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very day we wake up to a world filled with news of violence, pain, and suffering. Even though the world chooses to accentuate the bad, District Governor David Harilela 2011-12 of Rotary International District 3450 (Hong Kong, Macao and Mongolia) knew that there was so much unrecognized good being done in the world – if only he could find it. Fate intervened when David first heard of the incredible story of a Dr. Hendrik Wuebben at his club’s weekly meeting. Dr. Wuebben is a German doctor with a passion for saving lives and a mission to provide health care to those in need. Because of this, he then decided to work in Windhoek, Namibia, a place that saw extreme poverty, prostitution, and drug abuse. Immediately, he offered to help the needy, in exchange for no pay. Ultimately, he became head of the emergency room. Even though he was assaulted and robbed dozens of times with knives and guns drawn at him by the very same people he was treating, his resolve to help has not faltered. Inspired and touched by the work of Dr. Wuebben, David was saddened yet amazed by a man who risked his life every single day to better mankind. How could the Mother Teresa’s of today not be recognized? It was then that inspiration struck and thus THE ONE was born. THE ONE would be an ongoing International Humanitarian Award that recognizes the goodness in the world, dedicated to finding the hero of all heroes. Inspired by the Rotary motto of Service Above Self, THE ONE is an individual who dedicates his or her daily life to serving others, and helping those in need to alleviate pain, suffering, poverty and hunger. David’s vision of THE ONE quickly sprung to life and it was then that he shared it with Richard Samuel Elman, a respected Hong Kong businessman and Chairman and Founder of Noble Group. After hearing David’s vision, Mr. Elman immediately had faith in this project. He generously offered to donate the prize money of US$100,000 for the winner to further their respective humanitarian cause and service projects. The next step was to form powerful alliances to help lift THE ONE to the glory and recognition it deserved. Through a good friend, David met with Baccarat – a French luxury brand internationally renowned as a leader in high-end and exclusive crystal products. They shared his vision and committed to bringing to life the trophy for THE ONE.
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With the help of David’s fellow District Governors and the powerful global network of over 1.2 million Rotarians, the quest to find these heroes went into full speed with the help of assigned District Representatives from all over the world and THE ONE received nominations from ten different countries by the deadline of January 31st 2012. Through three separate judging panels, five finalists were chosen. It was then decided that besides the final winner, US$5,000 would be awarded to each of the remaining finalists as their respective causes were in dire need of financial support. The night of the Gala dinner had finally arrived and the five finalists had flown in from their countries. We had Dr. Dan Murphy, a doctor providing medical assistance to the people of East Timor; Valerie Browning, a woman living with the Afar Nomads in Ethiopia providing them with healthcare and vaccinations; Father Joe Maier, a Catholic Priest providing education to the slum children in Bangkok; Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, a woman fighting human trafficking in the Philippines; and Shruti Shroff, a woman from India providing overall care and betterment to the people of Gujarat, India. These people are truly selfless who had truly put “service above self”. They would give anything for their cause and for the people that they work with. Then the winner of THE ONE 2012 was finally announced – Valerie Browning! She received a standing ovation. Completely shocked, she approached the stage, announcer stating that this win wasn’t a victory for her, but a victory for the Afar people. The festivities did not end here that night. Suddenly, a man named Peter Bennett was so moved that he donated an additional US$200,000 to THE ONE so that every finalist could each receive US$50,000 for their causes. The first year of THE ONE was an absolute success and we cannot wait to honor even more heroes in the future. We would love nominations from all across the world. If your Rotary Club knows of someone who truly exhibits Service Above Self on a daily basis, we would love to learn more about them and have the opportunity to honor them at our next Gala Dinner. For more information on THE ONE, please visit our website at: http://www.theonerotary3450.org Follow THE ONE on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ theonerotary3450 And on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/theone_rotary
9/6/2012 7:09:47 PM
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Rotarians,
M SAKUJI TANAKA President, Rotary International
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
any of you know that we now have five Avenues of Service in Rotary. The fifth, and newest, is New Generations Service. There are many ways to serve through this avenue, and you will read about some of them in this month’s issue. All of the work we do to educate children, to improve maternal health, to help families live healthier lives – all of this is service to New Generations. We also serve New Generations by working to eradicate polio, helping to ensure that future generations of children will be born into a polio-free world. Our youth and young adult programs, such as Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Exchange, are a very important part of this Avenue of Service. We must remember that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. By helping to develop young leaders and bringing younger members into our clubs, we strengthen communities – and Rotary’s future. For most of my life, I have been a salesman. I learned long ago that being a good salesman is not enough. You must also have a good product. If you are a good salesman, you will make the first sale. But if you do not have a good product, you will make only the first sale. You will not make the second. It is not enough to bring new members into Rotary. We want them to stay. We want the new, young members to become longtime members. We want them to be Rotary leaders in 10, 20, or 30 years. How do we do this? We have to look at our product. We have to look at Rotary not with our own eyes, but with new eyes. When we invite a new member to join and that person’s answer is no, we should ask why. This is not to pressure someone into joining. It is to find out more information. What are the obstacles to membership? Is it an inconvenient meeting time? Is it too much of a time commitment? Is it something else that we have not thought of? We need to ask questions, and we need to open ourselves to the answers. We cannot say, “No, we will not do this,” just because we have never done it before. Why not have child care at a meeting? Why not involve families in projects? Why not make attendance requirements less strict, or meet less often? Our new Avenue of New Generations Service is an important step in ensuring many future generations of Rotary, and of Service Above Self.
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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2012 VOL. 36 NO. 3
1.
5.
YOUR EDITOR SHARES
The Youth look up to Rotarians to inspire them. Rotarians should not fail them.
6.
NOTEBOOK
6
RI PRESIDENT MESSAGE
RI President Tanaka shares suggestions on how to develop young leaders and bring young members to Rotary clubs.
9.
International Scene, new PRM contact details, Marketing PRM in tri-district seamless seminar, New Generation quotes.
FACES: OPENER
A Rotaractor becomes a Rotary Club president.
10. FACES
Tri-district Seamless Seminar, 50 years of RC Cebu West, Rotary clubs respond to disasters
17.
19. ROTARY CLUB OF LUCENA SOUTH
Projects and photos that define a club’s commitment to “Service Above Self” and realizing “Peace through Service”.
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FEATURES OPENER: MAGIC OF NEW GENERATIONS
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31.
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OUR COVER Rotary’s focus on the New Generations is not just on its New Gen programs but also encompasses the Future Vision Plan 6 Areas of Focus. In the recent calamities befalling the country, Rotarians discovered that much of the relief operations were directed on saving the young. The cover illustrates the smiling faces of the youth who have been touched by Rotarians’ helping hands. Cover photo was based on a photo submitted by RC Metro Angeles Centennial.
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Philippine Rotary • September 2012
FRUITS OF USAID AND TRF PARTNERSHIP
TRF TRUSTEE CHAIR MESSAGE & CONVENTION COUNTDOWN
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44.
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LEARNING FROM THE MASTERS
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A landmark Rotary club is cultivating its young generation leaders and generates useful lessons. A fitting conclusion to one of the five H2O projects under the USAID/TRF collaboration.
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The inspiration of an outstanding Rotarian gives birth to a new club
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Q & A WITH DISTRICT INTERACT CHAIRS
District Interact chairs share the challenge of serving with the young and their hopes for the future.
Foundation Trustee Chair Wilkinson suggests ways to follow through on club plans for TRF support while Convention countdown highlight interesting places surrounding Lisbon.
CALENDAR
International and national activities worth noting.
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FAMILY OF ROTARY
Inspiring and informative news and photos from the 10 Rotary districts of the Philippines.
CONTRIBUTORS
Knowing those who bring Rotary experiences to life through words.
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COMING IN OCTOBER 1.
Jesse Robredo, Rotarian
4.
Rotary E-clubs
2. 3. Philippine Rotary • September 2012
Convention Preview
Vocational Service Awards
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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 MARQUEZ “MARK” O. GO, 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 EFREN “EFREN” O. DE GUZMAN, D3800 Finance, Credit and Collection 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
Information & Communication Technology Committee PDS Jesus “Jesse” Tanchanco, Jr., D3780 Chairman CP Winston Sia, D3780 and PDS Lyndon Wong, D3780 Members
Contributors PP MING YAN JAO, D-3790, PP LILU ALIÑO, D3860, RTN OLIVER ALVAREZ, D-3810 OFFICE STAFF NELSON “NELSON” M. LLUZ Office Manager
QUINCY JOEL “QUINCY” V. CAHILIG Editorial Assistant
ANALIZA “ANA” A. PADUA, FEDERICO ”ERIC” C. SAGUIBO, ROWENA “WENG” C. BADURIA, MARLO “LOVE” V. VISITACION
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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 : G/F D-3780 Rotary Center Building Foundation, Inc., Roces corner Mo. Ignacia Avenue, Bgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City 1103 Tel. nos. 416-3800; 332-5729 (telefax) • Mobile no. 0916-4786570 Email : office@philrotary.com • www.philrotary.com
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
YOUR EDITOR SHARES
J Melito Salazar, Jr. Editor-in-Chief
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
Being Young Again
ust for this month for the New Generations, let us put ourselves in the shoes of those much younger than us. With the daily dose of bad news, we would be very worried not just of our situation today but also of our fate in the future. Will we be able to get the same quality education as our parents did considering the rising costs of elementary, high school and college education and the larger class sizes? Will we live beyond today or will we fall prey to the stabbings of a heartless snatcher or the irrational violence of a drug addict? Will we find a decent, good paying job after graduation? The world is so full of problems and those who lead, instead of being the solutions end up aggravating the problems. Those who should show the way are instead living lives that are as crooked as the imprints of a slimy snake. Those in power are more concerned in protecting the status quo, which has greatly benefitted them and their families rather than push for the reforms that would make a real difference in the lives of countless Filipinos. Amidst all this gloom and disappointments, those who are young see a glimmer of hope as they are given the opportunity to know, learn and serve with Rotarians in Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, Youth Exchange and in the family of Rotary. They realize that all is not lost if there are inspired men and women who “translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities”. They are encouraged to believe in a better future as they witness Rotarians, through The Rotary Foundation, “doing good in the world”. The youth begin to have faith in those older than them as they encounter Rotarians who make real the core values of Service, Fellowship, Diversity, Integrity and Leadership. They are inspired as they meet Rotarians who Serve above Self. Let us not fail them.
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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
INTERNATIONAL SCENE
Six Rotarians from Rotary International District 3800 visited New Zealand for a thorough yet fun learning experience under the 2012 Group Study Exchange (GSE) program of The Rotary Foundation that aims to foster greater international understanding and friendship. The group of delegates, named as Team Philippines R.I. 3800, performed outstandingly Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez with GSE as ambassadors of goodwill in delegates via Skype New Zealand as they immersed themselves with local folks to better understand different cultures. They also visited several Rotary clubs and promoted Philippines as an attractive tourism and business destination. It was indeed a splendid 36-day adventure for the GSE team led by Past President Rudy Retirado with Rotarians Mary Angeli L. Quianzon, Marydell R. Alsola, Christine B. Sierte, Dr. Rocky R. Dizon, and Maria Anna Katrina M. Fernandez for their vocational, professional, and business knowledge were enriched further. Team Philippines RI 3800 was hosted by New Zealand Rotary International 9980. source: Department of Foreign Affairs (dfa.gov.ph)
NEW PRM OFFICE ADDRESS & OFFICE SCHEDULES
BOOK
PRM FAMILY PUSHES PRM
During the Tri-District (D3850, D3860, D3870) Seamless Seminar in Bacolod City, D3850 DGR-PRM PDG James Makasiar, D3860 DGR-PRM PP Lilu Aliño and PRM Special Events Coordinator PDS Ronnie Gabalda of D3850 manned the PRM booth. They disseminated information about PRM, distributed PRM club subscription forms and sold merchandise. – Contributed by PP Lilu Alino
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As Rotarians, we should be examples of conduct for the youth of our communities.
D3850 DGR-PRM James Makasiar, PRM Special Events Coordinator PDS Ronnie Gabalda, and PP Lilu Aliño.
G/F D-3780 Rotary Center Building Foundation, Inc. Roces corner Mo. Ignacia Avenue Bgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City 1103 Tel. nos. 416-3800; 332-5729 (telefax) Mobile no. 0916-4786570 Mr. Nelson Lluz, Office Manager
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RI President 1949-50 Percy Hodgson Inaugural address, 1949 Rotary Convention, New York, New York, U.S.A.
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What is the value of the life of one child saved? No one will ever know, but if the child were our own, the price tag would be marked: Not for Sale-this life is invaluable.
However, since our contract with the lessor with our former office ends in January 2013, we can still get any correspondence that may be sent to this former address.
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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As Rotary cannot endure unless constantly vitalized by the infusion of youth, we, in turn, must sympathetically share its ambitions and help solve its problems. RI President 1933-34 John Nelson THE ROTARIAN, July 1933
Beginning September 2012, the Philippine Rotary Magazine has its new office address and contact numbers as follows:
Also, the new office schedules are as follows: Work days : Mondays thru Saturdays Office hours : 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Monday to Friday) 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Saturday; half-day only) We anticipate that these new office and work schedules will generate savings, improve our ability to efficiently assist subscribers and increase productivity in addressing high-priority tasks. We appreciate your patience and understanding for these changes.
NEW GENERATIONS QUOTATIONS
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RI President 1979-80 James L. Bomar, Jr. THE ROTARIAN, April 1980
DGR-PRM PP Lilo “Lilu” Aliño sells Rotary merchandise to a Rotarian. Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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FROM THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE
Log in to — http://www.rotary.org
STIR UP SUPPORT FOR POLIO PLUS The fight to end polio is at a tipping point between success and failure. Last year, there were fewer than 700 cases worldwide, giving us a unique and historic opportunity to end polio now. But our progress is threatened by a funding shortfall of US$945 million, a gap that must be closed immediately if we are to succeed. Vaccination campaigns are being cut, raising the risk that polio will rebound, just as we’ve reduced it to its lowest levels in history. We need your help! World leaders will be meeting in New York at the end of September for the United Nations General Assembly. Now is our chance to tell the governments of the world to fund the final push needed to eradicate polio. Send them a message to fund the fight to end polio at www.endpolio.org/advocacy.
CONNECT WITH RI PRESIDENT TANAKA Learn more about RI President Sakuji Tanaka. Read his September message about New Generations Service. Include the message in your club or district’s newsletter and website.
SEND A MESSAGE AND SHARE PHOTOS •
Share your photos of President Tanaka on RI’s Flickr group. Photos from the group may be used on www.rotary.org. • Go to President Tanaka’s LinkedIn question about why it’s important to attract younger members to Rotary. • Read the president’s posts on RI’s blog, Rotary Voices, and send him a message. • Visit the president on the RI president’s Facebook page.
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Philippine Rotary • September 2012
9/13/2012 7:15:08 PM
FACES: GALLERY
ROTARY PORTRAITS
FACES O
Growing Up in Rotary
ne step at a time. This best describes the journey of Cristina “Tina” C. Bacalso from an active member of the Rotaract Club of Cebu South Community-Based to the club president of the Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente for RY 2012-13. Tina is a true Aquarian: good communicator, sociable, idealist, loyal, intellectual and inventive. She graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, cum laude, from the University of San Jose Recoletos, passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers in 2006. She started her career as a working student in Pert, Inc. for five years, and then with
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
Siemens for almost two decades. There, Tina rose from being an ordinary staff member to becoming a respected Business Development and Channel Partner manager nationwide. At present, she is the general manager of Central Pilipinas Power & Automation Inc. and the regional manager of First Pilipinas Power and Automation Inc. Friends of Tina say that she is a wellrounded person, brilliant in both academics and career, and gifted with a good voice and a natural charisma. In 2002, she was recruited by her best friend, Cristino dela Cruz, into the Rotaract, where she was immediately appointed Club Treasurer. That early, she showed great potential to be a Rotarian someday. In RY 2005-06, Tina’s mentor, Past Rotaract Chair Jaja Bigornia, sponsored her entry into RC Cebu Fuente as she wanted to move on to the next level in Rotary. She has occupied various positions such as the director for Community Service, Club Administration and New Generations Director. She has received various awards from the District, among them the Most Outstanding District Zone Coordinator for RY 2003-04. From RY 2007-12, Tina consistently served as the District Rotaract Chairperson-Visayas. “The year 2012 is a very significant year for me as I am going to celebrate my 10th year as part of the Rotary Family and be able to serve Rotary and my club as president. In life there is always a mission and for everything there is always a reason. Some may call it Divine Providence or some may call it Destiny; but whatever, it is a calling I will treasure and hope to deserve,” she says. Tina keeps four treasures in her life: her family, her nieces and nephews, the value of friendship and RC Cebu Fuente. In her club she found a second home that grants her the opportunity to showcase her talent, test her leadership and serve the community in accordance with the Rotary Motto “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.” – PP Lilu Aliño
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FACES: GALLERY
A circle of support
Common sight on the way to relief operations’ site
Peace Through Service
Loading the relief truck
The Rotary clubs of Pasig and Mutya ng Pasig responded to the needs of 350 families during the recent floods. Led by Peace Builder presidents Herminio “Hermie” Orbe and Adlerma “Dinky” Hementera, the two clubs came to the aid of these families from three different communities – Pasig Rotary-GK Village, Pinagbuhatan Urban Poor Home Association (PUPHA), and the Illugin Community Center – from Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City. President Hermie, with Past President Conrad Cuesta and Director Ramy Garcia, assessed the effects of the heavy rainfall that devastated Metro Manila for three Everyone patiently waits their turn consecutive days on the RC Pasigadopted communities. Unable to Happy after repacking reach the place due to waist-deep water The long line of relief recipients levels, a successful relief operation was undertaken two days later. Contributions in the form of used clothing, sacks of rice, and dozens of noodles and boxes of medicine came from Pasig Rotarians, sister club RC Hong Kong Sunrise, and RC Pasig’s daughter club, RC Mutya ng Pasig. With their relief operations, these clubs have given to these troubled lives peace through service.
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Philippine Rotary • September
2012
FACES: GALLERY
r Waiting fo
relief
RC San Mateo Highlands Responds In the afternoon of the first day of Habagat’s wrath, the Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands immediately reached out to evacuees in a small chapel in Purok Dos, San Mateo, Rizal. There were about 200 evacuees who had nothing but their clothes on. Together with Dir. Anneli Balasbas, I led our group in distributing relief goods- 5 bags of clothes in mint condition from fellow Rotarians and friends from Santa Barbara Villas 2, a box of alkaline water and 3 boxes of slippers. Unmindful how risky it would be to travel under a heavy downpour, we traversed the slippery and gutter-deep roads of Silangan. Upon reaching the site, we were glad to see some Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Rizal Chapter volunteers conducting health check to the evacuees, who to our surprise were mostly kids. These evacuees were from Buntong
Job well done
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
Distributing more relief goods
Palay, just one of the many affected areas in San Mateo. Along with some barangay officials led by RCSMH Protocol Officer Kagawad Boyet Sulit, we conducted the distribution of the relief goods in an orderly manner. Each of the evacuees received their own relief good from us. Despite what they went through, you could see in their faces that they could still give you a smile and this to us, is priceless. Each of us felt proud to have been able to help these unfortunate victims of Habagat in our own little way. This also proves Ready for that we are the distribution strongest ones to face such kind of tragedy and Rotarians are willing to serve above themselves. By Service Projects Distributing Dir. Choppy clothes Mamigo, Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands
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FACES: GALLERY Partnering with Red Cross The Rotary Club Sampaguita Grace Park through Philippine National Red Cross donates P10,000 for the relief of affected areas in Caloocan City, during the Southwest Monsoon Rain last August 8, 2012.
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Philippine Rotary • September
2012
FACES: GALLERY
Feels like in “The City of Smiles” with PP Megs, PP Miila, and PP Pip
Masks galore but own face is better
Three In One Negros Rotary Clubs played host to the Rotary TriDistrict Seamless Seminar held at the L’Fischer Hotel on August 9, 10, 11. More than 400 Rotarians from Rotary Districts 3850, 3860 and 3870 converged to Bacolod City, many of them for the first time. Delegates came by land, sea, and air from as far as Ormoc, Tagbilaran, Cotabato, Gen. Santos, Roxas, Cebu and Iloilo. Keynote speaker was Rotary International Director John Boag from Sydney, Australia. Key Rotary principles on Membership, Public Image, and Rotary Foundation Fellowship were highlighted in the talks of RC Rolando overflows “Oyan” Villanueva, RRFC Roberto “Bobby” Viray and PIC Ursula Consuelo “Chit” Lijauco. On August 10, the Negros Rotary Clubs prepared an astounding MASSKAROTARY FELLOWSHIP NIGHT...to the great delight of the Rotarian guests. Welcoming RID John an d Dianna Bo Rotarian Congressman Dr. Tony and RC PDG ag Rolando Villa nueva Golez gave a very informative and humorous welcome remarks on his beloved Illongos which was very well appreciated. Champion Masskara Street dancers, and electric light dancers performed live to the Rotary International Director John thundering sound Boag of RC of Tamworth North, Australia District 9650 delivers his of the Sagay keynote speech drum beaters... our beautiful bodied models did a Rotary live dance and fashion show... Presidents champion sportdance teams RC West performed...and of course Cossette the very famous Chicken Villaluz, RC Metro Monroe Chua, RC Silay Deli Inasal was served Jeanelle De Belen, RC South Jabez Alvarez, RC Central to all. Congratulations to Guest of honor Past Rotary Governor Biboy Robert Aguillon, RC North Manny Gonzales, RC District Governor Jocson, Council President Herminio “Sonny” Marapara Mike Bantug, RC MC Roderick and Lailani Coloma discussing and Overall Event Alba, RC Escalante Manolo Mendoza, RC Kabangkalan the impact of social Chairman Dr. Mike Sarabia of Cesar Artesano and AGs Joy Natalayara, Jude Doctora, media for Rotary clubs. RC Bacolod East and his able and Emile Masigan and PDG Nanette Garcia. Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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FACES: GALLERY
A child among the debris left by the flood.
Responding to Disaster The recent floods brought by strong typhoons brought in the quick response from different Rotary clubs to help those families affected by the disaster. In many areas in the metropolis, Rotary’s Wheel of Service was in full gear. President Ricky Cinco of s need the to g ndin RC Marikina East Rotarians atte the Rotary Club Metro Marikina reports that relief operations were undertaken by the Club A view of Barangay together with the Rotaract Club of Metro Balubad Marikina at Nangka, one of the most affected
More relief supplies for Navotas City turned over to Mayor John Rey Tiangco
President Paul Vidal leads RC Navotas Rotarians in giving relief goods for the City of Navotas
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Philippine Rotary • September
2012
FACES: GALLERY RC Marikina East preparing the hot “lugaw”.
A child from Barangay Balubad. RC Pasig Rotarians
areas of the city. The goods were directly delivered to the affected homes. The RC Metro Manila GEMS, through its relief operations dubbed as GEMS Bigay Alalay (Part I), brought their donations to Ateneo Law School, after learning that the school accepts relief goods for flood victims. The Habagat Relief Goods Donations of RC Valenzuela West covered Malabon City where 500 bags of assorted groceries were received by the city mayor and the city council. Two hundred sacks of rice were received by Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian on behalf of the Valenzuela City Disaster Center and by Sen. Dick Gordon on behalf of Phil Red Cross Chapter, Valenzuela City. RC Navotas, led by President Paul Vidal, turned over to Mayor John Rey Tiangco substantial relief goods and supplies. The Rotary Club of Marikina East fed hungry mouths and distributed relief goods to residents of Barangay Balubad and other environs of Marikina. RC Pasig prepared rubber boats for evacuation in addition to relief supplies to inhabitants of heavily flooded barangays. Contributed by various Rotary clubs Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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FACES: GALLERY RC Cebu West Peacemaker President Alvin Tan
Golden Service Over 50 years of helping address the needs of the province of Cebu and the Cebuanos under the sterling leadership of 49 excellent club presidents, the Rotary Club of Cebu West celebrates its golden anniversary with more than enough reasons. Club stalwarts Past District
five PDGs: Mariano Ilano, Jr., Vicente Lozada, Jose Lardizabal, Jr., Patuasi and Cupin. Two other past presidents made it as district governors in other clubs: Cesar Estalilla and Margarito Redona. In celebration, RC Cebu West donated the much needed fire engine to its long-time beneficiary,
Donations to mark 50 Years of Service
Governors Toto Cupin and Ray Patuasi proudly recalled the achievements of the past and the exciting possibilities for the future. The club produced A Pose for Posterity
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the Cebu Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade. With the donation, the Club aims to support the fire brigade protect the life and property
of the Cebuano community. In the last 10 years the Club has donated three fire trucks. It also vowed to continue supporting the Social Work Department’s Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center for PWD’s and the four Library Hubs of the Education Department in Cebu City. With sister club RC Singapore West, the Club also has more than 20 scholars taking up education at the Cebu Normal University. On his induction as the 50th club president, Alvin “Alvin” Tan hopes to follow in the footsteps of the Club’s past presidents by coming up with relevant projects. “The challenge is great but with the support of my RC Cebu West leaders and fellow Rotarians, I know I can carry on the legacy of excellent Rotary service.” Tan said. And making the milestone even sweeter, on its 50th year, RC Cebu West reached the 50-strong membership base with six more to be inducted.
Philippine Rotary • September
2012
FACES Q & A
P
Q&A with District Interact Chairs
henomenal is, probably, the best adjective to describe the Interact. This Rotary International service club for young people age 12-18, under the New Generations Avenue of Service, has now become one of the fastest-growing programs of R.I. with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries across the globe and 200,000 estimated members. Interact allows young generations to develop leadership skills and personal integrity, demonstrate helpfulness and respect for others, understand Josephine “Jo” Vergara Bernabe is the District 3800 Interact Chairperson. A Past President of the Rotary Club Marikina Heights, Bernabe was awarded Women Achiever by the Soroptimist International. She is a businesswoman who currently owns and manages the Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt chain (master franchise holder for this popular US brand with 23 branches nationwide), the Galaxin Food Services, and the Bacolod Chk-n-BBQ House chain of restaurants. Marie Ernestine Denise “Peachy” Fajatin-Pegarido is the District 3860 Interact Chairperson, Club Internet Communications Officer, Past President of RC Cebu Gloria Maris and Past Assistant Governor. She is the School Director/VP for Academics of the ESR Marie Ernestine School in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Cebu. Lindon T. See Diet is District 3850 Interact Chairperson and Past President of the Rotary Club of Dipolog. He is an electrical engineer who runs the Dipolog Friendly Mart, Inc. Philippine Rotary • September 2012
the value of individual responsibility and hard work, and advance international understanding and goodwill through the support and guidance of Rotarians. Despite the young age of its members, Interact clubs are self-supporting, self-governing and able to perform humanitarian service projects. The success of Interact in the Philippines will not be possible without the labours and supervision of District Interact chairpersons. Get to know better the Interact chairs from Rotary Districts 3800, 3860, and 3850. Q&A
What is your vision for the Interact clubs in your district? Jo: To develop leadership qualities among our youth through involvement in community service oriented projects. Peachy: With this second opportunity to be the Interact Chairperson for D3860, I envision that the Interact would embody the Rotary motto of “Service above Self” earlier in life. Only seven years ago have I first been exposed to the world of Rotary, and I believe these children are very fortunate to be a part of the bigger picture. Not everyone has this privilege. I envision the Interact Club to serve as a platform for them to initiate activities that can make a difference in their community or school. Lindon: Interact has been our best attraction for our youth program. This year, we hope clubs who don’t have Interact clubs would sponsor one, and those who already have would sponsor a new one. Interact has been our strength in many clubs of our district. What is the most challenging part of being a district Interact chairperson?
Jo: I think the biggest challenge is coordinating with the different Rotary and Interact Clubs in the district whenever we have an activity that requires their attendance. It really requires time, patience and understanding to gather the different clubs and meet the district objectives. You have to understand that we are dealing mostly with students who have other priorities, most specially their studies, before they can even commit to a project. This takes a lot of
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FACES Q & A I think that more important than leading or inspiring others to work is the ability to empathize and sincerely listen to his people. – Jo
Volunteer group such as Rotary, you have to serve with a smile, and serve from the heart. – Peachy
Life is not about what you have gained, but what you have given to others. – Lindon
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motivation on our part to impart to them the importance of their role. Further, we have the different personalities in the different clubs to deal with and all this makes for a challenging endeavor. Peachy: What is most challenging, and what I believe is exciting yet crucial is a challenge of introducing Rotary to those aged 12-18 who have had no idea what Interact is. At this age, they are looking for the next exciting thing. Something they have never done before, or something that has to do with leading or excelling. According to Steven Covey, everyone is a leader. I believe the Interact Bootcamp, a youth service project of D3860, is a great way of attracting the youth to learn about becoming a better person, a leader with value and purpose. Lindon: The hardest part is to reach out to other clubs to promote Interact club sponsorship since our district is as sparse as you can get. Our district spans the islands of Panay from the north, to Iloilo, Bacolold, Negros, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo. How do you balance your studies/ work, fun-time, and your meeting the responsibilities of your district?
Jo: I’ve learned to delegate some of my work responsibilities in running a chain of restaurants to very capable persons to whom I can fully discharge some of my functions when I need to attend to our district activities. Time management is equally important so all my personal, business and Rotary activities are in sync and I am not remiss in attending to them. Of course family is my number one priority always as I have three teenage daughters and a loving husband to attend to. I normally attend to our restaurants at different times of the day and this allows me to attend to my Rotary functions whenever the need arises. I’m very fortunate to have a supportive family behind me together with my support staff in my office who ably assist me every step of the way. Peachy: I have an amazing Father in heaven who is the beginning and the finisher of everything I do. He sends people to help me in my work and in all the advocacies and organizations I am involved in. I have a great management team in the school that I run, Marie Ernestine School, of which I am the School Director. For this year’s Interact Bootcamp, my club, RC Cebu Gloria Maris, is a
very supportive and active especially in the upcoming Interact Bootcamp. I have two kids, Paolo and Dominice, and I make it a point to spend time with them. I am grateful for the people in my life for all being God-sent. Especially my boss, my parents, because my boss are my parents I get to utilize available resources, human and material, to help in the service or CSR activities. Lindon: Just have to set priorities, our club activities really demand a lot of our time and resources, it is the joy of being a Rotarian and making a difference in others that makes all of this possible. Being the leader of your district, what are the lessons that you have learned aside from the leader skills?
Jo: Leaders are often looked at as role models and good examples of the type of person we aspire to be and look to as our inspiration. More important than leading or inspiring others to work is the ability to empathize and sincerely listen to his people. As Interact chairman, I often deal with the youth and students in our community and I have learned that by listening to them, I can gain their trust and respect more than just being a passive leader who just gives out instructions. Peachy: I have learned that in a volunteer group such as Rotary, you have to serve with a smile, and serve from the heart. Lindon: Life is not about what you have gained, but what you have given to others. What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
Jo: I don’t believe that there should be only one characteristic that every leader should possess as a number of good qualities are needed for a leader to be successful. If there is one trait that should be up there in the list I think it is “being passionate with his beliefs”. Other good qualities of a leader such as determination, dedication, empathy and the ability to inspire others all emanate from being passionate with your craft. This “passion’ will give us plenty of motivation to work beyond what we are capable which in turn will motivate our followers to achieve the goals of organization. Peachy: Humility. Lindon: Lead by example.
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
SPONSORED SECTION
RC LUCENA SOUTH
SPONSORED SECTION
DG Dennis Sunio RI District 3820
The Bridge to the Web
The Rotary Club of Lucena South will be launching shortly its multi-awarded bulletin The Bridge on the worldwide web. This innovation begun by Rookie Rotarian and STI Dean of Information Technology Giovanni Juntereal is geared towards Rotary International’s focus on the environment. It is a green revolution saving on at least 100 pages of paper each issue distributed to at least 50 members every regular meeting. To be saved are 1,500 magazine covers. What’s more, the club’s Editor-in-Chief PS Joe Deodores’ herculean task of coming up with hard copies of the bulletin shall be relieved. Contributorswriters can post their articles and photos where is, as is. Editing will be easier since PS Joe can do it as the articles come and not on the Thursday deadline. The club’s printers will rest and the District will know of the club’s activities straight from the horse’s mouth so to speak. ...continued on page 22
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
Members of the Tau Gamma Phi, Alpha Phi Omega and Beta Sigma fraternities converge at the Calayan Educational Foundation, Inc. to support Rotary Club of Lucena South's Anti-Hazing Law Symposium last July 2012.
RC LUCENA SOUTH
Anti-Hazing Law Symposium Rotary Club of Lucena South invited college students and fraternities to a symposium on hazing.
The recent deaths of two students, as in the past involving several other victims, have once again raised so much uproar and condemnation against the practice of hazing. Family members are grieving, guilty parties are on the loose, an entire school and its alumni are outraged, law enforcement agencies are running after the suspects, lawmakers will conduct legislative inquiries, and the media is equally concerned. Hazing has captured the attention of an entire nation, but this time, the call for its eradication should be for real. APO leader Arnel Avila hoists his fraternity's symbolic paddle to signify Fraternities are engaged in initiation-related violence its irrelevance at the symposium. consisting of fist blows, kicks, cigarette or candle burns, and paddle whacking, and other means of inflicting physical and psychological pain and sufferings upon a neophyte or plebe before becoming a member. This is hazing as punished under R.A. 8049 otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Law. Since all violence is anathema to peace, the club hosted a symposium to educate students away from this practice.
CEFI administrators present at the symposium.
APO members Arween Flores, Arnel Avila and Mar Serrano.
Hundreds of students from Calayan Educational Foundation, Inc. and STI attended the symposium.
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
SPONSORED SECTION
Your President
Ronaldo Antonio V. Calayan
The first day at the office can probably be one of the most difficult times for anyone. Your President is no exception despite spending two years trying to learn the ropes about leading a club like ours in the competitive Rotary District 3820. The task looms larger because our club belongs to the crème de la crème of the District and experience teaches that nothing lasts forever. Winning nine consecutive times as one of the Most Outstanding Clubs and publishing the Bridge that has garnered plaudits as Most Outstanding Bulletin for a decade is an order that grows taller every year. Undaunted, our club’s destination to victory in the District is one of the top priorities of your President. Yet, wise men say that the way to success is a journey and not a destination hence it is not error to believe that a journey made with a friend is a mere hundred steps. Each and every Rotarian in this club is a friend who is indispensable in the passage to greater and more challenging missions. Nonetheless, this club as always shall overcome not on patronage and gimmickry but merit. The Machiavellian doctrine that “the end justifies the means” does not apply. We are made of sterner stuff. RCLS is home to idealism.
To recall, the District’s thrust is membership. Retention is equal if not higher than recruitment. Indeed, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Peace, goodwill and camaraderie between all RCLS members are nourished by the club’s profound fellowship and thirst for service. After all, one cannot love another if he does not first love himself. As it is in our club, unity spells the difference. Projects for the needy are easier to do when Rotarians are having fun that overflows as an enticement to new members. Gratitude belongs to you for the trust. Some justifiably cringe at the trials and sacrifices that come with this position; your servant rejoices though his resolve, stamina and resilience will be put to an acid test. Without fail all our Past Presidents have passed theirs, your President shall try not to fail them. Again, having you as my friends and fellow servants is the greatest gift he cherishes in his heart. The support of past and present Officers and Directors boosts his morale. With their efforts in the name of Service Above Self there is no way the Club can lose. At day’s end District recognition is mere windfall. All then is well that ends well.
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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RC LUCENA SOUTH
. . . Bridge
Additionally, other clubs can post their comments, requests for assistance, affairs and other information assured that the club will have read them and then be acted upon. After having been the best bulletin in RID3820 for 10 consecutive years, the club members feel it’s time to give back and share this idea with the rest of the Rotary family both here and abroad.
The RCLS will still print hard copies but only in a very much reduced number of half a dozen for its guests. All the materials can be reduced in PPS format and saved in a USB for printing if the District requires it. The savings will be donated to the club’s Bridge to Humanity, Inc., a non-profit, non-stock foundation put up during the term of IPP Irvin Alcala. The Foundation is into infrastructure (school buildings), feeding, medical equipment (hospital beds and wheelchairs), academic scholarships, clothing, books, medical, dental, EENT and surgical services among other humanitarian projects. All these are available for viewing at the website which was not possible by being printed in hard copies that only the members read about. From this undertaking, the club was able to respond speedily and adequately to the victims of recent habagat floods in Area 1. This effort continued with the club’s hosting of DG Dennis Sunio’s Habagat Disaster Relief Project last 21 August 2012 as part of RCLS’ drive to be regarded as an Understanding Rotary Club. RCLS is willing to share whatever information to show how to put up websites for other clubs’ bulletins. This E-Bulletin concept is not patented nor is it protected by copyright. The more clubs do it the best for our devastated environment. “It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.” - Eleanor Roosevelt At your service, The Editorial Board The Bridge
THE ROTARY CLUB OF LUCENA SOUTH HAS GONE INTO OVERDRIVE.
We have achieved a couple of firsts in the District or maybe even the country. RCLS has sponsored a never before held symposium on Anti-Hazing that merited nationwide coverage through Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Alpha Phi Omega, the Tau Gamma Phi and the Beta Sigma fratmen in a single occasion and as one trying to quell hazing is trailblazing indeed. Nowhere else can people hear and see them disavowing violence against New Generations.
We have followed the footsteps of PP Boring Eleazar and brought relief goods to Cabuyao City in ONE trip with a sand and gravel truck owned by PP Anot Villa and four (4) Rotarian vehicles in tow. Such a show of solidarity is rare especially when our very own PD Nar Andalis was admitted into Mt. Carmel Hospital’s ICU for chest pains thereafter. We take our hats off to IPP Cong. Irvin Alcala who made his Quezon 2nd Congressional District Office as the drop-off point for all relief contributions. Not to be outdone, he made a special disaster relief sortie to Marikina City and Santa Cruz, Laguna bearing our RCLS tarpaulin. Also, in one hour, the club members raised FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND AND SEVEN HUNDRED PESOS (PhP51,700.00) in cash for the Habagat flood victims after releasing ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (PhP150,000) for the same cause. If that is not charity then what is?
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Philippine Rotary • September 2012
SPONSORED SECTION
RCLS Treasurer Ross Alegre receives the first P5,000 from PP Nes Marquez for the disaster relief drive. Looking on is Club Secretary Ellizer Adrian Eleazar
RCLS attended not less than ELEVEN (11) club inductions in 7 weeks as far south as Calauag and Atimonan, Quezon and as far north as Tanauan, Batangas City, Downtown Batangas City and Lipa City with the farthest yet remaining with our sister club in Caloocan City on September 15. In addition, our club performed service as the official photographers in those inductions. In others, RCLS became the dance instructors, escorts and liquor guzzlers to entertain our hosts. Our seldom used handsome faces were made more available to gushing female Rotarians. Closer to home, we have averaged 30 attendances every week. With the make-up and project attendances, the club may surpass the 85.73% average we made last month. RCLS has one Matching Grant in the bag. Rotary Club of Foster City, California will supply FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY (560) Wheelchairs in January 2013 for our distribution. In the works is a meal packing project with End Hunger Now of the United States courtesy of PP Nes Marquez. THIRTY THOUSAND (30,000) MEALS will be packed in one sitting in January 2013. RCLS’ mystique is becoming legend.
RCLS hosted DG Dennis Sunio’s Habagat Relief Project for victims in Area I. District 3820’s proactive clubs contributed to Dennis Sunio’s drive. Notably PDG Paeng Tantuco of RC Sariaya sparked a tsunami of donations by issuing a check for PhP50,000. RC Lipa with bigwigs PbP Meng Tan and IPP Dindo Katigbak despite the fact that their club is in Area2 plunked in a huge Php 20,000 sum to the kitty. RC’s Metro San Pedro, San Pedro South, Pagsanjan, among others, regaled the occasion not only with their presence but a willingness to serve. PP Oscar Chua of RC Atimonan gallantly did his share and so did PbP Eric Villaverde, RCLS PPs Boring Eleazar and Nes Marquez with Php 10,000 each. Angel Go chipped in PhP5,000. It was a night that raised Three Hundred Thousand pesos (Php 300,000), more or less, for DG Dennis Sunio’s laudable project. RCLS is eternally indebted to the clubs from Area I, RC Lipa in Area 2 and the generous its own generous members whose deeds are indeed worthy of praise and emulation. What cannot be erased is the club’s genuine appreciation for everyone who made this affair a success. “
What warms the club president’s heart is the rash of updating of club dues from a banker-Past District Governor and his banker-son to doctors, a lawyer and what have you. In one day, members who were deleted from the roster were reinstated. HALLELUIA! The Berdugo is dead. Long live the Berdugo.
Any Rotary Club President would want to have you RCLS as his club. All the effort and lost weight is more than worth it. If you are proud to be part of RCLS, you only have yourselves to thank. As your leader I can only holler, VIVA ROTARY CLUB OF LUCENA SOUTH! Still, the best is yet to come from the finest and MOST UNDERSTANDING CLUB in RID3820. AMEN. Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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RC LUCENA SOUTH
RCLS President Onie Calayan hams it with the crew of CEFI students to discuss the Anti-Hazing Law at 92.7 Bay Radio FM
PD Dr. Amphied Batario mimics a wheelchair recipient.
A real patient sits on a wheelchair donated by the RCLS
President Onie and Secretary Adrian inspect the books for distribution to public elementary schools.
First wheelchair distribution project. Another batch of 230 will be coming in January from International Partner RC Foster City, CA.
RCLS donates the books.
The picture says it all.
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Philippine Rotary • September 2012
SPONSORED SECTION RCLS President Onie, Director Peter Lavsrijen sort clothes for distribution to the habagat flood victims in Area 1.
PD Nar Andalis donated a box of used clothing.
RCLS Habagat Disaster Relief Project reached RC Cabuyao Circle. RCCC re-distributed the goods to other clubs in their area.
Philippine Rotary • September 2012 RCLS displays the relief goods..
More relief trickles in.
RCLS Ladies Auxiliary RS Susee Calayan and Laura Lagumen.
RC LUCENA SOUTH
RID3820 HABAGAT DISASTER RELIEF PROJECT
RI District 3820’s proactive clubs led by the Rotary of Lucena South contribute to the DG Dennis Sunio drive for relief of habagat victims in Area I. Notably PDG Paeng Tantuco sparked a tsunami of donations by issuing a check for PhP50,000. RC Lipa with bigwigs PbP Meng Tan and IPP Dindo Katigbak despite the fact that their clubs are in Area 2 plunked in a huge Php 20,000 sum to the kitty. RCs Metro San Pedro, San Pedro South, Pagsanjan, among others, regaled the occasion not only with their presence but a willingness to serve. PP Oscar Chua gallantly did his share and so did PbP Eric Villaverde, RCLS PPs Boring Eleazar, Nes Marquez and Angel Go. It was a night that raised three hundred thousand pesos (Php 300,000) more or less for DG Dennis Sunio’s laudable project. RID3820 is eternally indebted to the clubs from Area I, RC Lipa in Area 2 and the generous members of RC Lucena South whose deeds are indeed worthy of praise and emulation. For those who were inadvertently omitted, our apologies. They can be corrected but what cannot be erased is the club’s genuine appreciation for everyone who made this affair a success. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Clockwise from the top - DG Dennis Sunio receives donations from RC Atimonan and PP Ozkar Chua; PDG Paeng Tantuco in checkered shirt donated a whopping P50,000; RCLS members: PT Nandy de Mesa, PP Nes Marquez who gave P10,000; Prez Onie poses with recipients of the funds raised.
Col. Ronnie Miralles, RS Cora Pornela, Dir. Peter Lavsrijen, PPs Pexie Arias and Ronnie Tolentino, VP Cloudy Pornela. Sitting: Prez Onie, Directors Owen de Mesa, Ray Romano and Willie Racelis.
Philippine Rotary • September 2012 DG Dennis Sunio (foreground) with RC Lipa led by PP Dindo Katigbak and President Meng Tan. The club gave P20,000.
FEATURES
ROTARY LIFEST YLES
f e at u r e s The Magic of the New Generations
The Past Presidents Circle of the Rotaract Club of Manila meeting on the possible establishment of a Rotary Club last March
By VP Oliver L. Alvarez
O
ne lazy Saturday afternoon in March, a group of Past Presidents and Senior Rotaractors from the Rotaract Clubs of Manila (District 3810) and Munting Pag-Asa Davao (District 3860), met in small café in Makati’s San Antonio Village for a simple dinner. It was just a casual meeting of old friends who have been bonded in the last 10 years by their shared love for anything Rotaract. That night, all of us reminisced on the happier times of our lives when we were just “newbie” Rotaractors and how we terribly miss our mentor, the late great Past President Edison “MAGIC” Ong, the Godfather of Philippine Rotaract and an RI Service Above Self Awardee. The dinner also
CP Charlie Chua gives his opening remarks during the first organizational meeting of the then provisional Rotary Club of Manila Magic
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served as a venue for a serious discussion about the prospects of our eventual membership to Rotary. Many of us felt that they are not yet ready to “move up a notch” especially with the many responsibilities and financial obligations which Rotary requires. But our deep love for our Magical Mentor and our strong desire to create a “fresher” Rotary Club emerged from all our doubts and apprehensions. Thus the seeds for the creation of the Rotary Club of Manila Magic were born. High Cost of Rotary Service As expected in the subsequent organizational meeting, many of the attendees were shocked about the big cost of joining Rotary. But in the end, 30 prospective Rotarians signed up, many realizing that as Rotaractors for many years, we have already benefited from the investments of many Rotarians. The money we will contribute will make a difference to the new generation of Rotaractors.
The Spirit of Magic Lives On When PP Magic was still alive, he made sure that Rotaractors will be treated like how we are meant to be, “Partners-in-Service.” He valued our opinions and trusted us in the decisions we make. Although
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
FEATURES A Magical Wine Appreciation Fellowship at Barcino, The Fort
he was a constant presence in our meetings, he did not meddle; instead, will just give bits of wisdom on how to do successful projects. Thus when the time came of choosing a name for our club, we finally decided to honor him by using his nickname, MAGIC. Officially chartered on June 30, 2012 under the Governorship of IPDG Ernesto Y. Choa of RID 3810, and the sponsorship of the Rotary Clubs of Bagumbayan-Manila, Paco-Manila and Ermita-Manila, the ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA MAGIC is composed of 30 Charter Members who were Rotaractors, GSE Alumni and other Partnersin-Service from three Philippine Rotary districts. RID 3810’s Past District Rotaract Representative and Rotaract Club of Manila Past President Charlemagne “CHARLIE” Chua was elected as the club’s Charter President. Known as the “Magical Rotarians”, our member classifications Secretary Dhelle include Finance, Tomampoc distri buting medicines durin Education, Franchising, g a joint medico-surgical Medicine, Graphic Design mission with TEAM PACO and Logistics. The average member age is 28 years old.
The First Two Months of Service True to its’ mission of mentoring our fellow Rotaractors, the club launched the “Magical Mentors Group” as its first service project. This group of Magical Rotarians who will offer their services free of charge will be a source of resource speakers for all Rotaractors for their general assemblies, club meetings and other Rotary gatherings. To date, we have served and trained more than 500 Rotaractor from Districts 3810 and 3830. In the recent floods that ravaged many cities in the
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CP Charlie Chua adjourns a club meeting with Guest Speaker PP Benny Laguesma of RC Manila and DGSR Vic Lau of RC Paco.
Metro during the first week of August, the club joined many Rotarians and Rotaractors in organizing Relief operations. A joint outreach activity with the Rotaract Club of Manila was held at the Hospicio de San Jose. The Magical Rotarians especially its member doctors, joined TEAM PACO (the umbrella organization of all civic organizations in Paco, Manila with one of our mother clubs, the Rotary Club of Paco Manila as a member) for a medico-surgical mission in Paco Citizens Academy which saw hundreds of indigents getting free medical and surgical services offered.
The Future of Rotary is in our Hands. What lies ahead for the club? Well, we will continue to live-up to legacy of Service Above Self of not only PP Magic Ong, but also the other Rotarians. We do know that creating new things will not be easy but with the help of senior Rotarians and inspiration of our partners in service, we will prevail. Now, let the Magic of Rotary Service Begin!
Executive Board discusses prospective designs for the first club logo
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
FEATURES
Learning from the masters
Young Rotary Leaders in Seattle challenge tradition, with their mentors’ blessing by Kate Nolan
A
friend invited Dan
Nicholson to a local Rotary club meeting early last year. The owner of a Seattle accounting firm and an avid professional networker, Nicholson was looking for more meaningful ties to his community. But he was skeptical. “My perspective on Rotary was that it was a group of older folks, and I thought maybe I’d have trouble connecting with them, ” Nicholson, 31, recalls. But the friend assured him that the club wanted younger people to join, so he went to the meeting. Now he’s a member. Score one for the Rotary Club of Seattle. About 10 years ago, the club – known as Seattle #4 because it’s Rotary’s fourth oldest – set out to lower the average age of its membership as a way of planning for the future. It faced the same conundrum that plagues many Rotary clubs: A generation of accomplished leaders had reached an age at which leadership succession was a looming concern. The club was thriving, with a variety of service activities, solid finances, and a speakers program that rivaled those of elite business summits. But some members looked at their aging peers and wondered who would be left to run the club in the future. There would be no simple formula for recruiting a new generation to the Seattle club – the largest Rotary club in the world, with more than 600 members today. As one of the most powerful professional clubs in the Puget Sound area, Seattle #4 was as well known for its membership exclusivity as it was for its civic contributions. But to ensure its survival, the club concluded that it needed to open its doors to younger achievers. Since late 2003, Seattle #4 has welcomed 56 new members under age 40. The story of how this landmark club is cultivating its next
generation of leaders provides some useful lessons. The key thinker behind the effort to recruit younger members was Ralph Munro, who joined the club in 1977 and served as Washington’s secretary of state for 21 years. “I said, look around this city. All you have to do is wander around the cemetery and see what’s on the tombstones. The big clubs in Seattle used to be the Moose club and the Elks club, and they’ve mostly gone, ” he explains. “Our club was vibrant. In 2001, we had about 700 members. But I looked at their average age. ” Munro, who served as club president in 2002-03, realized that although the membership roster was prestigious, a more significant issue was who was missing from it. A younger generation had become a driving force in Seattle but was barely represented in the club. “Back in the 1950s and ’60s, only 15 or 20 families in the state had a million dollars or more, ” Munro says. “Now in Seattle there are hundreds and hundreds of millionaires who are under 40. They started new companies and succeeded. Microsoft has spun off companies. We had to look around the room and ask: Are these people in this club? ” The answer was no – the club usually admitted only top executives and business owners over age 40. “That doesn’t work now, ” Munro says. “You can’t wait until they are presidents of their own corporations. They are too busy, and if they have no previous association with Rotary, they have little reason to get involved at that point. ” With a few allies, he campaigned to change the club’s approach to member recruitment, seeking to reach younger, aspiring leaders. “We got into a pretty good fight about it, ” Munro recalls, noting that most club members had not seen the discouraging membership statistics and didn’t realize where the club was headed. Some feared that the push for
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
mandated_new.indd 29
younger members would compromise standards. Would younger people have the financial resources to join? Between family and work obligations, would they have time? Would they be capable of making a serious commitment? But aging demographics spoke louder than fears. The first big step was starting a program called Tomorrow’s Leaders, which began while Munro was president. It went beyond recruiting by addressing obstacles to membership for younger people. The club created a new five-year membership status that offered lower dues to those ages 35 and younger. Instead of limiting membership to current business leaders and only one individual per firm, the club would evaluate candidates for this status based on their leadership potential. After five years, the club expected that the younger members would meet its usual criteria for membership. Slowly, younger people came to Seattle #4 and, according to Munro, resistance from within the club dissipated when they started taking on active roles. The earliest recruit was Jean Seidler Thompson, an attorney who missed the community involvement she had experienced in law school at Notre Dame. Thompson became a member nine years ago, at age 30, after sampling a few other Seattle business groups. Rotary’s commitment to the common good was the deciding factor for her. “Young people now are interested in international service because we are a global community, ” Thompson says, suggesting that Rotary is an ideal choice for principled young professionals. She recalls seeing a lot of white hair at meetings when she first joined, and wanting younger members to have a stronger presence. Later she would find a collaborator in engineering and energizing the nascent young leaders program: Virginia Kirn, a professional recruiter who joined Rotary in 2007. Kirn, then
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FEATURES 32, had just completed a master’s in organizational development and was eager to apply her knowledge. Her first question was, “Where are all my peers? ” She expected the older members to ignore her concerns, but instead they connected her with Thompson. Club leaders helped the duo by forming a Young Rotary Leaders committee. It became the force that would unite younger members and help them learn together how to become Rotarians. The women invited all the club members who were under 40 to join the committee, which began meeting for happy hours after work – until committee leaders heard from a sympathetic older member that some Rotarians were dismissing them as “the drinking committee. ” The last thing the new group needed was an image problem, Kirn says, so it started meeting in boardrooms, postponing drinks until afterward – an idea suggested by Nicole Nazzaro (also pictured on page 31), an author who joined the club in 2007. The committee came up with a mission statement: “to positively impact the vitality and longevity of Seattle #4 by promoting the recruitment, retention, and relevancy of young Rotarians. ” “We stressed service, ” Nazzaro says. “We concentrated on making our service projects more visible, and we made sure to speak about them during the announcements at each meeting. We gained a bit of a following within the club. ” That fit with another Young Rotary Leaders priority: integrating with the more-established club members. The committee started a tradition of holding regular potluck events, which allow experienced Rotarians to talk with the younger members and introduce them to important Rotary activities. Presentations on international projects, leadership opportunities, and district-level events, among other topics, help build connections and spark the younger members’ interest. The group may also go for a cruise on a senior member’s sailboat, building intergenerational solidarity. Munro recently hosted 30 people at his home for grilled salmon and a tutorial on the PolioPlus project he leads. The result? Some of the younger members signed up for his
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next trip to East Africa. Tom Betts, the club’s membership vice president, spoke at a Young Rotary Leaders committee meeting and has been a champion of the group ever since. Betts became interested in the young Rotarians when he chaired the classification committee, which considers every proposed member. “I have been a Rotarian for 38 years, and I have never seen a group so motivated to go out and do something, ” Betts says. He points to a new recruitment effort that involves hosting winners of a local business publication’s annual “40 Under 40 ” award. The group has also participated in a number of projects that have an active, youthful spirit, including the Mercer Island halfmarathon, a cancer fundraiser. One advantage of the intergenerational commingling has been that club members of different ages have come to know and trust one another, leading to the presence of more young people on committees. Several have become committee chairs with help from Betts, and some young members have even served on the club’s board. Experience has been a good teacher for the club, which has discovered a variety of strategies for bringing in younger members and fostering connections among all Rotarians. Tips include recruiting multiple new members at the same time so they can learn the ropes together, and resisting any temptation to relegate younger members to the “kids’ table. ” The Seattle club shows younger Rotarians that they are valued by engaging them in important activities; for instance, of the 10 people on the club’s five-year strategic planning committee, 2 are younger members. Also, Kirn recommends that clubs seek advice from older Rotary leaders and keep them informed of young members’ innovations. And,
above all, keep it simple. Seattle #4 isn’t the only club devoted to attracting and retaining younger members. New youthoriented Rotary clubs in other parts of the country are pursuing the same goal. The Foothill Communities Rotary club in Upland, Calif., and the Rotary Club of South Metro Minneapolis Evenings, Minn., were founded by young Rotarians and have been described as a bridge between Rotaract and Rotary. Like the Seattle club, they adjust the cost of membership to suit the financial needs of younger members while harnessing their commitment to the community. Munro, Betts, and the other experienced Seattle Rotarians who are embracing the movement to recruit younger members see it as the road to a secure future for Rotary. “This is not going to be my father’s Rotary club. My dad thinks Rotary should be the way it was 50 years ago, but it can’t do that and survive, ” Betts says. He notes that, despite the Seattle club’s progress, institutional change is needed, as the club still expects full members to be proprietors, partners, or top corporate officers. “At a certain age, our young members have to meet the full requirements. What if they don’t make it? We have to find a way to keep them. ” In Seattle #4, the generations are united in their belief that the Young Rotary Leaders committee is and will be a crucial factor in the club’s survival. “I can look around and see the future of our club, ” says Thompson, who turns 40 in January. — Research assistance provided by Nicole Nazzaro.
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
9/5/2012 6:13:27 PM
FEATURES
Rotarians, USAID Of�icials and San Fernando, La Union local of�icials in front of septage management facility.
TRF/USAID Partnership Scores Success By PP Ming Yan Jao
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s part of the piloting testing for the Future Vision Plan of The Rotary Foundation, a partnership was forged with USAID for water projects. Five projects in the Philippines, one of the three countries chosen, were approved by TRF as 3H Projects: the San Fernando City, La Union citywide Septage Management Program of the Rotary Club of San Fernando, La Union, District 3790, and the USAID/Philippine Sanitation Alliance; the Pasig River System Improvement Project of District 3810 and the USAID/Philippine Sanitation Alliance; the Zamboanga Water District Water Supply Expansion Program of the Rotary Club of Zamboanga, District 3850, and the USAID/ Philippine Water Revolving Fund; the Community Water Supply System (Panabo and other communities in District 3860) and the USAID/Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy Program; and the Schools Water Supply System (Zamboanga del Norte and areas under District 3870) of the Rotary Club of Dipolog and USAID/Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy Program. In 2008 under the leadership of District 3790 Governor Jess Nicdao and District Chair for water and Sanitation PP Jerry Parlan, the thought of submitting an application for a grant was hatched. The idea was born out of their concern for the environment since it was known that generally, emptying of septic tanks is still not a popular Philippine Rotary• September 2012
practice in the Philippines. Most households only do so when their septic tanks over�low. This leads to eventual contamination of the bodies of water. Studies show that coliform bacteria contaminates up to 58 percent of the country’s groundwater. As a result, water-borne sources caused approximately 31 percent of illnesses. It was a perfect project for RI’s International Water Collaboration program and USAID, whose main purpose is to implement long-term, sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene projects in the developing world. Thus, through TRF’s 3H Grant number 71464, other funding sources and partners came in: the city government, the congressional funds of Representative Victor F. Ortega, donations from the Rotary Clubs of Armadale West Australia, Ansan Korea and the San Fernando (La Union), Inc. (RCSFUI). Finally, the 3H project titled “San Fernando City Septage Management Program” had its ground breaking under the term of RC San Fernando La Union Past President Frederick So, graced by the US Ambassador Harry Thomas. It continued on through the term of PP Harvey Tan and completed under PP Daniel “JB” Bolong III. The RCSFU Inc. �inally turned over the �inished project to the city government of San Fernando, knowing that, somehow, Rotary had made an indelible mark in the improvement of life around the community as well as shown its own commitment to the preservation of precious natural resources that has borne the brunt of neglect for so long.
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FEATURES
Highlight on the Foundation’s good work
I WILFRID J. (WILF) WILKINSON
FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR
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n July, I outlined the goals that your Rotary Foundation has set for 2012-13. In August, I emphasized that while it is essential to have goals, we can’t achieve them without a plan. Many clubs and districts are off to a flying start and have both goals and a plan, and I offer them my sincere congratulations. However, nearly 50 years of experience in Rotary suggests to me that a much greater number are only starting to plan now. I would like to offer some ideas. Every club should have a meeting that highlights the good work that our Foundation is doing. Perhaps it is a report on a recent Matching Grant project, Group Study Exchange, or vocational training team, or a talk by a former Rotary Peace Fellow or Ambassadorial Scholar. Perhaps Rotarians in your club or district have participated in a National Immunization Day and have seen firsthand the work to End Polio Now. After you have made the case for our Foundation’s work all over the world, it is essential that you ask for both physical and financial support. How about discussing local Foundation projects? Inviting every member to contribute? Inviting nonmembers to contribute? Presenting the opportunity to become Paul Harris Fellows, Major Donors, and Bequest Society members? Perhaps your meeting on the Foundation will be so effective, it will inspire an individual to become a member of the Arch C. Klumph Society. My request is that every Rotarian do something, and more important, encourage others to do something. The world needs Rotary, but Rotary needs like-minded people to join us as we continue Doing Good in the World.
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Less than 20 miles west of Lisbon, Portugal, Rotarians attending the 2013 RI Convention, 23-26 June, can take in dramatic views of the Atlantic atop rocky cliffs, relax on soft sandy beaches, and channel their inner James Bond in a casino town formerly known as a playground for European royalty. The seaside escapes of Estoril and Cascais are close enough for an easy day trip from Lisbon. Cascais offers beaches, shopping, and restaurants, along with a rock formation known as Boca do Inferno, or Hell’s Mouth, that is worth the 20-minute walk from town. Estoril – a quiet but popular resort area less than 2 miles from Cascais and accessible from there by boardwalk – is home to Europe’s largest casino. Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, is 10
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miles down the coast from Cascais. The Cabo da Roca lighthouse, sitting high above the Atlantic, makes for a pretty picture at sunset. A stone monument dedicated by the Rotary Club of Sintra in honor of Rotary’s 75th anniversary in 1980 is also perched cliffside. The Algarve region, about 175 miles south of Lisbon, is a popular holiday destination among Europeans. Its towns offer breathtaking ocean vistas and pristine beaches, plus golfing and windsurfing. Like much of Portugal, the area has a strong maritime influence: in the 15th century, Prince Henry the navigator chose the town of Lagos in the Algarve as his base for expeditions. – Susie Ma Register for the 2013 RI Convention in Lisbon at www.rotary.org/convention
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
ROTARY IN MOTION
functions SEPTEMBER 2012
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Next RI Convention September Lisbon, Portugal, 23-26 June 2013
is New Generations Month Find ways for your club to connect with young people at www.rotary.org/newgenerations.
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Tentative convention sites Sydney, Australia, 2014 São Paulo, Brazil, 2015 Seoul, Korea, 2016 Atlanta, 2017
D3780 Ten Pin Bowling 1st Leg
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International Literacy Day Basic education and literacy is one of Rotary’s areas of focus. Worldwide, 793 million adults, 64 percent of whom are women, cannot read or write.
D3810 New Generations Conference D3790 District Leadership Seminar D3850 District GSE Team Leader and Members Screening O’Hotel, Bacolod City
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International Day of Peace Work for Peace Through Service today and all year.
Autumnal equinox Many cultures hold celebrations at this time of year – including the Chinese Moon Festival, in honor of the summer’s harvest.
D3850 Rotaract District Assembly Sta. Fe Resort, Bacolod Sept. 21-22
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A day to remember On the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, learn how you can participate in the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance at http://911day.org.
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D3860 Interact Bootcamp Alta Cebu Resort, Mactan, Cebu City Sept. 1-2
D3810 Alay Lakad 2012
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Rotary Peace Festival 2012 SMX Convention Center
D3780 Governor’s Meeting with Peace Pres., AGs and AGRs D3780 Tree Planting D3810 Districts Pets Day
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 Ru�ino “Penny” L. Policarpio
DGR-PRM IPDG Jose Francisco “Jess” Q. Cifra
D I S T R I C T S
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 DGR-PRM PDG Virgilio “Jun” G. Farcon, Jr.
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Aklan, Antique, Basilan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Sulu, Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
Cavite, Manila, Mindoro Occidental, Pasay
District Governor Ismael “Maeng” M. Mercado
District Governor Rafael “Biboy” L. Jocson
DGR-PRM PP Samson “Sammy” O. Kaw
DGR-PRM PDG James Cesar “James” L. Makasiar
DISTRICT 3820
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
DISTRICT 3860
Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bohol, Cebu, Compostela Valley, 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 3790
Abra, Bataan, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Mountain Province, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales
DISTRICT 3850
DISTRICT 3810
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 DGR-PRM PP Rosario “Chito” Calixto-Chavez
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
Thanks to IPDG Jess Cifra (D3780), PDG Jun Farcon, Jr. (D3800), DG Maeng Mercado (D3810), PP Elmer Borlaza (D3820), PP Lewi Tolentino (D3820), PP Chito CalixtoChavez (D3830), PDG James Makasiar (D3850), DG Perok Rodriguez (D3860) for submitting photos in line with this month’s theme of youth.
Legend: DGR-PRM - District Governor’s Representative to the Philippine Rotary Magazine Philippine Rotary• September 2012
ROTARY DISTRICTS
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Walk for a Cause The Rotary Club of Muñoz Centro, D3770, showed their support for the preservation of the environment through Green Economy in their activity called “Lakad Para sa Kalikasan” in celebration of the Environment Month. According to United Nations Environment Programme, Green Economy is “a proposal for an alternative and far more sustainable way of doing business. It is described as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.” Rotarians also planted tree seedlings which would help in mitigating the impact of climate change. – RC Muñoz Centro Facebook
Overseas Aid Charity knows no boundaries. This was indeed proven when the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Malolos, D3770, became instrumental in extending the helping hand of the Rotary Club Jecheon Uirim Korea, D 3740, to Barangay Masile, Malolos City, Bulacan. Through RC Metropolitan Malolos’ program, “Bayanihan Sa Barangay”, RC Jecheon Uirim donated clothes, school materials, and medical supplies to the less fortunate folks of the Malolos community. RC Metropolitan Malolos also donated goods to the program beneficiaries and conducted a mangrove planting activity as part of their efforts to promote environmental preservation. Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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FAMILY OF ROTARY
Finding ways Resourcefulness is a quality that can create opportunities for greater endeavours. This virtue was exhibited by the Rotary Club of Camp Panopio, D3780, led by Club President Ma. Angela “Angie” Vidal, in
raising funds for their future outreach programs. They conducted a tiangge, garage, and auction sale event called “Camp Pickers Day” at the HS Auditorium of OPD Building in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Club members showed their full support to the said event. – RC Camp Panopio Facebook
Good Food
Delicious and nutritious foods help boost the school performance of the pupils of Bagumbayan Elementary School in Quezon City, thanks to the community outreach activity of the Rotary Club of Southeast Quezon City of District 3780. ‒ RC Southeast Quezon City Facebook
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Philippine Rotary • September 2012
FAMILY OF ROTARY
Grateful Momsin-Waiting Pregnant mothers from Barangay Bulo in Victoria, Tarlac are grateful for the free medical check-up and multivitamin supplements given by the Rotary Club of Tarlac, District 3790, its first Lingap Buntis (Maternal Care) event for Rotary Year 2012-2013 in cooperation with the Rural Health Unit One. ‒ RC Tarlac Facebook
Free Haircut
The Rotary Club of Northern Tarlac, District 3970, gave 193 pupils free haircuts under its Ayos iti Pukis (Haircut is Good) project held at the local gym on June 8 in partnership with the Paniqui Local Government Unit. ‒ Club Secretary Danilo T. Rojo
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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FAMILY OF ROTARY
Something Special The Rotary Club of Valenzuela, District 3800, led by Peace Builder President Robert Nelson and PP Benj Ngo, donated learning equipment for the blind students of Marulas Elementary School SPED program. The club gave a personal computer, Romeo embosserBraille printer, JAWS (text to speech software), and Duxbury (Braille software), which are exceptional tools that significantly help students with visual impairment and audio deficiency with their studies. According to the Valenzuela City Health Department and the Department of Education, there are around 1000 blind and deaf children in the city, aged 4-14, who need these equipment for their studies. But due to the lack of facilities and trained personnel, they do not get the quality education they deserve.
Most of these children belong to the poorest families in Valenzuela. Through RC Valenzuela’s donations, SPED teachers can use the Duxbury software installed in the donated computer for doing lesson plans and other aids. With such setup, teachers no longer have to rely on preprinted Braille materials. They can also create their own lesson plans and educational materials through Romeo embosser-Braille printer. On the other hand, the JAWS software allows blind student to use the computer and surf the Internet because it translates whatever is shown on screen into audio format. The Rotarians also committed to provide a regular supply of Braille paper and sustain the project on a long-term basis. – By PP Rollz Elan Maningas
A hundred pairs of shoes were given away to pupils of the Cecilio Apostol Elementary School who were badly in need of shoes due to the flooding in their areas during this rainy season. The donation came from the Rotary Club of Temuka Geraldine, District 9980, New Zealand, through a GSE team member of RC Sampaguita Grace Park who went to New Zealand recently. – PDG Lina Aurelio
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Philippine Rotary • September 2012
FAMILY OF ROTARY Dealing with Climate Change In the recent years, our nation has been experiencing the massive impact of climate change like frequent super typhoons, extremely hot temperatures, and heavy rainfalls that cause calamitous floods. That’s why the Rotary Club of Manila Midtown, D 3810, hosted a timely event titled “Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Seminar”. Invited to speak were experts from the Climate Change Commission and MMDA Flood Control who imparted their knowledge on what to do during disasters such as earthquake and flood. The seminar also focused on actions that need to be taken to preserve From Left: PP Theresa Tan, General Manager of MMDA Corazon Jimenez, our natural resources to help prevent massive PbP Arlene Velez, District Governor Ismael “Maeng” Mercado of District destruction during catastrophic events caused by 3810, Rtn. Cathy Pizcon severe weather situations. The event, held at the second floor of Universidad de Manila’s Palma Hall, was attended by approximately 700 people composed of barangay officials of Metro Manila, Peace Builder presidents, Rotarians, Rotaracts, Interacts and their advisers. – Pres Arlene Velez
Rotaracts meet
The Rotaract Club of De La Salle University, D3810, hosted the first Rotaract District Committee Monthly Meeting. Rotary International District 3810 Governor Ismael “Maeng” Mercado expressed his support to Rotaract clubs when he visited the said gathering. Previous to this, the Rotaractors gathered in their 2012 District Assembly with the theme “Stand for Peace, Stand for Service”. The event was hosted by Rotary Club and the Rotaract Club of Carmona in cooperation with Rotaract District Committee. – Rotaract Clubs of D3810 Facebook and www.rotary3810.org
Farmers’ Partner The Rotary Club of Lucena North, District 3820, provided help to poor farmers through its Carabao Dispersal project. The farmers of barangays Manasa, Palola, and Kilib in Lucban, Quezon benefited from the said project, which is now on its fourth year. – RC Lucena North Facebook
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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FAMILY OF ROTARY Starting it Right The Rotary Club of Siniloan, D3820, started the Rotary Year 2012-13 with their best foot forward through their three kick-off projects. First, the Siniloan Rotarians distributed dictionaries to some public elementary schools in Laguna which will help elementary students expand their knowledge of word meaning and use. Then, the club also conducted a waste segregation information drive in the schools that they visited. Club members distributed posters that inform the public about the importance of segregating their garbage, which is being mandated by Republic Act 9003 or known as The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. And finally, the Rotarians provided wheelchairs to three less-fortunate and physically challenged individuals. The recipients as well as their families thanked the Rotary Club for their generosity. – RC Siniloan Facebook
RCPSW Bags RI Award Rotary International conferred the RI Significant Award to the Rotary Club of Parañaque Southwest (RCPSW) for its relief assistance to the families of plane crash site victims in Parañaque City on December 10, 2011. Thirteen people died, 20 others were injured and 100 families lost their homes in the slum area in Better Living Subdivision when a fourseater plane crashed in that city. The RI award recognizes “a club activity that addresses a community problem or need, to encourage new projects on the part of every club, and to promote increased awareness of the importance of exemplary club efforts.” Only RCPSW in District 3830 was selected to receive the award for RY 2011-2012. RI President Kalyan Banerjee signed the award District Governor Billy Villareal, District Secretary Lito Colona, District Disaster Management Committee, district clubs and sister clubs from other districts, Philippine Red Cross (Parañaque Chapter), Federation of Homeowner Associations of Better Living Subdivision and business establishments helped RCPSW and the Go-Out-and-Lead Rotaract Club of Parañaque Southwest conduct the relief operations. ‒ PP Ador Tolentino and PP Nars Bugarin
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Philippine Rotary • September 2012
FAMILY OF ROTARY Lead Us…We Will Follow
The Rotary Club of Makati McKinley (RCMMc) of District 3830, guided by the theme Peace Through Service, welcomed Rotary Year 201213 with a 70’s-inspired 9th Induction Ceremonies at the Dasmariñas Room of the Makati Sports Club on July 13, 2012. Peace President Rico Cano’s inaugural speech, “Lead us and, as we always do, we will follow!” also admonished members to act within the rules and guidelines set by the club. Getting a line from the That ‘70s Show TV program, President Cano said, “Without rules, we all might as well be up in a tree flinging our crap at each other.” ‒ Pres. Enrico Cano
Caring for Children Free medical consultation and medicines, as well as food supplements, benefited pupils of the Tumaga Elementary School and their parents at Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City in a pilot medical mission conducted by the Rotary Club of Zamboanga City of District 3850. ‒ RC Zamboanga City Facebook
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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FAMILY OF ROTARY
Water of Life
Some 453 elementary pupils and teachers are now enjoying the benefits of clean water after Rotary Club of Bacolod North of District 3850 turned over one of its 10 Jetmatic water pumps to the Barangay Abu-abo Elementary School. ‒ RC Bacolod North
Pouring with Good Deeds The rainy weather did not stop the Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente, District 3860, from doing Service Above Self as they trooped to the Missionaries of the Poor to donate medicines, medical supplies and adult diapers. Bro. Louie welcomed the Rotarians and Rotaractors and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their generous gesture. He accepted the donations from the RC Cebu Fuente represented by Pres. Cristina Bacalso, Past District Secretary Meanne Alcordo-Solomon, Past President Julio Gonzales, Auditor Lulu San Pedro, and Secretary Jane Frias. Joining them was the Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente represented by Jan Bascon, Wes Maravilla, and Dee Horafrom. Aside from medicines and other supplies, candies were also given away to the children of the Mission’s Little Lambs Center (LILAC), bringing smiles on their faces. LILAC is the first and only permanent residential facility in Cebu that focuses on children with multiple disabilities. The Missionaries of the Poor was originally called
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“Brothers of the Poor” when it was founded in 1981. It aims to build a community of men — religious brothers and priests — who will live in a depressed community, share all things in common, and follow a common spirituality as well as a common ministry of service to the least fortunate. It also aims to bring the members of this community together as a family, forging relationships with the wider society. RC Cebu Fuente promised Bro. Louie that they will give continuous help and support to the Missionaries of the Poor. – PDS Mary Anne Solomon
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
FAMILY OF ROTARY Wellness crusade Serving the community also entails helping the people attain good health. For this purpose, promoting health and wellness has always been a part of Rotary’s community outreach campaigns. Recently, the Rotary Club of WalingWaling Davao (RCWWD), D3860, held a medical and dental mission at RCWWD Day Care Center led by President Chery Gomez. The club’s medical team — Dir. Gigi Espiritu, Dir. Baby Vilela, Rtn. Corrie Cuison, PP Mae Dolendo, Dir. Christine Diaz, Dir. Gina Espejo, Dir. Luchi Aportadera, PP Fe Boiser, Rtn Feli Mahani and PP Vangi Schwendener — actively participated in providing day care pupils and their mothers free healthcare services. A feeding program was simultaneously conducted with the medical and dental mission. – RC Waling-Waling Davao Facebook
Hand-in-hand One hundred sixty-seven kindergartens and 281 Grade 1 pupils of the Macasandig Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) received school supplies from the Rotary Club of Kalayaan Cagayan de Oro, the Mindanao Gold Star Daily reported. Iligan City and CDO were severely affected when Typhoon Sendong (aka Typhoon Washi) hammered the Philippines in December last year with 652 people killed, 800 missing and thousands rendered homeless, Philippine Red Cross statistics showed. ‒ Mindanao Gold Star Daily Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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CONTRIBUTORS
PP MING YAN JAO
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P Ming joined Rotary during the term of Eagle President Richard Dy 20012002. He has since held several positions within the Rotary Club of San Fernando La Union, Inc starting from being a committee chair of Interact, Rotaract, then subsequently voted to be part of the Board of Directors. He has served on different directorship for four consecutive years. He is a recipient of Rotary international Four Avenues of Service Award and Outstanding Rotarian Award from District 3790 RY 2005-2006. Then in 2008-2009 finally accepted the responsibility of leading RCSFU Inc as their Hero President, PP Ming believes that being a Past President does not mean the end of service, thus right after his term, he accepted the role of editor for the club’s weekly bulletin and has since held the position for 3 consecutive years from 2010 – present.
RTN OLIVER ALVAREZ
PP LILU ALIÑO
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P Lilu Alino is a member of the RC Cebu Gloria Maris and the DGRPRM of D3860. She also serves as Rotary Public Image Asst. Coordinator. Lilu is currently the institutional planning consultant of her alma mater, St. Theresa’s College Cebu where she also teaches advertising and public relations under the mass communication program. She is the managing director of Lilu Advertising & Marketing Solutions Inc.
INVITING CONTRIBUTORS Do you have a story to share – inspiring club project, successful district activity, Rotarians worth emulating? Email to office@philrotary.com a 300-400 words article with 3-5 photos (action and close up, no firing line) as well as your photo and a 50 words profile. You may see yourself in this page.
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otarian Oliver Alvarez is the Center Operations Support Leader of Kumon Philippines, Inc. He has been a familiar face in the Family of Rotary since 1993 when he became an Interactor at the Philippine Normal University. He then became the Vice President of the Rotaract Club of De La Salle University-Manila in RY 1999-2000. Together with his fellow Lasallian Rotaractors, he formed and chartered the Rotaract Club of Manila, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Manila in 2001. He served as its second President in RY 2001-2002, becoming that RY’s Most Outstanding Rotaract Club President of the District. He later served as District Rotaract Representative of RID 3810 under District Governor Rosie Go in RY 2002-2003. During the whole month of May 2005, he was sent to Alberta, Canada by RI District 3830 as a Centennial Group Study Exchange Team Member. He later served as the Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) Coordinating Chairperson in RY 2009-2010 spearheading the holding of APRRC’s in Bali, Indonesia and Singapore. He was formally inducted to the Rotary Club of Manila Magic on September 1, 2012 as Charter Vice President.
Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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