year.

ARTICLE IX

BOOKS OF ACCOUNTS AND SOURCES OF FUNDS

Section 1. The books of accounts and record of the associations shall be open to inspection by any member of the Officers and Board of Directors at all times. Members of the Association may inspect said book, accounts and records of the association at reasonable times during business hours.

Section 2. Stewardship over Association Funds. The Board shall exercise stewardship over all the funds of the association arising from dues, fees, donations and proceeds of fund-raising activities. Funds shall be
spent only as authorized and approved by the Officers and Board of Directors.

Section 3. Fees. The Officers and Board of Directors shall have the power to set the membership dues and adjust the same when deemed necessary. All regular members shall pay such special assessment as the
Officers and Board of Directors may require.

3.1. The Annual Scientific Conference and Convention Fee of Past Presidents shall be waived. He shall only pay the membership fee for that fiscal year, unless he is already a Lifetime Member.

3.2. The Annual Scientific Conference and Convention Fee of Past Officers and Board of Directors who served at least 5 years shall be waived. He shall only pay the membership fee for that fiscal year, unless he is already a Lifetime Member.

3.3. Emeritus members, who are aged 60 and above, need not pay the Annual Membership Fee and will be given the following rates for the Annual Scientific Conference and Convention:

3.3.1. Active members who are age 60 and above for at least 5 years shall be given 20% discount on the Annual Scientific Conference and Convention Fee.

3.3.2. Active members who are age 60 and above for at least 6 to 10 years shall be given 50% discount on the Annual Scientific Conference and Convention Fee.

3.3.3. Active members who are age 60 and above for at least 11 years or more shall be waived on the Annual Scientific Conference and Convention Fee.

3.3.4. Lifetime Members who are age 60 and above shall be waived on the Annual Scientific Conference and Convention Fee.

3.4. Non-members who are age 60 and above will be given 20% discount on the Annual Scientific Conference and Convention Fee.

3.5. Sponsored veterinarians who are age 60 and above shall be assessed the full convention fee.

ARTICLE X
OFFICIAL SEAL AND LOGO

          Section 1. The seal of the association shall be circular in form within which shall be inscribed. “VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES” written on the outside of the circle and “VPAP” and “1972” at the center.

ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 1. All other decisions, not explicitly mentioned in this Constitution and By-laws that may affect the management of the association, may be made by the current Officers and Board of Directors in the form of a Board Resolution.

Section 2. Board Resolutions will take effect immediately upon signing by all the Officers and Board of Directors and expires at the end of the Fiscal Year. Board resolutions shall be made public to the members by posting it on the official website or any other social media accounts and by sending it via electronic mail to active members.

ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS

Section 1. The members, by the affirmative vote of a majority of those present entitled to vote, may make, alter or amend the constitution, by-laws or articles of incorporation.

Section 2. Proposals to amend or repeal the Constitution and By-Laws should be made in writing and submitted for approval by a majority vote of the active members present at the Annual General Meeting.

Section 3. Upon all questions of construction on the constitution and by-laws, the decision of the Officers and Board of Directors shall control until over ruled by a majority vote of the members of the association present entitled to vote.