PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Rotarians,
I SAKUJI TANAKA President, Rotary International
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
am part of the first generation to grow up in Japan after a terrible war. I think it is natural that my countrymen now place a great priority on peace. We saw where militarism brought our country, and we also saw the great economic growth that came when our nation made the choice to embrace peace. This was the decision that allowed Japan to grow and thrive. It allowed generations of children to grow up in safety, to become educated, to improve their lives. It fundamentally changed the Japanese attitude toward other countries and cultures. It caused us to open our minds, to become more tolerant, to seek greater understanding. And it allowed us to redirect our energies toward positive goals. In Japan, it is traditional to prioritize the needs of the society over the needs of the individual. is has always been part of our culture. In the weeks and months following the great earthquake and disaster of March 2011, this was what helped us to survive and rebuild. This is a lesson that I think the whole world can learn from, in a positive way. When we see the needs of others as more important than our own needs – when we focus on a shared goal that is for the good of all – this changes everything. It changes how we relate to the world. It changes our priorities. And it changes how we understand the idea of peace. In the 2012-13 Rotary year, peace will be our focus and our goal, and I will ask all Rotarians to actively work for Peace Through Service. A belief in the power of service lies at the very heart of Rotary. By making service our priority, we put the needs of others above our own. We empathize more deeply with the difficulties of other people; we become more generous with our time and resources, and more open to new ways of thinking. Instead of trying to change others, we recognize that everyone and everything has something to teach us. Through service, we become more tolerant of our differences and more grateful for the people in our lives. Our sense of gratitude drives us to understand others better and to see the good in everyone. Through better understanding, we learn to respect others. With mutual respect, we live with others in peace. And so I ask you all to put Peace Through Service at the forefront of your Rotary work this year, and to commit to a Rotary goal of a more peaceful world.
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CONTENTS 9
JULY 2012 VOL. 36 NO. 1
1.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
RI President Sakuji Tanaka suggests that when Rotarians see the needs of others as more important than their own needs, then they actively work for “Peace through Service”
5.
6.
9.
YOUR EDITOR SHARES
Bringing peace to the world has been a recurring theme for Rotary International through the years. Peace begins with being at peace with oneself.
NOTEBOOK
International Scene, Rotary appointments and statistics.
Showcase,
RI
FACES: The Peace Builders, D 3870 DISCON
The 2012-2013 Philippine District governors will lead Rotarians in creating a community of peace advocates by being themselves the peace builders. D3870 DISCON was a phenomenal success and a celebration of many firsts.
10. PRESIDENTIAL PROFILE OF SAKUJI TANAKA
10
Getting to know RI President Sakuji Tanaka and his family can only inspire Rotarians to rally enthusiastically to his call of “Peace through Service”.
33. ROTARY IN THEIR VEINS
34
We highlight a family’s commitment to Rotary leadership by providing 3 Charter presidents.
34. PHOTO TIPS
A picture is worth a thousand words if it is well taken.
Friend raising leads to Fund raising as shared by a seasoned fundraiser for NGOs.
35. FUNDRAISING 101
36.
TRF CHAIR MESSAGE/CONVENTION COUNTDOWN
TRF Chair Wilfrid Wilkinson shares TRF’s 5 goals for RY 2012-2013. The Sintra village is worth a side trip enroute to the Lisbon Rotary International convention on Jyne 23-26, 2013.
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37. FUNCTIONS
District inductions lead the activities in the month of July.
39. FAMILY OF ROTARY
Informative, interesting and inspiring projects of the ten districts of the Philippines are showcased.
44. CONTRIBUTORS
Knowing the writers makes the readers appreciate more the content and context of what they read in the Philippine Rotary magazine.
36 37
22. RI’s NEW DIRECTORS
33
COMING IN AUGUST
23. PEACE DISTRICT GOVERNORS
OUR COVER
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Each year a new set of RI directors come in to serve for 2 years and join those about to finish the second year of their term. Included is RI Director John B. Boag who will represent Zone 7. Insights into the ten Philippine district governors are provided by those closest to them – family and friends.
The July issue cover always features the Rotary International President and Spouse; for this 2012 July issue 2012-2013 RI President Sakuji Tanaka and spouse Kyoko. Since the 2011 July issue, a double cover features the ten Rotary International District Governors of the Philippines. The tradition is carried in this 2012 July issue with the exception of DG Ismael Mercado and spouse Nella and DG Dennis Sunio’s spouse Angie who were not available for the group picture taking.
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
1. 2.
TRF Chair’s message
5.
Climbing Mountains
3. 4.
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
President’s Message
Women in Rotary
Learning from the Top District Rercruiters with No Legs
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EDITORIAL BOARD PDG MELITO “MELITO” S. SALAZAR JR., D3780 Editor-in-Chief PDG URSULA CONSUELO “CHIT” L. LIJAUCO, D3820 Associate Editor Members DG ANTONIO “TONY” C. BAUTISTA, D3790 PDG JAIME “JAMES” O. DEE, D3800 PDG LEANDRO “LINDY” P. GARCIA, D3820 PDG HERMINIO “SONNY” B. COLOMA JR., D3830 PDG J. ANTONIO “TONY” M. QUILA, D3830 PDG DAVID “DAVE” M. VILLANUEVA, D3850 PDG FE “BING” R. JUAREZ, D3870 IPDG ERNESTO “ERNIE” Y. CHOA, D3810 DGE EDGAR “ED” R. CHIONGBIAN, D3860 MANAGEMENT BOARD PDG MELITO “MELITO” S. SALAZAR, JR., D3780 Editor-In-Chief PDG ROMULO “BOY” O. VALLE, JR., D3770 Circulation Coordinator PDG OSCAR “OCA” A. INOCENTES, D3780 Clubs Subscriptions Coordinator PDG MARQUEZ “MARK” O. GO, D3790 Credit & Collection Coordinator PDG EFREN “EFREN” O. DE GUZMAN, D3800 Finance Coordinator PP ANTONIO “TONY” Y. CHONG, D3830 Business Promotions & Advertising Coordinator PDS RONALDO “RONNIE” C. GABALDA, D3850 Special Events Coordinator PDG ANTONIO “ANTON” B. FLORENDO, D3860 Business Development Coordinator EDITORIAL STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS PP JUANITO “JOHNNY” GOLOYUGO, D3820 Staff Writer PP RON “RON” NETHERCUTT, D3790 Chief Photographer MA. VICTORIA “AVIC” N. CLEMENTE Graphic Artist Contributors
PP CARLA DEJERES D-3800, PP TONY CHONG D-3830, PRES. PERRY MODESTO D-3770, PDS MARYCRIS OPLAS D-3830, PP RON NETHERCUTT D-3790, PP DAN AND MARIEL GALURA D-3790, SPOUSE MARIA CRISTINA PONGOS-RODRIGUEZ AND MARIANNE ”MAYAN” QUEBRAL
OFFICE STAFF NELSON “NELSON” M. LLUZ Office Manager
ANALIZA “ANA” A. PADUA FEDERICO ”ERIC” C. SAGUIBO ROWENA “WENG” C. BADURIA MARLO “LOVE” V. VISITACION
The Philippine Rotary magazine is the official regional magazine of Rotary International published monthly by the Philippine Rotary Magazine Foundation, Inc. It is a member of the Rotary World Magazine Press. Office : 87 Visayas Avenue, Bgy. VASRA, Quezon City. Phone nos. (632) 453-3800 • 926-7453 • Fax (632) 929-1912 Email : office@philrotary.com • www.philrotary.com
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Philippine Rotary • July 2012
YOUR EDITOR SHARES
2 Melito Salazar, Jr. Editor-in-Chief
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
Peace Be With You
012-2013 RI President Tanaka Sakuji’s theme of “Peace through Service” reminds us of previous themes of past RI presidents (RI themes began during the 1949-50 term of RI President Percy Hodgson –Objectives of Our Team for 1949-50). “World Understanding and Peace through Service” was the theme of 1981-82 President Stanley E. McCaffrey; “Rotarians-United in ServiceDedicated to Peace was that of 1987-88 President Charles C. Keller; and “Act with Integrity, Serve with Love, Work for Peace” was the theme of 1995-96 President Herbert G. Brown. Other themes while not containing the word “Peace” reflects the desire to bring about a more peaceful world - “Vitalize! Personalize! Build Bridges of Friendship!” was 1959-60 President Harold T. Thomas’; “Goodwill Begins with You” was 1971-71 President Ernst G. Brreotholz’s; “Serve to Unite Mankind” was 1977-78 President W. Jack Davis’; and Mankind Is One – Build Bridges of Friendship throughout the World” was 1982-83 President Hiroji Mukasa’s. Rotarians desire to be involved in bringing about peace was manifested in the peace proposal sent by the Rotary Club of Minneapolis in September, 1941 to the International Association of Rotary Clubs (forerunner of Rotary International) suggesting that all Rotary clubs become peace advocates in their communities. A resolution passed in the 1921 Edinburgh Convention to include peace in the Object of Rotary was ratified in the 1922 Los Angeles convention together with the name change to Rotary International. As World War II entered its darkest period in 1942, Rotarians convened a conference in London to plan for a world at peace. Attended by ministers, diplomats and representatives from 21 governments, the group conceived of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The UN Charter conference in April 1945 in San Francisco saw 23 Rotarian observers, who helped guide agendas, performed translations, suggested wordings for resolutions and helped resolve disputes between delegates and 27 of the delegates or technical advisers were Rotarians. The conference was meandering until the diminutive chief of the Philippines delegation, BGeneral Carlos P. Romulo, a member of the Rotary club of Manila and former vice-president of Rotary International arose to speak with his usual eloquence and wit. Leland D. Case wrote in THE ROTARIAN of April 1980, “The next morning headline readers around the world knew the great conclave in San Francisco had a keynote.” Quoting David C. Forward, author of A Century of Service (where I derived most of the above information), “By trying to understand peoples’ points of views and reaching across lines of race, religion, and culture to become partners in service to all mankind, tensions are reduced and friendships are increased. Humanitarian aid has been Rotary’s answer to hunger, sickness, illiteracy and economic disaster, the seeds of conflict”, we can answer the question how we, Rotarians can be a real force for peace. Let us begin by being at peace with ourselves.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF PRM FOUNDATION, INC. RY 2012-2013 PDG Rafael “Butch” A. Francisco, D-3830 Chairman of the Board/Trustee PDG Oscar “Oca” A. Inocentes, D-3780 Vice Chairman/Trustee PDG Hugo “Jun” T. Perez, Jr., D-3830 Secretary/Trustee PDG Rafael “Paeng” N. Tantuco, Sr., D-3820 Deputy Secretary/Trustee PDG Fabio “Fabie” J. Enriquez, D-3800 Treasurer/Trustee PDG Ma. Victoria “Nanette” T. Garcia, D-3850 Deputy Treasurer/Trustee PDG Emiliano “Bong” D. Joven, D-3790 Auditor/Trustee PDG Rhia Rita “Rhia” Y. Abalos, D-3870 P.R.O./Trustee PDG Pablo “Ambo” M. Gancayco, D-3780 Trustee (PCRG Chairman RY 2012-2013) PDG Melito “Melito” S. Salazar, Jr., D-3780 Trustee (PRM Editor-In-Chief) PDG Manuel “Manny” P. Punzalan, D-3770 Trustee PDG Juanito “Sonny” T. Ventura, D-3810 Trustee PDG Fernando “Jun” A. Almeda, Jr., D-3860 Trustee
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NOTE
BOOK
INTERNATIONAL SCENE
ROTARY SHOWCASE
PDG Fortunato “Tato” Dimayuga, Jr. receives for District 3820 an Outstanding PR Award for the District’s “Light In a Bottle” Project implemented during the Global year 2010-11. RI Pres. Kalyan Banerjee handed the trophy as witnessed by the RI Public Image Committee.
Rotary Showcase, officially launched at the 2012 Bangkok Convention, is Rotary International’s newest social media tool that helps Rotarians share service initiatives with the Rotary family and beyond. Users can add their club’s service projects, exchange ideas with other Rotarians, and explore the wide variety of activities that Rotary clubs are undertaking worldwide. Showcase users can also upload project pictures, create discussions about their initiatives, and even join projects that other Rotarians have created. The application connects directly to Facebook to broadcast club accomplishments globally with the simple click of a button. Philippine Rotarians are encouraged to take the lead by adding their club’s service projects to Rotary Showcase at www.rotary.org/showcase. Please direct any questions to rotary.service@rotary.org.
ROTARY AT A GLANCE As of 30 March 2012
ROTARY
Members: 1,228,679* Clubs: 34,335*
ROTARY APPOINTMENTS
FEEDBACK (EDITOR’S NOTE: Please send your comments and suggestions about the magazine or any of the feature articles, via email to office@philrotary.com, indicating your full name, Rotary club and district number. We also welcome comments from our office visitors regarding our service. We value your comments to help us be the “magazine of choice” of Philippine Rotarians. We will practice “first in, first out” but will still exercise editorial prerogative. Comments below were taken from emails received. Text in italics are the editor’s notes.) My friend Melito, Thank you for sending me the digital copy of your outstanding magazine. I read it with interest, and especially enjoyed the interview with Lynne and Dave as they finished their very successful periods of Rotary service as Zone coordinators. Also, the story from Liza Elorde was very moving and reminds us all of the work that is still there for Rotary to do. Keep up the good work, and best wishes to you and the family from Juliet and me. Cheers, Ian Ian Riseley Trustee Rotary Foundation 2011-2015 Director Rotary International 2006-2008 Treasurer Rotary International 2007-2008
Excellente! Regards Frank Pezzimenti International Office Manager Rotary International South Pacific & Philippines
Serving beyond the club and district levels are the following Philippine Rotarians who have been extended appointments by Rotary International or The Rotary Foundation:
ROTARACT
Members: 210,979 Clubs: 9,173
PDG Roberto “Bobby” Viray Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator
PDG Rolando “Oyan” Villanueva Rotary Coordinator
INTERACT
Members: 329,015 Clubs: 14,305
RCCs
PDG Consuelo “Chit” Lijauco Public Image Coordinator
(We have been getting good feedback on our pilot digital copy which is in a read only format. Present recipients of the PRM hard copy who would prefer to receive instead a digital version are asked to email to us their request…Ed) Philippine Rotary • July 2012
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
PDG Guiller “Guiller” Tumangan Member, Lisbon Promotions Committee
Members: 168,590 Corps: 7,330 *As of April 2012 From The Rotarian
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Philippine Rotary • July
2012
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
ROTARY PORTRAITS
FACES T H E P EAC E B U I L D E RS
R
esponding to the challenge of RI President Sakuji Tanaka, the ten district governors of the Philippines launched their year of servant leadership by urging the Philippine Rotarians to create “Peace through Service”. Trained in the GETS and International Assembly, honed by years of service at the club and district levels, sharpened by their person to person interaction with Rotary’s service beneficiaries and partners and inspired by the unselfish dedication of the Rotary leaders before them, these ten district governors are well equipped to lead the Philippine Rotarians to another banner year of service as we read in pages 23-32.. Together with those who love them, they are putting their time, talent and treasure in Rotary service and will prioritize “Service above Self”.
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PRM • January 2012
FACES: GALLERY
DISCON Chair Jerry Completano addresses Opening Session
A Phenomenal Success!
Lady Gie and DG Sam Fontanilla
D 3870 Rotarians Dances showcase Ethnic
RIPR Krishnaswami and DG Sam
Active Rotarians’ Participation
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R
otary International District 3870 successfully held its 28th DISTRICT CONFERENCE in Cotabato City with the Theme “Sagayan: Celebrating our Colorful Heritage”. More than 400 Rotarians, delegates and guests from forty-four (44) Rotary Clubs in different parts of Mindanao attended. R.I. District 3870 celebrated such achievements as the humanitarian services for the victims of Typhoon Sendong where P5 million pesos in relief goods, including Aquatabs to make potable drinking water and Shelter Boxes were sent to the flood-affected areas. “Our Rotary Clubs were the first to respond in the aftermath of the Typhoon Sendong,” noted DG Sam. Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee sent as his Representative, Past District Governor Soundararaja Krishnaswami and Lady Janak(D-3200, India). Presentation Speakers were DG Jose Francisco “Jess” Cifra with Lady Helen (D-3780), DG Rafael “Raffy” Garcia with Lady Minda (D-3800), PDG Melito “Mel” Salazar Jr. (D-3780), PDG Henry “Henry” Buban (D-3820), PDG Guiller “Guiller” Tumangan (D3830) and PDG Rita Rhia “Rhia” Abalos (D-3870). Local government officials who attended were Cotabato City Mayor Japal “Jojo” Guiani, Jr., Maguidanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, ARMM OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman, and Congresswoman Bai Sandra Sema (Representative, 1st District of Maguindanao). Aside from interesting presentations and city tours, Rotarians and their families also enjoyed the three (3) nights of fun and fellowship, which showcased the colorful Mindanaon arts and culture, a “Sagayan” presentation, a cultural dance contest, and live band. Closing the 3 day DISCON, DG Sam Fontanilla declared,“I am very satisfied and gratified with how our clubs responded to our call to service”. Contributed by: PP Jerry Completano, DISCON Chair Philippine Rotary • July
2012
FEATURES
ROTARY LIFEST YLES
f e at u r e s THE VIEW FROM JAPAN
A PRESIDENTIAL PROFILE OF SAKUJI TANAKA
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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FEATURES To hear him tell it, the only time Sakuji Tanaka is not thinking about Rotary is when he’s sleeping and eating.
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Philippine Rotary • July
2012
F
or about a year now, we here at Rotary International have had the pleasure of sharing the elevator, the cafeteria, the lobby, and a corner of the 18th floor with a white-haired man of impeccable manners, who laughs easily and seems genuinely happy to see us. A smile erupts on his face when he says hello, bowing his head and adding a gentle chuckle. He moves among us gracefully – with his interpreter Eiko Terao
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
FEATURES Previous pages: In his home office, RI President Sakuji Tanaka handles business in a familiar way: responding to correspondence with a phone call. Tanaka says he likes to keep his inbox empty. Top left: A bookcase with glass doors is useful for Tanaka when he is working from his office at home. Bottom: Tanaka strolls the campus of International Christian University with a group of Rotary Peace Fellows. He has established an endowed Rotary Peace Fellowship.
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FEATURES
“
Being considerate and patient with your partner is the secret to a successful marriage,” Tanaka says. “I’m a lucky man to have a wife who is so patient with me.
”
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Philippine Rotary • July
2012
FEATURES in tow – maintaining his signature cheer without revealing whatever else might be on his mind. But he’s probably thinking about Rotary. To hear him tell it, the only time Sakuji Tanaka is not thinking about Rotary is when he’s sleeping and eating. And that only goes for when he is not dining with other Rotarians. “Rotary pretty much occupies my every waking moment,” the new president of Rotary International playfully admits. Tanaka says his wife, Kyoko, would describe him as “a Rotary nut.” A glance at his résumé supports this claim. He’s been a member of the Rotary Club of Yashio, Japan, for 37 years and has served Rotary at every level, including district governor, training leader, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, member of the Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force and Future Vision Committee, chair of the 2009 Birmingham Convention Committee and Permanent Fund Committee for Japan, RI director, and Rotary Foundation trustee. Through it all, and after 49 years of marriage, Kyoko has been a willing companion on his Rotarian journey. Together, she and Tanaka are Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors, and Major Donors. Although she doesn’t speak English, he says his wife has a knack for communicating with people through gestures and body language, and that she is a “jolly, uplifting person.” The couple have also remained close throughout Tanaka’s career in the wholesale industry. When scheduling conflicts have prevented him from attending business meetings, she has been known to stand in for him. When he is away from home, he calls her every day. The Tanakas have three grown children – a son and daughter who live in Japan, and a daughter who lives in Malaysia – and six grandchildren, with another on the way. The family gets together at the couple’s home in Yashio every year for New Year’s. “Being considerate and patient with your partner is the secret to a successful marriage,” Tanaka says. “I’m a lucky man to have a wife who is so patient with me.” He adds that in Japanese society, “men probably have more freedom to express their anger or their frustration than women do. I consciously try to be patient, not only with my wife but with other people.” Tanaka balances this patience with practiced efficiency. Top: Tanaka applauds and sings at his Rotary club meeting. Bottom: Tanaka and his wife, Kyoko, share a laugh at a Japanese restaurant. When he is traveling, Tanaka says, the thing he misses most is his wife’s cooking. She is, hands down, his favorite cook.
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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FEATURES The former president of the National Household Papers Distribution Association of Japan says he has learned the value of a clean desk, in a literal and virtual sense. He uses email extensively and maintains a lean inbox, saving only the messages he needs. “My personality is that of someone in a hurry,” he says. “It’s not my style to let things pile up. I like to get things done and move on. ” However, in his home office, he has a 10-footlong bookcase that houses both diaries and work documents. He doesn’t let them accumulate for very long, he says, and periodically pitches large amounts of them when their utility to him has expired. In some cases, Rotary-specific material goes to his club. When he is traveling, Tanaka says, the thing he misses most is his wife’s cooking. She is, hands down, his favorite cook. He prefers Japanese food to all other cuisines, but notes that the versions he finds outside Japan do not measure up to what is available in his country. Ramen noodles taste different away from home, and it is difficult to find a satisfying sukiyaki. To make up for the culinary hardships of traveling, he often gravitates to other fare. He admits to a weakness for the distinctive taste of Korean barbecue, and Terao volunteers that you can always distract him with a bowl of spaghetti, as long as it is in a marinara or other red sauce. He favors it plain otherwise, as he faults food of any kind with “too much cheese.” He has noticed America’s growing passion for Japanese cuisine, including the booming business that sushi restaurants enjoy in the United States, and thinks this speaks more to Americans’ increasing concern about their health than an endorsement of the authentic food one would find in Japan. Tanaka is not all business all the time, but even when he is in relaxation mode, he puts forth his best effort. During one evening of karaoke, he set a personal record by singing 54 consecutive songs, without a break. He recalls that three-hour crooning marathon with shy pride and quickly doubts that he would ever have the energy or stamina to do it again. But those who know him well may not be so quick to agree. They might recall that not so long ago, Tanaka and a Rotarian friend began to clean the streets in their neighborhood. Tanaka would pull weeds, pick up litter, Right: Tanaka says peace begins at home through patience. Here, he cheerfully endures the testing of his own patience as he tries to do origami with his grandchildren. Of origami, he says: “I have no interest in it, and I’m not very good with my hands.”
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Philippine Rotary • July
2012
FEATURES
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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FEATURES
Top and bottom right: Tanaka helped begin a cleanup effort in his neighborhood that led to 59 groups joining in a formal campaign across the city of Yashio.
and cart the trash away. He would even remove the occasional dead dog or cat. “Before,” he says, “there were some very dirty places. But people would see me and others spending the day cleaning the area in front of their houses. Eventually they would join in and, even better, would keep the area tidier on their own.” What started as a two-man effort soon evolved into a project of the local Rotary clubs, which carried out a neighborhood cleanup once a month. This expanded into a communitywide effort, with 59 groups covering neighborhoods across Yashio twice a year, and the city’s mayor coming out to participate and address the volunteers. Tanaka has said that after joining the Yashio club, he realized that “by helping others, even in the simplest of ways, I could help to build peace. Peace, in all of the ways that we can understand it, is a real goal and a realistic goal for Rotary.” He has established an endowed Rotary Peace Fellowship, and in January, he announced that he’d chosen Peace Through Service as the RI theme for his year. “Peace is not something that can only be achieved through treaties, by governments, or through heroic struggles,” Tanaka said. “It is something that we can find and that we can achieve, every day and in many simple ways.”
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Philippine Rotary • July
2012
FEATURES He later elaborated: “Peace and conflict resolution should start at home. The family is the smallest unit of society, so we should start from there. If you are mindful of peace with your partner and your family members, that gives you an opportunity to reflect on your family life and to spread that sense of peace by example. Peaceful families lead to greater
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
peace for everyone.” The Japanese tradition of putting the needs of society above the needs of the individual parallels the Rotarian concept of Service Above Self, Tanaka says. He notes that this view has been instrumental in helping Japan rebuild after the tsunami and earthquake that ravaged the country in March 2011. The cooperation among
individuals throughout the recovery effort also presents a positive lesson that the world can learn from, he says. “I believe that Rotary is contributing to that lesson, especially in training and educating members of the younger generation through its Rotary Peace Centers. They will bear the personal responsibility to society and work to make the world a better place.” – John Rezek
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FEATURES
“
Peace and conflict resolution should start at home. The family is the smallest unit of society, so we should start from there. If you are mindful of peace with your partner and your family members, that gives you an opportunity to reflect on your family life and to spread that sense of peace by example. Peaceful families lead to greater peace for everyone.”
”
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Philippine Rotary • July
2012
FEATURES
T
New directors take office
he RI Board of Directors has 19 members: the RI president, the president-elect, and 17 club-nominated directors, who are elected at the RI Convention. The Board manages Rotary International affairs and funds in accordance with the RI Constitution and Bylaws. Eight new directors and the president-elect take office on 1 July.
RON D. BURTON Norman, Okla., USA
R
on Burton, the RI presidentelect, retired as president of the University of Oklahoma Foundation Inc. in 2007. He is a member of the American Bar Association and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. Ron is a founder and past president of the Norman Public School Foundation, and founder and past board member of the Norman Community Foundation. He was vice president of the Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America and received the Silver Beaver Award. A Rotarian since 1979, he has served Rotary as RI director, Rotary Foundation trustee vice chair, International Assembly moderator, committee chair, Permanent Fund national adviser, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and aide to the president. Ron has received the RI Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award and International Service Award for a Polio-Free World. He and his wife, Jetta, have two children and three grandchildren.
ANN-BRITT ÅSEBOL
Falun-Kopparvågen, Sweden
A
nn-Britt Åsebol has a background in education and started a high school, Falu Frigymnasium, for students ages 16-19. She is also a member of the Swedish Parliament. Ann-Britt has served Rotary as a regional Rotary International membership coordinator, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, training leader, Council on Legislation Philippine Rotary • July 2012
representative, and president’s representative. A Rotarian since 1993, she has participated in service projects throughout Nepal and Russia. Ann-Britt is a Benefactor of the Foundation.
JOHN B. BOAG
Tamworth North, Australia
J
ohn Boag, an accredited special ist in property law, is a director at Everingham Solomons Solicitors and has been a Rotarian since 1980. John has served Rotary as chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, training leader, and president’s representative. He was vice chair of the 2007 and 2010 Councils on Legislation. John has received The Rotary Foundation District Service Award and Citation for Meritorious Service. He and his wife, Dianna, are Benefactors of the Foundation.
JEAN-MARC CHATEIGNER Cholet, France
J
ean-Marc Chateigner works as a metallurgist. A Rotarian since 1988, he was chair of an association of district governors from Frenchspeaking countries called CODIFAM from 2007 to 2011, and has served as a president’s representative. JeanMarc was active in Group Study Exchange from 1997 to 2005. He and his wife, Jocelyne, are Benefactors of The Rotary Foundation.
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FEATURES TAKESHI MATSUMIYA Chigasaki-Shonan, Japan
T
akeshi Matsumiya works in dentistry in Kanagawa and has been a Rotarian since 1982. Takeshi has served as a regional Rotary International membership coordinator, Rotary International membership zone coordinator, Literacy Resource Group zone coordinator, training leader, and president’s representative. He and his wife, Shigeko, are Rotary Foundation Major Donors and members of the Bequest Society.
ANNE L. MATTHEWS Columbia East, S.C., USA
A
nne Matthews has served as a director of the South Carolina Department of Education and as a member of numerous boards in South Carolina and nationally, including the American Cancer Society. A Rotarian since 1989, Anne has been a Rotary Foundation trustee, Future Vision Committee member, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and training leader. She has participated in National Immunization Days in India. Anne is a Major Donor and a member of the Bequest Society and Paul Harris Society.
GIDEON PEIPER
Ramat Hasharon, Israel
G
ideon Peiper, an architect in Tel Aviv, specializes in the design of public buildings. He has served as chair of Elah, a psychosocial support center for Dutch immigrants; secretary
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of the Dutch Jewish Humanitarian Fund Board; and vice chair of the Israel Platform. A Rotarian since 1978, Gidi has been a task force and committee member, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and training leader. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and Benefactor, and has received the Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award.
ANDY SMALLWOOD
Gulfway-Hobby Airport (Houston), Texas, USA
A
ndy Smallwood is a privatepractice attorney specializing in corporate, banking, real estate, and international law. He has been a Rotarian since 1981 and he has served Rotary as a committee member, Permanent Fund national adviser, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, Literacy and Numeracy Task Force coordinator for North America, training leader, Council on Legislation representative, and president’s representative. Andy has received the RI Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife, Anita, are Major Donors and charter members of the Bequest Society.
BRYN STYLES
Barrie-Huronia, Ont., Canada
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ryn Styles is a pharmacy president and has been a Rotarian since 1986. He has served Rotary as a regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, Council on Legislation representative, and president’s representative. He has received the RI Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. Bryn has served as a Group Study Exchange team leader in Australia, and he and his wife, Randy, have hosted six exchange students. They are Major Donors and Bequest Society members. Philippine Rotary • July 2012
FEATURES
Up close and personal
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eyond the curriculum vitae and achievements, there is the persona of Rotary’s leaders for this Rotary year devoted to “Peace through Service”. We asked the district governors to send us an article on them done by someone who really knows them so that the Philippine Rotarians could get an inside look at each of them. The writers ranged from close personal friends to fellow Rotarians who had served closely with them to a spouse. They reveal a rich tapestry of personal commitment to Rotary service and to Rotary’s core values. They make us all realize that as always – the Best is Yet to Be.
Molded to Perfection YOLANDA R. WYCOCO R.I. District 3770
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istrict Governor Yolanda R.Wycoco’s involvement in Rotary dates back to 1990 when her husband, Past District Governor Eric was inducted into the world of Rotary as among the first batch of second-generation Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Cabanatuan, the oldest Club in District 3770. Her husband’s Rotary experience influenced her decision to accept the invitation of becoming a Rotarian in RY 2003-04. Since then, the couple held Rotary in perpetual embrace. Yolly, as she is fondly called by family and friends, counted three opportunities to better equip her in leading the District: 1) as one of the youngest DG Spouses in RY 2000-01, she had a ringside view of the scope of the duties and responsibilities of a DG, getting an early training in the district, national and international levels; 2) her experience as a member of the Inner Wheel honed her leadership skills; and, 3) as the president of RC Cabanatuan, she acquired a deeper understanding of Rotary and with this, a great love and passion for the organization. As a testament to this growth as a leader, DG Yolly was elected as District 3790’s Governor for RY 2012-13 just four months after her club presidency. DG Yolly was born to Gonzalo and Priscilla Ramos of Gapan, Nueva Ecija; she has four other siblings, all girls. From elementary to high school and college, she was a consistent honor student. She finished salutatorian in elementary, in the top five in high school and was a dean’s lister in college. She breezed through highly school and college on scholarship awards due to her high academic grades. She was always chosen to represent her school in oratorical, declamation, debating, essay and speech writing contests — skills and talents she finds useful in Rotary. At the same time, albeit reluctantly, she was always picked as the class muse. As a hobby, she writes various articles and commentaries on
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FEATURES past and current issues which were published in national newspapers and fashion magazines. She also writes her own speeches and training materials. She graduated with a management degree in Araullo University and worked in a commercial bank right after college. She sat as the head of the new accounts division before she and her husband PDG Eric decided to put up their own businesses. To date, the couple are into several areas of business like manpower, leasing and several agri-business ventures. Though busy with her businesses and civic activities, DG Yolly is first and foremost a mother to her two surviving children. Ronald is a Bachelor of Laws graduate from San Sebastian Recoletos; Kaye is taking up Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, a pre-med course, as a university scholar in the University of the Philippines-Diliman; Quezon City. A third child, Joseph, died almost 10 years ago. He was an IT graduate who figured in a fatal car accident that both shattered her family and brought them closer together in the survival over such tragedy. A firm believer in the unity and importance of the family, DG Yolly values hers, first and foremost, in the priorities of her life. Knowing fully well that the hardest of steel was formed only by passing through the hottest of fire, she took all the trials thrown her way as the fire that eventually molded her character. ‒ President Perry Modesto, RC Cabanatuan
Called to Serve
RUFINO “PENNY” L. POLICARPIO III R.I. District 3780
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.I. District 3780, the only one-city-one-district in the Rotary world, just celebrated its 25th silver anniversary, having been created in 1987 out of then District 380. As it begins anew, it will be led this year by a dynamic young governor, with a passion for service, combined with an extensive experience in Rotary. For the past 19 years, District Governor Penny Policarpio has devoted his time, talent and resources to the Rotary Club of San Francisco Del Monte (RCSFDM), one of the oldest and most admired clubs in the district. “It was the late Centennial Governor George Howard who invited and proposed my membership to the Club when he was just a president elect in 1993. He was my good friend, mentor, boss, fraternity brod, and ninong [patron] all rolled into one. Because of him, I discovered the wonderful world of Rotary,” said DG Penny. In his almost two decades in Rotary, DG Penny has served as Club Secretary four times, Club Director and Vice President before he assumed the Presidency in Rotary Year 200304. Right after this term, he was inducted as a district officer and has since served as Senior Deputy District Secretary, Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team Leader, Assistant Governor four times, District International Service Chair and District World Understanding and Peace Chair. He was also among the first to be designated Lieutenant Governor in the district and a founding faculty of the D-3780 Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). Now, he will be the 26th Governor of D-3780, and the 7th to be elected from RCSFDM. Around the time he joined Rotary, this young lawyer from the University of the Philippines College of Law Class of 1990 started his own law firm, Policarpio & Acorda Law Office. After 22 years in the legal profession, he considers his firm as his great accomplishment. Aside from managing the firm, DG Penny serves as corporate director, legal counsel and corporate secretary to several domestic and multinational companies. “I was a working student when I took up law in U.P. I was a high-school
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
FEATURES teacher at the Ateneo, and attended evening classes in UP for three years. On my last year I was a research assistant at the UP Law Center. That’s why I continue to teach even as a part-time faculty of the University of Asia & Pacific, School of Management; it satisfies my passion for teaching and learning,” he said. The loves of his life, before Rotary, are his wife Joan, who was also his high-school sweetheart, and their three children ‒ Bea, Miguel and Ica. Spouse Joan is a successful bank executive and a lovely super Mom. Often described as a “servant-leader” especially by Immediate Past DG Jess Cifra, his classmate and predecessor, Gov. Penny gamely admits, In my family, I am the servant and Joan is the leader.” His great challenge this year, according to Gov. Penny, is how to bring Peace Through Service in the district’s clubs and communities. “We can only do this if we continue to reach within for that love that comes from our hearts. For as they say, one cannot serve others without loving, and one cannot love without serving. Rotary is about loving and helping people,” he said.
The Silent Worker ANTONIO “TONY” C. BAUTISTA R.I. District 3790
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he low profile, simple, helpful and friendly District Governor Tony Bautista is someone you will not hesitate to open up to anytime, anywhere, be it for business or personal matter. He first joined the Rotary Club of Subic Bay (RCSB) in 1998 and was elected president only after six months. After serving RCSB for some time he transferred to the Rotary Club of Metro Olongapo where he dedicated all his time, talent and resources in the name of Rotary service and fellowship. In RY 2003-04, he became the Assistant Governor of Area 4C (Olongapo City, Subic and Zambales) under the leadership of PDG Vitt Gutierrez. Because of the support that he has given to PDG Vitt, he was reassigned to the position by PDG Jess Nicado in RY 2008-09. In the same year, he also chaired the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and in RY 2010-11, he was elected the secretary of the Council of D3790 Governors. For his achievements and great performance in his many posts, DG Tony received the “Most Outstanding Rotarian” award not only from his club but also from the district. In his desire to further support the objectives and goals of The Rotary Foundation, DG Tony became a Paul Harris Fellow a year after joining Rotary. And because he wanted to give more assistance to health, hunger, literacy and water, he continued to contribute regularly to the Foundation, until such time that he became a Major Donor. After completing his bachelor of science in business administration degree from San Beda College, Manila in 1966, DG Tony started his career as an in-house salesman at Delta Motors Corporation (Makati) in 1967. After one year he transferred to the Merchant Banking Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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FEATURES Corporation in Manila. Still in search of the right career, he moved to the IBM Philippines in 1969, starting as an administrative clerk until he became the distribution and warehousing manager. After 18 years with IBM, he resigned to start his own business. Together with his spouse, Evelyn, they managed their transportation business, Winstar Transport Corp., and the Metrolink buses in Taguig, Alabang and NAIA. Being in the transport business, DG Tony decided to put up his own body-building company, Andel Phils. Corp. and is now producing three buses a month in its assembly line. The couple are into other businesses, like Borough Realty, Borough Finance Corp., Borough Medical Care Institute (with multi-specialty clinics in Eastwood City, Mall of Asia and Subic Bay) and Joy Realty Corporation. The life of DG Tony is not all work because he also enjoys monthly rides out-of-town with his Harley Davidson, being a member of the Burn Motorcycle Club of the Philippines. On Sundays, he takes his Porsche Carrera 611 out for a drive with the other members of the Porsche Club of the Philippines. Tinkering with motor vehicles is one of DG Tony’s hobbies, with an expertise in vintage car restoration. In fact, his Red Chevrolet pick-up truck won the “Best in Show” award during the Trans-Sport Show, International a couple of years ago in Manila. DG Tony is family oriented and a devout Catholic. Did you know that he goes to church every day? He believes that whatever perseverance, hard work, and dedication he and Evelyn would put into anything, it would not prosper without the guidance and providence of the Almighty.
Learning from Life LIRIO SANDOVAL R.I. District 3800
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he man who will lead and serve R.I. District 3800 for RY201213, District Governor Lirio Sandoval, considers himself as a student for life, and of life. His parents were both public-school teachers. His wife, the former Gloria Chu, is also an educator, having been a public-school teacher until she was promoted to educational supervisor at the Division of City Schools in Marikina. Together, DG Lirio and Spouse Glo raised a family of four boys who are all professionals and, as expected, love education too. The challenges that his family faced during his growing-up years made DG Lirio more determined to finish his studies. He graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, with a bachelor of arts, majoring in economics. He started working at the age of 19. DG Lirio is a person who possesses a positive attitude in life. This positivism led him to organize AZ Direct Marketing, Inc. with PDG Fabie Enriquez out of necessity after they were fired from Reader’s Digest Philippines when the economy was down and job opportunities were limited. It was in this company that he learned to work with and lead people to do their best. In 1989 DG Lirio was invited to join the Rotary Club of Marikina Central where he became President in RY 1995-96. He held several District positions and later became a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Marikina South. It is in Rotary where he found the joy and fulfillment in serving others. It is also in Rotary that he found other people who are also willing to serve and it is in Rotary that he discovered Philippine Rotary • July 2012
FEATURES that there is fun while serving. There is one unforgettable Rotary moment that DG Lirio loves to share. One of the PSBA scholars of his club is an orphan living with his grandmother. The young man used to come to DG Lirio to report on his academic progress and collect his transportation allowance. One day, the young man unexpectedly came to DG Lirio’s house. He broke into tears while relating that he was literally thrown out of the house together with his meager personal belongings. DG Lirio consoled him and gave him hope. He continued to share his time to give advice and encouragement to the young man. A year later, the young man invited DG Lirio to his graduation at PSBA. This story imparts to us the message that all of us Rotarians have something to share and it is in sharing that we enjoy Rotary. There is a valuable lesson that DG Lirio earned from Reader’s Digest: “If you can express your thoughts, ideas, and feelings in a condensed form, then you can sell more,” he always says. The same goes with every Rotarian’s desire to serve more. This Rotary Year, DG Lirio will be the Teacher as he leads the Rotarians of R.I. District 3800 to Serve for Peace.
To Heal, To Help ISMAEL “MAENG” MERCADO R.I. District 3810
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istrict Governor Ismael “Maeng” Mercado is a physician, an anesthesiologist, a native of Infanta, Quezon, the eldest son of the late Dr. Isauro M. Mercado, a hospital dentist, and Belen Meraña-Mercado, a public-school teacher. He graduated cum laude from Far Eastern University’s Institute of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor of science, major in zoology, after which he pursued a medical degree from FEU-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. He took up his residency in anesthesiology at the University of the PhilippinesPhilippine General Hospital. Extending his medical profession to his personal life, DG Maeng married another doctor, Nella Ong-Mercado, a practicing pediatrician in Cavite City and General Trias. He is a life member of the Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists and a Diplomate of the Philippine Board Anesthesiology. He is a Past President of Cavite Medical Society and a Past Governor of the Philippine Medical Association. He is the President of the Philippine Hospital Association, Cavite Council and one of the founding incorporators of Divine Grace Medical Center where he sits as the Medical Director and Chairman of the Board. He is also the Chief of Professional Services and Member of the Board of Directors of Cavite Medical Center. Possessing thus the nature of a physician who gives service to people who are in need, DG Maeng is perfect in Rotary. In RY 1991-92 together with some administrative personnel and businessmen of the Cavite Economic Zone, he became a charter member of the Rotary Club of Cavite Export Processing Zone, serving as club president 10 years later. After this he began to serve his district in various positions under many District Governors. He became an Assistant Governor, a District Governor Special Representative (RC Rosario Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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FEATURES Magdiwang, RC Cavite), Nominating Committee member, Senior Deputy Governor for Public Relations and for Operations, Faculty Member of the Rotary Leadership Academy, a charter member of the Rotary Leadership Institute - Philippine Edition, Vice Chairman of the district’s The Rotary Foundation, and a trustee of the Rotary Street Children Foundation, Inc.. Sharing time and talent, gaining friends and respect are what he has achieved as a Rotarian. But what is fulfilling for him is his contribution to TRF. In the Rotary Year 2004-05, he became a Level 1 Major Donor. He is the first District Governor in the district to start his term as a Level 2 Major Donor. The man who loves to serve, who practices what he preaches, who admires in the beauty of TRF ‒ this sums it all up for DG Maeng.
Sharing Core Values
RAFAEL DENNIS SUNIO R.I. District 3820
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istrict Governor Dennis Sunio comes from strong stock. His parents ‒ the late Engineer Cayetano Sunio, a rice farmer, and the former Lily Borda, a government employee ‒ sacrificed all throughout their lives to strive for excellence and integrity. Thus DG Dennis imbibed this pursuit for excellence in his daily life and shaped his personal belief of living under the light of truth. This was further cemented by his Catholic education in the St. Paul Seminary in Makati. This foundation he shares with his loving spouse, Angie, and together they have instilled the same core values of excellence and integrity to their two children, both graduates of the University of the Philippines in Los Banos. The elder, Lily Kristine, is now a resident physician in internal medicine in Michigan State University (MSU) in Lansing, Michigan. The second, Caesar Percival, is the Chief Resident in Ophthalmology in Ospital ng Makati (OSMAK). DG Dennis has a strong passion for the care of the environment. This was also inculcated by his parents who, while he was growing up in Iloilo, exposed him to the management of the family farms which were planted to rice and sugar. His parents also raised cash crops like banana, cassava and various vegetables. Buttressing this passion was his short stint in government service in Cavinti, Laguna where his eyes were opened to the wanton destruction of forest resources. It was not by plan. DG Dennis witnessed the sad state of the mountains of Cavinti and Luisiana while scaling them to deliver the much-needed medical service to his constituents. His reaction was fast and furious for he has personally planted thousands of trees in his own farm in Pagsanjan, where he took up residency. His entry to Rotary in 1987, and again in 1998, was providential. Rotary as the world’s premiere service organization catered to his love for the environment and espoused the same values he firmly believes in, i.e., excellence, Philippine Rotary • July 2012
FEATURES truth and integrity. He again saw the degradation of our forest during the 2004 mudslide that buried the three towns of Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar, in dirty mud and cut logs. He was then the District Team Leader of the Relief and Medical Mission. In 2009 Pagsanjan and adjacent Sta. Cruz and other nearby municipalities suffered another big flood brought by typhoons Ondoy and Santi, inundating even his home and business, causing untold damages. He led his club, the Rotary Club of Pagsanjan, in delivering tons of relief goods to most of the Laguna towns along Laguna de Bay, for nearly two months. Because of all these experiences and exposures, DG Dennis considers his selection as District Governor for 2012-13 as God’s mandate for him to continue his pursuit for excellence and integrity and to further his work to preserve and sustain our environment.
Destiny’s Woman SUZANNE “SUE” STA. MARIA R.I. District 3830
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ue Sta. Maria of District 3830 is Destiny’s Woman, flung into a leadership role in a district that had successfully eluded female headship for many years now. Her district comprises 86 clubs in the urban cities of Makati, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Taguig and Pateros, and the province of Palawan. Until DG Sue’s election, District 3830 remained the only bastion of male governorship in the Philippines. Three years ago I had the privileged of introducing Sue to the District Nominating Committee, a task that I cherish with pride. Sue handily won the election on her first attempt. Raffy Aquino, District Legal Counsel, said the Nominating Committee thought that her election came very easily. A deeply religious person, a hands-on leader, amiable but strong-willed especially on issues that she strongly believes in, Sue will stand for the truth even if sometimes it antagonizes others. She is a visionary and a trail blazer. Coming from her International Assembly, she immediately introduced the concept of strategic planning and boldly led the clubs to institutionalize it. It is the first such sweeping, district-wide attempt of a Governor in her district. One of her presidents, Joyce Hufton, says that Sue is a woman with substance and strong conviction, having a refined leadership style marked by intelligence. Joyce adds that Sue possesses dignity with grace and deeply cares for the clubs in District 3830. Past President Shelly Mojica says that Sue was her guiding force during her presidency. With Sue, she says, what you see is what you get: the words are real. Hers is the true heart Shelly was looking for when she joined Rotary. RI President Mat Caparas wrote to Sue, “You have been overdue more than five years. I had hoped you would be nominated much earlier. I am sure you will be good for the district…Let your feminine instincts guide you in forming judgments. You were not nominated as an act of kindness to womankind; you were nominated because Rotary needs your kind. We have had a lot of masculine leads already; let a woman bring in some welcome fresh air.” The message almost brought tears to new Rotarian Carla Quimpo. Governor Sue knows that District 3830 still has to get used to female leadership. She is Destiny’s Woman, flung by destiny into a role she has since embraced. ‒ PDS Marycris Oplas Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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Family Legacy RAFAEL “BIBOY” JOCSON R.I. District 3850
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onsidered a “first” in Rotary International District 3850 history, the father-son tandem of PDG Rod Jocson (RY 1977-78) and DG Biboy exemplifies the passing of Rotary values to the next generation. Dr. Rafael L. Jocson, known as “Doc Biboy” to friends, is a pioneer in the field of Minimally Invasive Surgery. He is recognized as a Trainer and Fellow of the Philippine College of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeons; a Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Surgery; and a Fellow of both the American and Philippine College of Surgeons. Currently he is the Medical Director of The Doctors’ Hospital, Inc. and Section Head of Laparoscopic Surgery of the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City. Steadfast in his dedication to helping the sick and the needy, he found a familiar ground in Rotary, joining the Rotary Club of Bacolod-North in January 1996. As a Rotarian of 15 years, he was a consistent Outstanding Service Awardee for his active participation in community projects. He became Club President in RY 2000-01, and among his accomplishments were: organizing the first tri-district (RID 3850, 3860, 9800) eye-screening project that benefitted 2,000 patients and performed 50 cataract surgeries; implementing Phase 2 of the 3H Matching Grant Irrigation Project benefitting five barangays in Valladolid, Negros Occidental, costing US$ 112,000.00; organizing a Medical, Pediatric and Dental Mission in Tangub, benefitting 400 patients; and forging Sister Club Agreements with RC Makati-Ayala and RC Canterbury-Melbourne, Australia. Through his unwavering leadership, he earned the prestigious Outstanding Club President Award and Outstanding Club Award given by the District as well as the RI Presidential Citation Award. His stellar performance at club level opened his rise in service at district level. Some of the positions he held were District Chairman of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA); Assistant District Governor; District Governor’s Representative to the Philippine Rotary Magazine (PRM); District Chairman, World Community Service; District Chairman, Membership Development; District Secretary; District Chairman, Extension Committee; District Chairman, Group Study Exchange. Doc Biboy’s family has been active in Rotary Service as well. Lovely wife, Emily (PHF), has been president twice of the Rotary Anns of Bacolod North. Eldest son, Miggy, was a Rotary Exchange Student to Melbourne and is now working as a Chef in Sydney. His younger children, Ria and Mio, are also Paul Harris Fellows.
View from a Lady PETER “PEROK” RODRIGUEZ R.I. District 3860
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acho man. Elusive bachelor. Ramp model. I first saw Peter in 1984 while he was tending to his family’s newly opened snack house in Ormoc City. I later found out that this cute guy was our neighbor. Born in Ormoc City to the late Atty. Vicente CabatinganPhilippine Rotary • July 2012
FEATURES Rodriguez, a native of Cebu, and Carmen Abanes-Mejia, who hailed from Merida, Leyte, Peter spent most of his teen years in Cebu City, where he went to school with his siblings. After graduation, Perok, as he is fondly called, went home to Ormoc to manage the Mayong’s Bakeshop and Snackhouse, a venture which he partners with four of his brothers. To date, they have several branches in Leyte and Samar. Perok also works as my mother-in-law’s “right hand” in running the farming business. This just shows how Perok is very much rooted in the family. Being very sociable and service-oriented, Perok has been involved in various sociocivic activities and organizations; but it was in Rotary that he found a niche to bloom in. During the typhoon “Uring” that devastated thousands of Ormocanons, he first experienced the real joy of service. He was touched by the smiles of the orphaned students whom his club, the Rotary Club of Ormoc, provided scholarship for. Thus began his transformation. The desire to serve his fellowman has never ceased since. “Service Above Self” became Perok Rodriguez. Realizing that service to his fellowmen finds completion in service to his God, Perok joined the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP). It was in the BCBP, a religious community, where I got to know the real Perok ‒ approachable, dependable, and kindhearted. With his jolly disposition, he became the life of every activity. He was everybody’s friend, as he readily helps, seeking to please everyone as much as he can. Traits that made me fall in love with him. Traits that make him a genuine “man of service”. In his own simple and unassuming ways, Perok lives out the true meaning of Service in everything he thinks, says and does. Perok has displayed utmost commitment through his consistent participation in and contribution to projects and activities of RC Ormoc and District 3860, as well as those of the BCBP. Such is his fervor and uncompromising dedication, that he has actively served in various positions in both organizations, where he has become a reliable figure. Dutiful son. Devoted husband and father. Exemplary Rotarian. This is Peter Mejia Rodriguez, District Governor. ‒ Maria Cristina Pongos-Rodriguez, District Governor Spouse
For God and Fellowmen GEORGE ADASA HAMOY R.I. District 3870
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amily-oriented, efficient, driven by service, and inspired by God. These words accurately describe District Governor George Adasa Hamoy. He’s used to having a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders, being the eldest of eight children. His family highly valued service and love of God. With hard work and perseverance, DG George graduated from San Beda College in 1972 with Bachelor of Arts degree in Commerce. He was a well-rounded student, excelling not only in academics but in extra-curricular activities as well. He was a member of the school’s tennis varsity team. He belongs to a family who are all sports enthusiasts. He excels in golf, with an array of awards to prove. Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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FEATURES He first worked with PCI Bank Iligan, from which he was promoted and assigned in Ozamis City, Oroquieta City, and Iligan City, where he held the managerial position. He became the President of the Bankers Club of Iligan. He decided to pursue additional knowledge and skills by taking up an MBA in Xavier University. He is a Social Entrepreneur trained by the National Youth Commission and UP-ISSI for youth entrepreneurship program. He also taught banking and finance in school and was a trainer in the field of entrepreneurship, management and finance. He is a member of the group Mega Konsult, a specialist in the organizational development, management of people and resources. He is into microfinance and cooperatives. He was a member of the board of Mindanao Microfinance Council and member of the board of Coops for Christ Cooperative Federation. He is a member of board of trustees of Federation of Exporters – Iligan, held various positions in the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Iligan, Vice-Chairman of the Iligan Information and Communication Technology Council, Treasurer of the Iligan City Cooperative Development Council and President of Mcdonnel Foundation Inc. It was in his hometown Iligan where he met and fell in love with his wife, Vicky. After settling down, George continued his involvement in his community, serving as barangay purok president and joined several business, civic and religious organizations as well as the parish programs like the Couples for Christ. Following in the footsteps of his father who was also a Rotarian, DG George joined the Rotary Club of Iligan North in 1990 and became its President in 1992-93. He held various club chairmanships district positions. These include District Conference Chair, Governor’s Group Rep (GGR), Assistant Governor and various chairmanships in vocational service, community service, Rotary Community Corps, and Rotary focus projects. He was a member of the district training team, awards committee, and the Group Study Exchange (GSE) selection committee. Amidst the calamity brought about by Typhoon Sendong, his dedication and efficiency was brought to the fore. He was in the forefront of Rotary’s ShelterBox Project for the typhoon victims in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. DG George is driven not by recognition but by his passion for service. Despite his many accomplishments, he remains humble and down to earth. He and his wife pride themselves in being able to raise four children – three hard-working doctors and a talented artist – with a strong foundation of Christian values. As the district’s newly-elected Governor, he hopes to be able to continue and expand his service not only to his fellow Rotarians but also to those who are in need. For him, serving people is a way of serving God.
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Philippine Rotary • July 2012
FEATURES
This Rotary family has three charter presidents
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By PP Tony Chong, DGR-PRM, District 3830
ow, you must have seen or heard of a husband and wife tandem in a Rotary club; or a club with a Rotarian and his/her child as member of a Rotary club. But we bet you haven’t seen or heard of a family of Rotarians with three charter presidents. Well, meet this family – the Hilarios of District 3830. The first to become Charter President was Catalina “Lina: Hilario of RC Paranaque Metro, the first Allfemale rotary club in Paranaque. The year was 1997 and CP Lina was elected to be the first president of the club sponsored by RC Paranaque Palanyag. However, since the charter was approved in March 5, 1997, this allowing CP Lina to serve only for less than four months, the club decided to re-elect her to serve a full term the following year. During its meetings and fellowship gatherings, the spouses would always be there to pick up their wives after each meeting, and join the Rotarians in the fellowships that usually ensue. Two years later, after enjoying the camaraderie and fellowship of Rotary every week, the men decided to form themselves into a Rotary club to support their spouses – thus in 1999 was born RC Paranaque Metro-South, an extension of its mother club RC Paranaque Metro. And guess who was elected to serve as Charter President — Ruben “Ben” E. Hilario, Jr., the husband of CP Lina. It came to pass that as the two clubs progress and got embroiled in numerous service projects, the men and women of both clubs enlisted the help of their Philippine Rotary • July 2012
grown-up children by involving them in some of the activities. Thus, the idea of forming another club made up of their children and their friends was hatched. Eventually, in 2003, RC Paranaque Metro Rtn. Atty. Rube extended another club n Hilario Sr. whose membership were the sons and daughters of Rotarians and their friends. The choice of Ruben “Jay” S. Hilario III as Charter President of the newly chartered RC Paranaque Midtown was a forgone conclusion. And as if three Charter Presidents in the Hilario clan io ul Hilar was not enough, the eldest PDG Rao 9-2000 9 9 1 RY brother of CP Ben, Raoul E. Hilario of RC East Davao (District 3860) got himself elected as governor for RY 1999-2000. A post script of the story is a daughter of CP Ben and CP Lina, and a sister of CP Jay, Liza Joy Hilario, served as President of RC Downtown Davao in District 3860 during RY 2008-09. And to complete Pres Liza Joy Hilario the circle, Atty. Ruben D. RY 2008-2009 Hilario, Sr., the father of CP Ben and PDG Raoul, was himself a member of the RC Host Davao of District 3860. In fact, it was the elder Hilario who encouraged his children and grandchildren to serve through Rotary. When asked why they became Rotarians, CP Lina, speaking on behalf of the family (women being the spokespersons of a family) said: We believe and we tell our children and their friends, ‘join Rotary to honor your parents.’ You cannot go wrong when you join Rotary and give service while making friends and having fun.” Need more be said?
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Photography
Tips
By Ron Nethercutt, RC Mabalacat A.C. Pampanga; jazzprof.com
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et in close. The closer you get to your group, the more detail you can capture in their faces. Have people lean in toward the center to create a smaller target area. I like to say it’s like romance; closer is better Pose your group. For larger groups, you’ll want to stagger people in rows, so you can still see everyone’s face while fitting them into a smaller area. Don’t make the group too deep, though, or not everyone will be in focus. Keep people still. If you’re going to merge your shots, you’ll want them as similar as possible. Tell the group to maintain their location and body position. Take multiple shots. Digital shots don’t cost anything and you have a better chance to get good picture. Use flash. Flash will eliminate shadows on faces caused by caps, or trees. Avoid clutter. Three people are enough if what they are doing portrays the key message. Different angles: Shooting from the side, above, or below may be more interesting. Background. Before taking the photo, look closely at the background to avoid a tree sticking out of the person’s head, flowers growing out of their ears, or pieces of words showing from a sign behind those being photographed. Avoid a group of people staring at the camera. When taking action pictures like of children eating and taking vitamins, the elderly exercising or being fed, goods being for distribution to the needy, books being given to children, an adult Rotarian showing a youth how to work an equipment, Rotarians registering for an event, etc ‒ avoid one or a group of people staring at the camera. Make them do something, even if it’s just for the shot. Using flash in dim light. Get close to the people to fill the frame image. This is especially true if you use flash for illumination. Your zoom lens may look OK from 30 or 40 feet, but your flash may only go to about 10 feet.
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Some Technical Information Quality: Set your camera to use the highest resolution possible. This may be called different things depending on the camera; so check your operator’s manual to see how it is listed. A paper or magazine can easily reduce the file size, but it cannot increase what you provide. JPG files are the standard preference; a larger file size of 1MB, or 1024 x 600. Scanning: If you must scan photographs, it is best to set your scanner for at least 300 dpi, or even more is better. Captions/Credits: Please include names, place, event, date, and of course the name of the photographer when you send the photo for publication. Ask for Help: If your photographs are declined by a paper or magazine, ask what you might do better for your next submission.
Know your camera’s limits: The newer point ‘n shoot digital cameras can work very well, if you understand their capabilities. Most photographers depend on the own eyes in creating good photographs. If you are using auto mode, push the shutter button halfway down and give the camera time to focus before completely depressing the shutter release. Don’t press fast and hard; you will jerk the camera and get a blurred photo. ‒ RN Philippine Rotary • July
2012
FEATURES
Fundraising 101 By Marianne G. Quebral
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he Philippines is home to over 318,000 non-profit organizations.
Even after applying a reasonable attrition, there would still be about 275,000 NGOs in a country of over 7,100 islands and 90 million people. Every time I provide this little bit of trivia, the statement of fact leaves people in awe of how such a small country like ours could have so many NGOs.
It becomes even more surprising to find out that all these NGOs rely on only three sources of money: grants or fund provided by institutional funders (such as private funding foundations, bilateral and multilateral organizations); gifts and contributions (which are customarily given by individuals or groups of
individuals out of compassion such as what you see at church when the offertory basket goes around); and earned income (or fees in exchange for products or services such as UNICEF greeting cards, WWF t-shirts and the like). With the Philippines no longer a grant-funding priority, NGOs are now faced with the challenges of financial sustainability. If, in the late ‘80s and through the ‘90s, it was easy to access institutional funding, the same is no longer the case in 2012. A number of non-profits have gone the way of seeking gifts Philippine Rotary • July 2012
and contributions from individual donors to ensure their financial sustainability. Let me cite a few examples. You’re walking through the mall and a young lady approaches you to tell you all about World Vision and asks if you would be interested in supporting a child for just P600 a month. You’re attending Sunday Mass and during the homily, the priest introduces a speaker who talks about their projects in Mindoro, and how your contribution to the second collection will go to supporting their work with the Mangyans. You’re relaxing at home on a Sunday and a group of four teenagers in basketball uniforms knocks on your door to ask if you’d support their team in the upcoming inter-village tournament. These are just some of the fundraising strategies that Filipinos seem to prefer, according to the Nationwide Survey of Giving conducted by Dr. Eduardo “Ned” Roberto and the Social Weather Stations, as commissioned by Venture
for Fund Raising. The results of the survey said that the top five solicitation strategies include: faceto-face fundraising (think: World Vision in the Mall); second collection in church; and, house-to-house solicitation (think: basketball team). Strategies preferred by Pinoy donors include: solicitation by friends and relatives (think: your sister selling you a raffle ticket and how you could not say no!); drop-in donations (Pinoys like visiting their favorite charity and dropping off their donations, so make sure your guards are friendly so you don’t turn off your donors when they attempt to enter your office). I have always said that fundraising isn’t just about the money. In fact, money should be the last thing on your mind when you do fundraising. You should be more concerned about finding people who share the same values as you and then taking steps to manage that relationship. I call this “friend raising”.
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FEATURES
A WILFRID J. (WILF) WILKINSON
FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR
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Our goals for the year ccepting the leadership of The Rotary Foundation after my predecessors – in particular, Past RI President Bill Boyd – did such a great job is a challenge. Oh, it’s not that I don’t know about the job. You can’t have been a Rotarian for 50 years without knowing and loving the work that our Foundation has done, is doing, and
will do. I know it all comes down to three things: raising money, investing money wisely, and spending money effectively. However, if the trustees and I are to have a truly significant year, we must have a plan, and every district, club, and individual Rotarian needs to be part of that plan. We have five goals: 1. Eradicate polio. 2. Train districts and clubs for the global launch of the Future Vision Plan on 1 July 2013. 3. Assist RI President Sakuji Tanaka in his quest to achieve Peace Through Service through the Foundation’s projects and programs. 4. Encourage every Rotarian and every club to give to the Annual Fund. The amount isn’t as important as the giving, but by setting a reasonable target of at least an average of US$100 per member, we will see our annual giving and our service grow to record levels. 5. Ensure that districts and clubs introduce stewardship policies that will complement the opportunities they will have to undertake humanitarian projects under the Future Vision Plan. This will make Rotary more visible and more attractive to members. I know these goals may be easy for some and quite challenging for others, but accepted with enthusiasm and confidence, they can only, in the words of Past RI President Ray Klinginsmith, make Rotary bigger, better, and bolder.
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Perched in the hills 20 miles from Lisbon, Portugal, is the village of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that Lord Byron called a “glorious Eden.” Rotarians attending the 2013 RI Convention, 23-26 June, will find enough cultural attractions and stunning scenery there to make the 40-minute train ride worth their while. Pena Palace, a former summer residence of Portuguese royals, offers millioneuro views of the coast. Spend an afternoon touring the yellow, purple, and pink castle and wandering the trails through the parklike grounds. The 9th-century Moorish Castle, damaged in a 1755 earthquake, is now a romantic ruin. The National Palace in Sintra’s historic
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center offers a better-preserved example of a moorishstyle castle. At the turn of the 20th century, a Portuguese millionaire decided to turn his mystical dreams into reality. The result is the Quinta da Regaleira, or Regaleira Estate, whose strange and wonderful grounds are full of winding paths leading to delightful hideouts, lush gardens, grottoes, fountains, and towers. The adventurous visitor can traverse the property via a pitch-black tunnel system. (Bring a flashlight.) The Sintra Museum of Modern Art, which offers a respite from climbing castle stairs, houses part of the collection of millionaire Joe Berardo, including works by Picasso, Mondrian, Warhol, de Kooning, Calder, and many Portuguese artists. – Susie Ma Register for the 2013 RI Convention in Lisbon at www.rotary.org/convention.
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
ROTARY IN MOTION
functions JULY 2012
SUNDAY
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D3780 Induction Makati Shangrila Hotel
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MONDAY
Right on U.S. President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964, prohibiting racial segregation and discrimination.
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TUESDAY
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WEDNESDAY
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THURSDAY
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World Population Day In October, the world’s population hit seven billion. Learn about the Rotarian Action Group for Population Growth and Sustainable Development at www.rifpd.org.
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Mandela Day Nelson Mandela, the fi rst black president of South Africa, was born in 1918. He received the Rotary Award for World Understanding and Peace in 1997.
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30 International Day of Friendship The UN designated this day to inspire people to work for peace.
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20 Peace be upon you The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon.
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D3810 Handover & Turnover Ceremonies Manila Hotel
Independence Day Americans celebrate the day in 1776 that the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
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London calling The opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games takes place in London.
Next RI Convention Lisbon, Portugal, 23-26 June 2013 Tentative convention sites Sydney, Australia, 2014 SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil, 2015 Seoul, Korea, 2016 Atlanta, 2017
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28 D3780 TRF Seminar 4F Silver Hall, D3780 Rotary Center
T H E DISTRICT 3770
Aurora, Batanes, Bulacan, Cagayan, Ifugao, Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino
District Governor Yolanda “Yolly” R. Wycoco DGR-PRM PDG Romulo “Boy” O. Valle, Jr.
DISTRICT 3780 Quezon City
District Governor Rufino “Penny” L. Policarpio
DGR-PRM IPDG Jose Francisco “Jess” Q. Cifra
DISTRICT 3790
Abra, Bataan, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Mountain Province, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales
District Governor Antonio “Tony” C. Bautista DGR-PRM PP Rommel “Rommel” dG. Suarez
DISTRICT 3800
Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Navotas, Pasig, Rizal, San Juan, Valenzuela
District Governor Lirio “Lirio” P. Sandoval
D I S T R I C T S DGR-PRM PDG Virgilio “Jun” G. Farcon, Jr.
DGR-PRM PP Rosario “Chito” Calixto-Chavez
DISTRICT 3810
DISTRICT 3850
Cavite, Manila, Mindoro Occidental, Pasay
District Governor Ismael “Maeng” M. Mercado
Aklan, Antique, Basilan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Sulu, Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
District Governor Rafael “Biboy” L. Jocson
DGR-PRM PP Samson “Sammy” O. Kaw
DGR-PRM PDG James Cesar “James” L. Makasiar
DISTRICT 3820
DISTRICT 3860
Batangas, Laguna, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, Quezon, and the whole of the Bicol region
District Governor Rafael Dennis “Dennis” B. Sunio DGR-PRM PP Jose Elmer “Elmer” N. Borlaza
Co-DGR-PRM PP Maria Lewina “Lewi” Tolentino
DISTRICT 3830
Alabang, Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa Palawan, Parañaque, Pateros, Taguig
District Governor Suzanne “Sue” V. Sta. Maria
Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bohol, Cebu, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, General Santos City, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Samar, Siquijor, South Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur
District Governor Peter “Perok” M. Rodriguez DGR-PRM PP Lilo “Lilu” I. Aliño
DISTRICT 3870
Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin Island, Cotabato, Cotabato City, Gingoog City, Iligan City, Kidapawan City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Malaybalay City, Marawi City, Misamis Oriental, Sultan Kudarat, Tacurong City, Valencia City
District Governor George “George” A. Hamoy DGR-PRM IPDG Samuel “Sam” C. Fontanilla
Legend: DGR-PRM - District Governor’s Representative to the Philippine Rotary Magazine
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Philippine Rotary • July 2012
ROTARY DISTRICTS
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Open Up The Rotary Club of Plaridel Kristal in cooperation with the Dentistry Department of the Centro Escolar University in Malolos City, Dentistry Department conducted a free Dental Mission at the Sto. Nino Elementary School. A total of 147 beneficiaries ranging from children to adults availed of free dental checkups and tooth extraction services. Helping coordinate the event were Mother Leaders, BHW and LLN of Barangay Sto. Nino especially Midwife Mrs. Vangie Espitittu. The teachers and principal of the school also shared their valuable time to make this project a success. Contributed by club secretary Lilia Lorenzo Dentists from Centro Escolar Univerisity give free dental check and tooth extraction
Caring for the Children As part of the Rotary Club of Biak Na Bato’s Outreach Program, the Rotarians distributed goods like canned goods, rice and noodles for the kindergarten students of Dalupan Elementary School. School supplies were distributed to these children who showed their sincere gratitude through their ever innocent smiles. A total of 93 beneficiaries benefited from the activity. Contributed by: Silver President Non Sariba, RC Biak Na Bato
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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FAMILY OF ROTARY The biggest DG Digna Ragasa and DGN Linda Winter unveiled in the presence of Rotarians from the different clubs in the district the biggest Four-Way Test Marker. With a dimension of 30 feet in height and 25 feet in width, this Four-Way Test marker appears to be the tallest and the largest (in terms of area) marker ever built. This marker was constructed through the generous contribution of the late PDG Manny Yu, in commemoration of the 106th birthday of Rotary in February 23, 2011. It is dedicated to R.I. President Ray Klinginsmith for Building Communities and Bridging Continents and R.I. President Kalyan Banerjee for Reaching Within to Embrace Humanity. The marker stands just beside the 30-feet Rotary Wheel which was a previous project of RC Southern La Union. Contributed by Sec. Sammy Mapanao
Celebrating the new Rotary year
In celebration of a New Rotary Year, the Rotary Club of Metro Marikina led by Pres. Ricky Cinco together with District Governor Lirio Sandoval held a Program for Special Children at the Barangka Elementary School in Marikina City on July 2,
2012. The seventy (70) beneficiaries with visual impairments, developmental disabilities, mental illness, learning problems, or behavioural challenges were treated with snacks and provided with loot bags containing educational materials like pencils, sharpeners, papers, notebooks, coloring books, and crayons. The most unforgettable part of the program was the showcase of talents of the beneficiaries. Visually impaired children sang solo and in groups while a child with Down syndrome proved that her condition will not stop her from rendering a very entertaining dance number. Some of the beneficiaries even requested the Rotarians to take their pictures to show how happy they are with the visit and the treats. Article written by PP Carla R. Dejeres of RC Metro Marikina, Photo taken by Pres. Ricky Cinco of RC Metro Marikina Visually impaired student belts out a song with gusto.
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Philippine Rotary • July 2012
FAMILY OF ROTARY Books across the seas The Rotary Club of Bagumbayan-Manila of District 3810 turned over 1,058 books worth some $3,174 to the Gen. Gregorio Elementary School. This community service project was undertaken in cooperation with Allied Banking Corporation and the Rotary Club of Makati. The books are sourced from the Brother’s Brother Foundation, a Pennsylvania, USA-based charitable institution. Contributed by PP Richard S. Chua Chiaco, RC Bagumbayan Manila
Counting Blessings Lydia, who used to accept any work she could find to support her family, is now paralyzed from the hips down because of a “Hit and Run” accident and later on due to a stroke. Her only means of getting around is the rusty, rickety frame of an old stroller modified with bigger wheels and a simple plastic chair bolted onto it. Wilnard is 30 years old and has lost control over most of his limbs due to an untreated illness that ultimately turned into meningitis, damaging his nervous system. His means of getting around is being carried between the shoulders of two male relatives. Two lives, two fates, so different from what we usually see and experience around us, yet at the same time so very common both here and in other parts of the world. The Rotary Club of Atimonan Sunrise, represented by Pres. Oghie Restan, Rtn. Marvin Ocampo and PP Harald Kastler, had the privilege of being able to alleviate the fates of these two individuals through the donation of two wheelchairs, courtesy of Matching Grant 75788 with their sister club, the Rotary Club of Escalon Sunrise, RI District 5220, CA, USA. The matching grant of 60 wheelchairs was made possible through the tireless efforts of strongest supporter and friend, PP Ray Caparros of the Rotary Club of Escalon Sunrise, who originally hails from Alabat Island, and Gov. Dave Mantooth who is always supportive of project. Together they make a good rather the best combination to support projects here in Philippines. Contributed by: PP Harald Kastler, RC Atimonan Sunrise Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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FAMILY OF ROTARY Peace award Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon (3rd from left) receives the Rotary International 2012 Peace Award from President Shelly Lazaro (1st from left) of Rotary Club of Makati San Lozaro District 3830, assisted by District Governor nominee Angelito Colona (2nd from left), and witnessed by Mrs. Kate Gordon and past Rotary International Director Rafael Hechanova (1st from right). Rotary International through the Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo conferred upon Philippine Red Cross Chairman Dick Gordon the Rotary International 2012 Peace Award making him the 12th awardee since its inception in 1999. This award is given throughout the Asia Pacific region by designated Rotary Clubs. Among the recipients of this coveted award were former presidents Cory Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos, Jaime Cardinal Sin, Ms. Rosa Rosal, Tony Meloto. The award was first conceived by the
Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga New Southwales, Australia then introduced throughout Southeast Asia including the Philippines in 1993. Wagga Wagga is the first Rotary Peace Community in the world. In the Philippines, there are only three cities which have been chosen to grant such a prestigious award, Manila, Quezon City, and Makati. These cities have been declared “Peace Communities”. Contributed by PP Oca Palabyab, Rotary Club of Balintawak, D3780
Thank you
JC Maming from Malay, Aklan thanked the Rotary Club of Forbes Makati through President Bert Galano for making possible his use of his previously amputate arms and the Rotary Club of Roxas for facilitating the donation. JC is a beneficiary of Project Walk which was initiated by PP Ed Escano and has helped so many people in its four years of existence. Contributed by: Megs Lunn, RC Roxas, D3850
Before and after
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Philippine Rotary • July 2012
FAMILY OF ROTARY Drive dengue away Zone 1, District 3860 conducted a city-wide antidengue campaign on June 4, 2012 participated in by 18 Rotary Clubs in Zone 1 benefiting 20 barangays in Cebu City. The drive involved putting the larvicidal powder solution “Abate” in swamps and stagnant water to prevent the spread of dengue that claimed several lives in Cebu this year. Led by PP Wyben Briones of RC Metro Cebu, the anti-dengue campaign has been sustained for the past 2 years in coordination with Cebu Medical Society and LGU’s. D3860 will be conducting the huge Metro Cebu anti-dengue campaign in September this year. — Contributed by: DGR-PRM Lilu Alino, D3860
Rotarians of RC Cebu Port Center arrived at the assigned barangay to spread antilarvicide to kill wrigglers before they mature into adult mosquitoes.
Peace marker in Mindanao The first ROTARY PEACE MARKER in Mindanao, a project of the Rotary Club of Cotabato City South in partnership with 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Kalasag Development Initiatives Foundation, Inc. and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines jibes with the peace initiatives program of the ARMM administration as one of the agenda for food and security strategic plans in pursuing the “Matuwid na Daan” formula of the
President of the Philippines. Located at Awang Airport fronting Camp Siongco Gate 1 it was unveiled by ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Anwar Malang representing OIC-Regional Governor of ARMM Mujiv S. Hataman with BGen Manuel Luis Ochotorena, the Assistant Division Commander of 6ID, RI 3870 District Governor Sam Fontanilla, members of the Rotary Clubs in Cotabato City, BGen Rirao of OCD- ARMM, IMT Brunei contingents, JSOFT-P of the US Army, officials and men of 6ID, CAAP, some local government officials and the media. This project is part of the Peace Promotions and Conflict Resolution project of the Rotary Club of Cotabato City-South. Contributed by Pres. Rudy Ramos Asto of the Rotary Club of Cotabato CitySouth DG Sam Fontanilla, AG Doms Guarino, BGen Ochotorena and ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Anwar Malang
Philippine Rotary • July 2012
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CONTRIBUTORS
PP MARIA RITA CARLA DEJERES
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P Maria Rita Carla R. Dejeres of the Rotary Club of Metro Marikina was the Charter President of the Rotaract Club of Kalookan Central “Poblacion”. Her Rotaract experience made her a 5-time District Rotaract Chair. She now serves as the GML Editor-in-Chief and Deputy DGR-PRM. Carla is a Papal Awardee, having been a recipient of the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Benedict XVI for her long and exceptional service in San Roque Cathedral Parish-Caloocan City, where she served since childhood in various capacities including as Parish Youth Council President and Legal Counsel. She is a member of the Vox Angelorum Choir and the conductor of the San Roque Cathedral Children’s Choir. She is a bank lawyer by profession.
ANTONIO Y. CHONG
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NTONIO “Tony”Y. CHONG graduated from the University of Santo Tomaswith a Litt. B (Journalism) and from the Northwestern University (Chicago) with an MBA (Marketing}. He is currently the Advertising and Promotions coordinator of the Philippine Rotary magazine and SAG for Public Image Enhancement and Awareness (PR) – District 3830 – 20122013. He has served as Club President, RC Makati North – 1996-1997, Editor in Chief, RC Makati Central weekly newsletter - 2000-2003, PR Chair, District 3830 – 2003-2004, SAG/Public Image Chair, District 3830 – 2007-2008 and DGGR-PRM, District 3830 – 2011-2012.
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PRES PERRY MODESTO
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resident Perry Modesto, a businessman by profession, joined the Rotary Club of Cabanatuan in 2005 and has since received an Outstanding Rotarian Award every year.
MARIANNE “MAYAN” QUEBRAL
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arianne “Mayan” G. Quebral, the author, is Executive Director of Venture for Fund Raising (www.venture-asia.org) an NGO dedicated to teaching the joy of giving established in 1999.
MARYCRIS OPLAS
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arycris Oplas was Past District Secretary to PDG Butch Francisco. A strong leader herself, she led her club to numerous awards during her presidency. PDS Marycris is an accomplished auditor.
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RON NETHERCUTT
on Nethercutt joined Rotary in 1986 and served as President of an 85 member club, two terms as AG, and a GSE Team Leader in D 6840 prior to his retirement as a university professor. He came to the Philippines in 2000 as a Visiting Rotary Teacher and taught in the School of Music at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. He currently lives in Angeles City where he is a consultant at AUF, a journalist for Central Luzon Business Week, Editor for the Clark Investors and Locators Newsletter, and District Internet Communications Officer.
PP DAN AND MARIEL GALURA
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he writers are friends of DGE Tony & spouse Evelyn Bautista. A husband and wife team, both members of the Rotary Cllub of Balanga, both Past Presidents and active servants of Rotary in Service. Also Major Donors and member of the Paul Harris - PP’s Dan and Mariel Galura
MARIA CRISTINA PONGOS-RODRIGUEZ
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aria Cristina PongosRodriguez, known to friends as “Rina”, is the beloved spouse of District Governor Peter “Perok” Rodriguez, with whom he is happily married. They have 4 adorable kids: Andre, Kyra, Peter & Ben.
Philippine Rotary • July 2012