DG Nonoy Villa-Abrille surrounded by district officers and the new generation at the Interact-Rotaract Distas 2011 held at Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort, San Fernando Cebu on August 6-7, 2011.
“T
he youth are the hope of the nation.” We hear this statement almost everyday but to me, it has never become cliché. I was reminded of it during the Rotaract – Interact District Assembly (Visayas) last August 6 & 7, 2011 at the Cebu Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort, hosted by the Rotaract Club of Cebu-Mabolo. “We train Rotaractors to be Rotarians of the future.” These were the words spoken by District Governor Leoncio Villa Abrille, Rotary District 3860. It caught my attention and imagination. As he continued speaking, DG Nonoy talked about community-building and of the youth’s role—my role—in community-building and service. He talked about Rotary’s values and of service—the lifeblood that flows through every Rotarian and Rotaractor’s veins. I felt emboldened by his inspirational words and his challenge to the Rotaractors to bring new energy to Rotary clubs, inspiring fresh ideas for service, increasing support for projects and becoming future Rotary club members. He emphasized that as Rotaractors, we should apply the things that we have learned, and share the knowledge that we have gained. We should serve with our minds, hearts and actions, through the 3H—the Head, Heart and Hands. I am privileged and very thankful for the sponsorship of my mother club, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris. As a new member of the Rotary Family and of Rotaract, I still have a lot to learn. Despite being new, I accepted the opportunity of joining the event because I know that it was for a good cause. Being a part of this family, I know I am not alone and I’ll never be. Rotary is not just a club so people have a reason to come together. It is an organization of family members who have the heart to serve and help hand in hand for a better world. This is what makes Rotary International different and I am proud to be a part of it! Saying that the youth is the hope of the nation is, therefore, not a cliché. It holds true in whenever you do something good for the community. It becomes real when you serve others above yourself and for the glory of God. It lives through you when you become a part of the Rotaract family. I am a Rotaractor. I am the future! ®
RYLA Batch 2011 RYLA Batch 2010
Rotaractors and Rotarians at the Blood Service project supporting the DOH More Blood More Life program at Ayala Center Cebu on July 30, 2011.
DG Mel de la Serna, RIPE Sakuji Tanaka and spouse Kyoko having a good laugh.
The Man Behind the Leader For four days Rotarians in the Philippines were able to get to know ripe Sakuji Tanaka, and everyone liked what they discovered
T
By PDG Chit L. Lijauco, D3820, Associate Editor
Reprinted from the Manila Bulletin August 21, 2011
Business Beat
Welcome, R.I.P.E. Tanaka & Kyoko By MELITO SALAZAR JR. August 21, 2011 MANILA, Philippines — Rotary International PresidentElect (RIPE) Sakuji Tanaka and spouse Kyoko arrive in Manila today to commence a six-day visit and discuss with the ten district governors of the Philippines – D3770 DG Corina Bautista, D3780 DG Jess Cifra, D3790 DG Digna Ragasa, D3800 DG Raffy Garcia, D3810 DG Ernie Choa, D3820 DG Rey Castillo, D3830 DG Billy Villareal, D3850 DG Mel de la Serna, D3860 DG Nonoy Villa Abrille, and D3870 DG Sam Fontanilla – the situation of Rotary in the country, celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Rotary Community Corps whose establishment was inspired by PRIP MAT Caparas, and break bread with the Philippine College of Rotary Governors headed by PCRG Chair Rafael Francisco. Rotarian Tanaka is a former trustee of the Rotary Foundation, RI Director, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, district governor, and member of the Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force, the Permanent Fund Committee for Japan, and the Future Vision committee. He has received RI’s “Service above Self” award and the TRF Distinguished Service Award. RIPE Tanaka chaired the 2009 Birmingham Convention Committee. He has been president for 32 years of Tanaka Company Ltd., vice president of Yashio City, adviser of Arata Co. Ltd., an animal feed and pet food wholesaler, and for eight years chaired the National household Papers Distribution Association of Japan. Married to Kyoko, they have three children and five grandchildren. Turn to page 9
he gym of the Tuloy sa Don Bosco orphanage was set up for a special program. Welcome banners decked the stage and below, a microphone stood in the middle of the concrete floor, separating the audience of about 200 Rotarians and 700 of the orphanage’s wards in black tee-and-pants uniform. After singing the National Anthem, the Tuloy’s girls and boys sat down on the floor, facing the audience and quietly watching the back of speaker after speaker. When the guest of honour stood up to take his turn, he went to the side instead and said through an interpreter, “I would like to speak here, where both the children and the audience can see me, because I would like to address both of them.” This warmth and grace, spontaneity and sensitivity are what endeared Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka to the Philippine Rotarians in the four days of his visit here. He was invited by the District Governors, the Philippine Council of Rotary Governors and the Rotary Village Corps Foundation to be the special guest at the 25th anniversary celebrations of the RIPE Sakuji Tanaka among the children of Rotary Community Corps. the orphanage, Tuloy sa Don Bosco. The itinerary took RIPE Sakuji from Manila to Iloilo to Bulacan, speaking at RCC Seminars and doing project visits. He was with different groups of Rotarians day in, day out, from one dinner to another. There were so many instances when he was seen up close and personal but in all, he never showed any signs that the first impression he gave on day one was not true. For instance, during the welcome dinner hosted by the District Governors at the Manila Polo Club, RIPE Sakuji was a picture of fun and gaiety, even teaching those at his table a few Japanese phrases. He carried on an animated conversation with DG Raffy Garcia (D3800) beside him and like him, a businessman, about business lessons and ethics. The gist of his message to DG Raffy: RIPE Sakuji Tanaka imparting Rotary wisdom to the hundreds of “Being the best in a single something is better than being the Rotarians who attended the RCC Seminar at the Intercontinental average in many things.” Hotel, celebrating the program’s 25th anniversary Turn to page 10
ON THE COVER MAN COVER: Today’s new generations connect well with the famous line in the winning piece of then 18-year old Dr. Jose Rizal, who we also pay tribute to as we celebrate his 150th birth anniversary this year (June 19).
Philippine Rotary
CONTENTS
double cover: NEW GENERATIONS SHINE: District Governor Nonoy Villa-Abrille had a memorable encounter with young leaders of D3860 at the Interact-Rotaract Distas held on August 6 & 7, 2011 at Hidden Paradise Mountain Resort in San Fernando, Cebu. Rotaractor Tara Merced, president of the Rotaract Club of St. Theresa’s College expressed her appreciation for the valuable leadership training and lifechanging experiences at the Distas.
SEPTEMBER 2011 • Vol. 35 No. 3 The Man behind the Leader ifc
by PDG Chit L. Lijauco, D-3820
Welcome R.I.PE. Tanaka and Kyoko ifc
by PDG Melito S. Salazar, Jr., D-3780
INSIDER
Charity without Borders 5 by Kate Nolan Photography by Nick Sokoloff
Convention Countdown 8
features
RIPE Tanaka in Iloilo 10 by PDG Efren de Guzman, D-3800
RIPE Sakuji 11 Tanaka wows assembly of Districtd 3770 and 3790 by PDG Efren Martinez, D-3770
Start with the children 12 y PDG Chit L. Lijauco, D-3820 b Cover Story 14 Fair Hope of my Fatherland by PP Eduardo M. Trinidad, D-3780
SPONSORED SECTION - D3860 21 Meet DG Leoncio ‘Nonoy‘ Villa-Abrille 24 D-3860 at work 25 RC Cebu Fuente 26 RC Cebu Gloria Maris 27 RC Cebu West 28 RC Downtown Davao
Measuring 34 29 General Santos City Leadership by PDG Mark O. Go, D-3790 30 RC South Davao Celebrating 35 our Teachers Heroism A Multisectoral Initiative by Aniceto M. Sobrepeña
35
12
3 1 RC Sta Ana (Davao) 32 RC Tagum North 33 RC Waling Waling Davao Back Cover RC Cebu
DEPARTMENTS 2 Feedback 3 President’s Message 4 From the Editor 9 Message from the Chair 38 Family of Rotary PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE 5
editorial box
Philippine Rotary Magazine EDITORIAL BOARD PDG Melito “Melito” S. Salazar, Jr., D3780 Editor-in-Chief PP Eduardo “Ed” M. Trinidad, D3780 Managing Editor PDG Consuelo “Chit” L. Lijauco, D3820 Associate Editor Members DG Ernesto “Ernie” Y. Choa, D3810 PDG Leandro “Lindy ” P. Garcia, D3820 PDG Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma, D3830 PDG J. Antonio “Tony” M. Quila, D3830 PDG Fe “Bing” R. Juarez, D3870 DGE Antonio “Tony” C. Bautista, D3790
management BOARD PP Eduardo “Ed” M. Trinidad, D3780 Managing Editor PDG Oscar “Oca” A. Inocentes, D3780 Lifetime Subscriptions Coordinator PDG Felix “Felix” F. Domigpe, D3770 Finance Coordinator PDG Antonio “Anton” B. Florendo, D3860 Business Development Coordinator PDG Marquez “Mark” O. Go, D3790 Credit & Collection Coordinator PDG Romulo “Boy” O. Valle Jr., D3770 PDG Efren “Efren” O. de Guzman, D3800 Special Events Coordinators PDG Ramon “Toto” C. Locsin, D3850 Circulation Coordinator PDG Josefina “Josie” S. Ang, D3810 Business Promotions & Advertising Coordinator
EDITORIAL STAFF AND CONTRIBUTORS Chief of Photographers PP Ron Nethercutt, D3790 Contributors Mr. Aniceto M. Sobrepeña PDG Melito S. Salazar, D780 PDG Chit L. Lijauco, D3820 PDG Mark O. Go, D3790 PP Eduardo M. Trinidad, D3780 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.
(Editor’s note : Please send your comments and suggestions about the magazine or any of the feature articles, via email to office@philrotary.com, indicating your full name, Rotary club and district number. We value your comments to help us be the “magazine of choice” of Philippine Rotarians. We will practice “first in, first out” but will still exercise editorial prerogative. Comments were taken from lifetime subscription reply forms which we sent for updating purposes. Text in italics are the editor’s notes.) Please keep up the good work. Congratulations and best wishes to both of you, PP Ed and PDG Bimbo as well as to the entire PRM family and staff. – PDG Jose Benedicto, RC Makati Central D3830 Congratulations to PDG Melito Salazar as the new Editor-in-chief of the Philippine Rotary Magazine, and also favorite columnist of the Manila Bulletin. More Power! – PP Edward Chan, RC San Jose del Monte D3770 Thank you for sending me an improved version of the Philippine Rotary Magazine. Congratulations to the new editorial and management team. – PDG Eduardo Chua Co Kiong, RC Malabon D3800 Keep up with good work! We will try to convince more of my club members to follow as Lifetime Subscriber. Thank You. – PP Antonio Magno, RC Parañaque Southwest D3830 Good work. First time I received my copy on time. Congrats to the new team. – PP Adolfo Reyes, RC Mandaluyong D-3800 (We thank you all for the congratulations and kind words. With your continuing support and feedback, PRM will be the magazine of choice.) Have more statistics on Philippine Rotary districts, clubs, memberships, service projects, TRF contributions, Interact, Rotaract, matching grants, etc. – PAG Jaime Ortigas, RC San Juan D3800 (We’ve started the process by inviting Rotary Coordinator (RC) Dave Villanueva and Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) Bobby Viray to send us monthly updates. We’ll ask the DGs and PRM-DGRs the feasibility of getting updated statistics on service projects, Rotaract and Interact.) I respectfully request that my subscription copy be mailed to my mailing address at no additional cost to me just like my other magazine subscriptions. (The Rotarian, Time, etc. ) – PDG Rustico Recto, Jr., RC Lipa South D3820 (Regretfully, the present subscription price will not cover mailing costs. We are pursuing more advertising revenues and arrangements with the Philippine Postal Corporation which hopefully will allow us to meet your request in the future.) I am more than satisfied with the delivery of the magazine. I label all the copies to make sure that each member gets his / her copy. So far no complaints from the members. – Pres. Gerard Rikken, RC Marikina Heights D3800 (We thank PDS Gerard for his kind comment and initiative. He is a former district governor’s representative to the PRM. We offer the service of personalizing each copy of the magazine. Clubs just need to send us the names of the members or the copy of its latest SAR containing the list of members.) I haven’t received my lifetime subscription copies since last quarter of 2011 till now when I received the July 2011 issue with this reply form. Please take note. Thanks! –PP Alfredo Gil Tan II, RC Lucena South D3820 (We regret that PP Alfredo, like other lifetime subscribers, did not and do not receive their lifetime subscription copies, even if they were delivered with the bulk deliveries to their clubs. The magazine’s policy is to include the lifetime subscription copies with the bulk delivery of the club subscriptions, in a separate plastic bag with the proper label, to save on cost. The said copies are however mailed to the subscriber if he/she chooses the option of paying for the P360 annual mailing fee. This policy is still in place, but we are now studying other options. We decided to send the July 2011 issues to lifetime subscribers by mail as an exception, for two reasons – we wanted them to be the first to receive the magazine for the new Rotary year for their support, and to help us update our records via the reply form enclosed with the magazine. We request that designated recipients of bulk deliveries for clubs give the copies to members upon receipt.) SEPTEMBER 2011
president ’ s message
Reach Within to Embrace Humanity
My dear brothers and sisters in Rotary,
W
e have a color for the 2011-12 Rotary year, and that color is green. Why green? Because green is the color of new life, of bright leaves bursting forth from spreading branches. And there is no doubt that it is time to “green” Rotary – to lift our deepening pallor of gray and replace it with brighter shades of green. Overall in Rotary, only 11 percent of our members are under the age of 40, while 68 percent are over 50 and 39 percent are over 60. It’s not too hard to see where this will lead us 10, 20, and 30 years down the line, if we don’t do something about it now. It is not enough to simply bring in new members. We need to bring in younger members, who will breathe new life and new vigor into our organization. How can we be more attractive to younger members, who are so different in so many ways from the young professionals of a generation or two ago? We have to come to them where they are – and for most young people, where they are is on the Internet, on Facebook, on Twitter and e-mail, and on their smartphones. A club that doesn’t have a presence on the Internet simply doesn’t exist as far as they are concerned. A club’s website is its public face – and it has to be a good one. More than anything, I believe we need to bring back the idea of the family of Rotary. We need to look at all of Rotary as one family: Rotarians, their families, and also Rotaractors, Interactors, Youth Exchange students and alumni, Foundation alumni, and so on. And we need to consider retention as an idea that applies not just to Rotarians, but to the entire family of Rotary. Too often, we look outward to find new members, and we do not see our own young generation, waiting to be called upon. We must look to them to find the capable and enthusiastic new members who will be the club presidents, the district governors, and the RI senior leaders of tomorrow. We owe it to our Rotary family – past, present, and future – to make sure that our generation of Rotarians is not the last. We must, in a very real sense, reach within – to embrace our Rotary family, so that we can better embrace all of humanity.
On the Web Speeches and news from RI President Kalyan Banerjee at www.rotary.org /president
KALYAN BANERJEE President, Rotary International
SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
3
from the editor
A
When We Were Young
s we celebrate New Generations Month, we remember who and what we were in the days when we were as young as the Rotaractors, Interactors or Rotakids. The younger we were, the more we moved forward with breathless anticipation of the adventures ahead. There was no fear of the dangers in the horizon or any hesitation in our confident strides. We believed that we would succeed and transform the world into that we dreamed of.
It is as we grow older that the burden of reality curbs our passion, the responsibilities accumulated engenders caution rather than courage and the vision narrows as we contemplate the hard work and resources needed to achieve what we want. Now is the time to realize that we may be constricting today’s young to soar to the skies with our own fears, our own inability to keep pace with their enthusiasm and our own imaginings of insurmountable obstacles in the path of service. We may be trying to mould the young into what we were in the days before when the present and the future for them are different –no social media then, more global opportunities now. We should realize that as mentors to them, beyond the responsibility to be models of the core values of Rotary, we need to encourage them to “Reach for the stars with our feet on the ground” borrowing these words that I coined in the 70’s to describe the vision of the first MBA course on social responsibility jointly offered by UP, Ateneo and La Salle graduate schools of business. For us, this may be the best of times to recapture the spirit of our youth – to dare to discover new avenues of Rotary service, to exert more energy and efforts in assisting the many who still need our helping hand and to broaden our landscape of a better world. Who knows, we may become young again, if not physically, at least in our inner souls. Melito S. Salazar, Jr. Editor-in-Chief Left photo from top: PDG Boy Valle, PDG Efren de Guzman, PDG Josie Ang, PP Ron Nethercutt, PDG Bing Juarez. Right photo from top: PDG Melito Salazar, PP Ed Trinidad, PDG Chit Lijauco, PDG Tony Quila, PDG Felix Domigpe, PDG Mark Go. These are photos of editorial and management board members that were submitted on the deadline.
4
Editor’s Notes: 1. We thank District Governor Nonoy Villa Abrille, DGR-PRM Lilu Aliño and the Rotarians of District 3860 not only for sponsoring the September issue but also accommodating our request to the implementation of new guidelines resulting in more pages for other articles of interest to PRM subscribers. 2. We appreciate the article of Mr. Chito Sobrepena, president of Metrobank Foundation on the Teachers Month Campaign (TMC) which we hope will encourage the districts and clubs to team up with the different entities mentioned so that the teachers on whom much of the development of the youth are entrusted, are given the recognition they deserve. 3. The previous delivery policy of sending the magazines to clubs after receiving subscription requests with or without payment led to the July issue (out July 8) and the August issue (out Aug 3) not to be delivered to many of the Philippine Rotarians. Therefore,we have decided to send the magazines to clubs immediately after they are out of the press, together with the billing statement, to the recipients on record as of June 30, 2011. We hope this revised delivery policy will make PRM your magazine of choice. PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2011
insider
CHARITY WITHOUT BORDERS b y K a t e N o l a n • Photography by Nick Sokoloff •
D
istrict 5500 spans 350 miles of the ArizonaMexico border, a stretch whose dangers and poverty-related problems dominate the local news. In the late 1990s, a member of the Rotary Club of Douglas, Ariz., USA, said, “Enough.”
Dottee Watkins is cofounder, president, and CEO of the Wings of Angels Foundation, a nonprofit that works with the Rotary clubs of Douglas; Logan, Utah; and Agua Prieta, Mexico, as well as the Rotaract and Interact clubs sponsored by the Logan club. For the past decade, the groups have built and repaired houses, provided low-cost solar water heaters, and improved emergency medical services for residents of Agua Prieta, a community of 200,000 in the state of Sonora plagued by drug cartels, violence, and grinding poverty. Many come to the city with the idea of escaping across the border. “I call this my gauntlet,” Dottee Watkins says as she inches her van through the border crossing at SEPTEMBER 2011
The plight of Agua Prieta, Mexico, is not in Dottee Watkins’ backyard. But try telling her that.
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
5
insider
“Everyone is poor here and needs something. The people we help are the more-than-poor.” MARCELINO ENRIQUEZ
6
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
Douglas. On this April day, security officials wave her through without inspection. But once she arrives in Agua Prieta, the locals bombard her with questions. “Can you give me a lamp for my niño? You gave us one four years ago. Now it doesn’t work,” says Marciel, a smiling amputee in a road-weary wheelchair parked among street vendors selling ceramic donkeys, clay pots, and dazzling paper flowers. Watkins exchanges holas with another man, also in a wheelchair. An ice cream vendor pushes his cart toward them. “When are you having a clinic?” the ice cream man asks, referring to the monthly visits of doctors and dentists to the Wings of Angels clinic. He says he wants to bring his little girl. Watkins replies that they are coming tomorrow; today she is delivering clinical supplies. Known formally as the Wings of Angels Sonoran Crisis Intervention Clinic, the facility draws hundreds of impoverished families and serves as the nerve center for the parent organization’s vigorous alliance with the Logan club and its affiliate Rotaractors and Interactors. The partnership started in the early 2000s when Logan Rotarian Fred Berthrong was seeking a service project for Rotary youth. Earlier, he and his wife had taken their three teenagers to work on a Rotary project in Zimbabwe and seen how the experience had changed their children’s lives. “As Rotarians, we want to help people, but we are also concerned with introducing our kids to the service experience,” says Berthrong, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a mechanical and nuclear engineer, who served as 2005-06 governor of District 5420. He met Sally Montagne, a District 5500 officer, at a zone conference in 2003, and she put him in touch with Agua Prieta Rotarians. They told him about the plight of border families – of orphans and children with serious physical or mental limitations, of homes inadequate for desert heat and freezing winter temperatures, of an intermittent food supply, of drugs and crime that often become substitutes for jobs. Most of the population lacks electricity or propane, school attendance is spotty, and there is minimal medical and nutritional support. Sonoran officials estimate the number of “extreme poor” in Agua Prieta alone at 42,000. It was through Montagne that Berthrong and Rotarian volunteers from Logan met Watkins. “There are always several things Dottee has cooked up for us each time we go down there. If it looks like we’re relaxing, her brain goes into overdrive and she finds something else for us to do – and, of course, we do it,” Berthrong says. Watkins, who was a developer in Phoenix, started Wings of Angels in the late 1990s with little funding (it still runs on an annual operating budget of $35,000), relying on volunteers and professionals who donate their skills; on funds from the Agua Prieta, Douglas, and Logan clubs; and on “knowing somebody who knows a guy.” The organization’s modest goal is to remove barriers and provide people with materials and skills to solve their own problems. “Helping these desperate people on their own turf has allowed them to remain settled in their own country,” says Watkins. “They seem like zombies when we begin working with them, and a year later, when they’re back on their feet, they are animated, alive.” She refers to her work as “benevolent meddling.” september 2011
insider
One of the first projects in which she participated involved organizing Mexican sign language classes for the deaf (a first in Mexico that later spread throughout the country), upgrading a school for the disabled, and creating a free clinic for children with cerebral palsy. By the time Berthrong and his crew arrived in 2003, the clinic had expanded its reach, with a mission that had grown to cover a broad range of health problems. Agua Prieta’s small downtown area rocks with nightclubs and commerce and is surrounded by pleasant homes and apartments with gardens. But in the south, where the city erodes into the Sonoran desert, the motif is one of abandonment. Electrical and sewer services are limited. Most of the curbless streets are unmarked; the ramshackle houses have no numbers, no plumbing. Trees don’t grow, and children play on grassless soccer fields. Yet, sprinkled around the shantytown are a dozen or so houses and additions built by Rotarians and other volunteers. These properties are conspicuous for their well-plumbed walls, finished windows and doors, quality brickwork, and solar water heaters. Long before volunteers head south to lay bricks, preparations get underway. Interactors from Logan High School and Rotaractors from Utah State University raise funds year-round to pay for the building materials. They work the concession stands at college basketball games, sell potatoes, and have even hosted a variety show where one memorable act was a girl jumping rope on a pogo stick. Not exactly Glee, but the groups raise as much as $5,000 each year before making the 17-hour drive south to Agua Prieta during spring break. Decisions about who will receive houses or additions are made by Watkins; Nohemi Noriega, director of the Wings clinic; and builder Marcelino Enriquez. “Everyone is poor here and needs something,” says Enriquez. “The people we help are the more-than-poor.” The trio tries to choose not only people with extraordinary needs but also those who seem most likely to benefit from the help. At the construction sites, Enriquez supervises the young workers, teaching them to wield hammers, lay bricks from the local brick factory, and dig holes for septic systems. “Marcelino is probably the biggest reason we can build these homes. Last year, he organized three projects. The kids love working with him and his crew,” says Logan club member Jeff Larsen, who has been coming to Agua Prieta since 2005. Jolynn Carr, a Utah State senior business major and former Rotaract club president, has volunteered for construction duty for three years. She’s installed insulation, nailed up plasterboard, painted, laid bricks, poured a cement floor, dug a cesspool, and learned how to mix “Mexican concrete”: one bag of cement and 87 shovels of dirt. But the basic lesson she’s learned, she says, is understanding the strength that comes from restoring someone’s hope. “I’ve been able to see the projects we’ve done and the difference they’ve made in people’s lives,” Carr says. “At first, when the families had nothing, they were very shy. Now, they have a house and invite us in. There’s a change in their whole demeanor.” A decade ago, one might have described Agua Prieta as sleepy, but not now. Drug cartel violence has spread to the Arizona border, raising alarm among the locals. Former Agua Prieta club member Juan Dominguez has arranged for the Utah team to stay either at Divina Providencia, an orphanage/ senior center, or at a facility near the police station. Four years ago, the police chief was killed as he left the station one night. “It’s sad, but we can’t stop doing what we’re doing,” Carr says. The first house here was built for Cesar Delgado, his wife, and their three september 2011
“We want to help people, but we are also concerned with introducing our kids to the service experience.” FRED BERTHRONG
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
7
insider
“At first, when the families had nothing, they were very shy. Now, they have a house and invite us in. There’s a change in their whole demeanor.” JOLYNN CARR
8
boys, who were living in a shack of tin and cardboard. Delgado’s legs are paralyzed from a gunshot wound to his back, and the only work he has is the occasional car repair. Next came a small home for José Diaz and his daughter Alma Delia, who had cerebral palsy and has since died. Another home was built for a polio survivor with disabilities who managed to support his family by working in a factory. Wings also provided him with a knee brace. Then there is Angel, 9, who was born with thighs that end a few inches below his hips, in fin-like feet. He also has only one arm, which he masterfully uses to help himself scoot about. But one day he told his mother, Alicia, that he wanted to stand as tall as his schoolmates. Wings brought Angel’s condition to the attention of Sander Nassan, a prosthetist in Scottsdale, Ariz., who volunteers his services for the clinic’s clients. Nassan has designed a unique hip harness and a pair of legs with padded slots, with cool high-tops at the bases. Ready to try his new legs, Angel slips into the contraption and stands up for the first time. His neck and torso curl forward, and his body teeters. He looks up, his eyes opening wide above his deep dimples, and he straightens his spine and smiles. A technician asks him if he wants to be taller: “Un poquito?” Angel thinks and then, rattling the rafters, shouts, “Sí!” A few weeks later, Watkins and some friends stop at Angel’s home to check on his progress. The boy is playing outside, scooting around. Alicia is ecstatic to see the visitors and invites them into her tidy home. She exhibits the same animation that Carr noticed among new homeowners. Watkins asks Angel to show how he can walk on his new legs. Alicia grabs the prosthesis and takes Angel into a bedroom. A few minutes later, the guests hear a tap-tap-tap and Angel emerges, 48 glorious inches tall, average height for a nine-yearold boy. The tap is the sound of his colorful metal cane hitting the cement floor. He struts and turns around. His balance is surprisingly good, and his concentration is intense. His little brother points a toy gun at Watkins, who throws up her hands, signaling surrender. Angel roars with laughter, breaking his concentration for a moment. He remains standing. ® PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
Convention countdown
Street eats
B
angkok has its share of highend restaurants and celebrity chefs, but the pedestrian culinary options can be equally delightful. When you’re there for the 2012 RI Convention, 6-9 May, try some street food. There are two simple tips: Eat where Thai people are eating, and select busy street vendors to guarantee high turnover. Thai spice is intensely hot, and restaurants add it to almost everything. When you tell the person taking your order how spicy you want your food, remember that the Thai understanding of “mild” or “medium” is about 10 degrees of magnitude higher than yours. On every corner of the city, you’ll find someone with a grill and skewers – of chicken, beef, pork, octopus, meatballs, whole fish, and even steamed tofu. There’s always a sweet or tangy dipping sauce you can add. Thais serve fresh fruit peeled, cut, and sprinkled with spicy salt or run through a blender with a bit of simple sugar and ice. You’ll find local bananas as well as mango, watermelon, pineapple, dragon fruit, and durian, which you’ll know by its distinctive, and exceedingly strong, odor. Look for kôw taan, a snack made of puffed rice held together with watermelon juice and drizzled with palm sugar. Grab a cold beer to go with it: The salty and sweet combination is perfect in the middle of a hot and sticky day. ® – JULIA MIDDLETON Register for the 2012 RI Convention in Bangkok at www.rotary.org/convention. september 2011
features
Welcome, R.I.P.E. Tanaka & Kyoko From inside front cover RIPE Tanaka will participate in a four-day Rotary Community Corps (RCC) Bandwagon from Bulacan to Manila to Iloilo which will include seminars on the RCC program and activities and site visits to existing RCCs. The RCCs was adopted by Rotary International in 1988 as one of RI’s Nine Structured Programs designed to help clubs and districts achieve their service goals in their own communities and in communities abroad, fostering fellowship and goodwill in the process. It has spread to all 200 countries and geographical areas of Rotary. Inspired by RI President MAT Caparas’ theme, “Rotary Brings Hope,” the RCCs, then initially known as Rotary Village Corps, are composed of non-Rotarian men and women who share Rotarians’ commitment to service. Under the guidance of a sponsoring Rotary club, dedicated RCC members put their own skills to work to improve the quality of life in their communities. The Rotary Club of Manila organized the first RVC in the world in Barangay Craig, Sampaloc, Manila, in 1986. Its signature project, a day care center, still exists. There have been many more projects of the 1,393 RCCs in the Philippines with 42,000 members. A noteworthy one is the RCC of Sitio Malaya organized by the Rotary Club of Parañaque, Rizal, whose micro credit project has benefitted 200 families and which formed the nucleus of the Malaya Tayuan Multiprupose Cooperative where 30 borrowers are now on their 8th loan cycle. The 25th anniversary celebration of RCC is being led by the Rotary Village Corps Foundation of the Philippines, which encourages and supports the formation of RCCs in the Philippines. Through the years, it has been manned by selfless Rotary leaders, two of whom served for a significant period — Past Chairman PDG Antonio “Jun” Tambunting and Past President Jocelyn “Joc Joc” Bolante, who later became RI treasurer and director. Ably following in their footsteps is PDG Guiller Tumangan who is also coordinating the Tanaka visit. But beyond the leadership, I remember (being a board member at one time) that the strength of the foundation lies in the Rotarian volunteers who take time to conduct training sessions for district and club officers. One such volunteer is Past President Johnny de la Cruz of the Rotary Club of Diliman, who in the course of conducting a training session in the North during the incumbency of RVCF President Danny Yu, suffered a stroke which to this day keeps him confined in his residence. I hope that in his visit, RIPE Tanaka will find the time to honor not only those working for RCC now but also those who, in giving of themselves in RCC service, laid the foundation for RCC’s success. ® SEPTEMBER 2011
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
What will be your legacy?
Y
ears ago, during a visit to New York City, I saw a T-shirt that said, “He who dies with the most wins.” It seemed funny at the time, but we all read the stories of people who judge their success by their wealth. The problem is that material possessions often do not bring happiness, for there is always someone who has more. Most of us, however, want our life to be measured by what we have done. Many Rotarians have expressed their appreciation of fellow Rotarians’ service by promising a contribution to our Rotary Foundation that will live on after them. The earnings from their gifts go to our Annual Programs Fund year after year. What better legacy to the world? By earlier this year, we had almost 8,000 commitments to the Bequest Society. These represented an expected value of about US$338 million, a significant share of the almost $700 million in assets and expectancies in our Permanent Fund. The first Australian RI president, Angus S. Mitchell (1948-49), foretold the creation of the Permanent Fund in 1992, in a speech that ended with this story from the Talmud: Choni Hama’agel saw an old man planting a carob tree and asked when he thought the tree would bear fruit. “After 70 years” was the reply. “What!” said Choni. “Do you expect to live 70 years and eat the fruit of your labor?” “I did not find the world desolate when I entered it,” said the old man. “And as my fathers planted for me before I was born, so I plant for those who will come after me.” We each have that same opportunity by making a bequest to our Rotary Foundation.
Bill boyd Foundation Trustee Chair
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
9
features
The Man Behind the Leader From inside front cover He and his wife, Kyoko, posed and smiled through endless photo sessions every time and everywhere, where he showed not only the virtue of patience but of thoughtfulness. Once he called the official photographer at a dinner to come sit down beside him for a souvenir photo. Another time, it was one of his and his wife’s five interpreters, Past President Hiroaki Iwai of the Rotary Club of Araneta, whom RIPE Sakuji called for a special shot. At the RCC Seminar, 23 August, at the Intercontinental Manila, RIPE Sakuji joined the fun in the raffle of 20 photographer’s vests. When he won one, he gamely wore it to the delight of the camera-packing audience who went crazy clicking away. He also made an effort to start each and every talk with a greeting in Pilipino and ended with a Mabuhay,
complete with the raising of the arms. Such amiable and warm personality made the task of his aides so pleasurable. Overall coordinator for the visit, PDG Guiller Tumangan and his wife Letty, together with aides PDG Edison Ang and Spouse Malen have nothing but exuberant praises for the special couple. It was with this same congeniality and spontaneity that RIPE Sakuji talked to us for this special interview for the Philippine Rotary Magazine. Philippine Rotary Magazine (PRM): How do you compare Asia with the rest of the Rotary world? Sakuji Tanaka: The scales of growth have tipped in favour of Asia. It used to be in the Western countries – the United States, Europe, South America. But now, Rotary is fast growing in Asia. I do not know if the fact that there are two R.I. Presidents one after the other has something to do with this. I follow another Asian, President Kalyan Banerjee. But we’re seeing this significant growth in Asia and I think that’s good.
RIPE Tanaka in Iloilo
By PDG Efren de Guzman, D3800, PRM Special Events Coordinator
10
RIPE Sakuji Tanaka and Spouse Kyoko were the special guests at the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Rotary Community Corps in the Philippines held last August 24, 2011 in Hotel Del Rio, Iloilo City for Rotarians of district 3850 and 3860. My spouse Pam and I were invited to join RIPE Sakuji’s entourage to Iloilo, which included PDG Edison Ang and spouse Malen, who were designated as the couple’s aides for the whole duration of their stay here in our country, and PDG Guiller Tumangan, Chairman of the RVC Foundation and who coordinated the visit. With us also were PDG Marcos Hermoso, CP Luz Pacifico and her members from RC Filinvest Muntinlupa, and interpreter PP Hiroaki Iwai of the Rotary Club of Araneta of District 3780. At the Iloilo Airport, we were met seminar were Club Leadership Adminisby DG Melvin De La Cerna of District trative Support Program (CLASP) for RCC; 3850, DG Nonoy Villa-Abrille of district Volunteer-Initiatives for Talent Develop3860, PDG Ramon “Toto” Locsin who ment (VITAl Development); Partnership in was the seminar organizing committee Development through Entrepreneurship; chair for Iloilo, and several Rotarians led Community Transformation through RCC by AG/CP Luz Pacifico; Effective Service by Rtn. John Michael Ng. We were brought directly to Projects with RCC by PP Jorge Caparas, a the Soup Kitchen Project which is Trustee of RVC Foundation, and Integraconducted regularly in cooperation tion of the Seminar. After lunch DG Nonoy gave his with the Philippine National Red Cross, Iloilo Chapter. This Soup Kitchen Project message followed by PDG Guiller is a matching grant project for Mobile Tumangan as Chairman of RVC Van and Soup Kitchen funded by several Foundation. PP Jorge Caparas also international partners from RC Itako read the message of his father PRIP and RC Tsukuba-Sunrise, both from RI MAT Caparas. RIPE Sakuji brought the District 2820 Japan, RC Tokyo Chuo RI house down during his speech when District 2750 Japan, RC Funabashi East he mixed-up the pages of his message RI District 2790 Japan and RC Metro though inspiring the participants with Iloilo RI District 3850 Philippines. RIPE the essence of his topic on the quality Sakuji and spouse Kyoko personally and importance of membership. Lastly, participated in distributing nutritious DG Melvin delivered his response to arroz caldo to about 1,700 students of the challenge and thanked RIPE Sakuji and the attendees. the Pavia Pilot Elementary School. Doing my bit as a representative of Topics taken up during the RCC PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
the Philippine Rotary Magazine (PRM), I manned a table strategically located inside the hall for Rotarians to see, to answer their queries on subscriptions and to offer Rotary merchandise for sale. PDG Mac Hermoso provided the“BuenaMano” (first sale for good luck) by buying the 2010 RI Manual of Procedure. I was given the privilege to announce the presence of the PRM in their midst. It proved effective as Rotarians from both districts approached us and inquired about subscriptions, and bought all the MOPs, ABCs of Rotary and Rotary IDs
that I brought along. PDG Emma Nava convinced Rtn. Joe Jay Doctora of RC Metro Bacolod to be a lifetime subscriber with postage for one year. After the seminar, all the attendees were allowed to have their picture taken with RIPE Sakuji and Spouse Kyoko, which showed their being warm, friendly and accommodating, and which we observed throughout the whole trip. A private fellowship dinner in honor of RIPE Sakuji Tanaka and Spouse Kyoko capped the affair, hosted by the owner of Hotel del Rio in his sprawling residence. ® SEPTEMBER 2011
features
PRM: Will this tipping have a bearing on the targets and strategies of R.I.? ST: No, no. Targets stay the same because each country is different. In R.I., we respect and appreciate this diversity and differences. PRM: And is it a matter of addressing the weaknesses and harnessing the strengths? ST: Don’t talk about weaknesses. Always think of pushing the best of what you have. PRM: Of all the thrusts and concerns of R.I., is there any one that is closest to your heart? ST: All the concerns are the same for me; they are all important. But I think a club, if it is strong in one or two of these concerns, it should concentrate on them. The club should not try to do everything if, by doing so, it will just allow its good projects to suffer. PRM: What is the strength of your club, RIPE Sakuji? ST: Donation to the The Rotary Foundation.
PRM: You mentioned in your speech earlier that you learnt many lessons in business and which you apply in Rotary? What is the most important of these lessons? ST: Everything is important but I must stress my belief of never settling to be less than No. 1. This is good for Rotary. If one club is No. 1 in literacy projects in its community, another club is No. 1 in poverty alleviation concern in its community, then Rotary will be filled up with all No. 1 clubs. And if a club is No. 1 in its community in environment concerns then it should strive to be No. 1 in the district and later on, No. 1 in the country. PRM: So R.I. will become an organization of No. 1’s? ST: Yes. As I said in my speech at the RCC Seminar, we must be the No. 1 organization if we are to promote Rotary. Being a good salesman is not enough; you have to have a good product. Why? Because a good salesman might make a first sale but he certainly won’t be able to make the second sale any more if his product is bad. ®
RIPE Tanaka wows assembly in Bulacan By PDG Efren M. Martinez, D-3770, Director, RVC Foundation Inc., Northern Luzon Coordinator The visit of RIPE Sakuji Tanaka to District 3770 and District 3790 was held on August 26, 2011 in Malolos, Bulacan in connection with the celebration of RCC 25th year Anniversary. If I will describe these two big events in one word, it was SUCESSFUL! This momentous visit was not that easy. All took part and shared their expertise in its preparation and actual execution. In cooperation with RC Bulacan, we made it possible to do the Water of Life Matching Grant Projects visit in three (3) Elementary schools in Bulacan, Bulacan, Philippines. That day, Bulacan was experiencing foul weather but the excitement of the Rotarians, teachers and students was not affected by it. All were keyed up for the much awaited arrival of our Guest of Honor, RIPE Tanaka. In the entourage of RIPE Tanaka were PDG Guiller Tumangan of District 3830, PDG Edison Ang of District 3800 and interpreter PP Hiroaki Iwai of the Rotary Club of Araneta of District 3780. All of us present witnessed the happiness showed by RIPE Tanaka, who was touched by warm greetings he received from the Rotarians of RC Bulacan. Unfortunately, his wife Kyoko was not able to join him. After our visit in the three (3) Matching Grant Projects, we passed by the historic Barasoain Church, where our country’s first Congress was held. RIPE Tanaka was given a brief history of the place and its importance to us Filipinos, which he also appreciated. Next, he attended a gathering with 500 Rotarians from District 3770 and District 3790. As the Guest of Honor and
Speaker in the RCC Celebration, RIPE Tanaka delivered a very touching and inspiring message. After that, he willingly posed for photos with all the Rotarian attendees that afternoon. In the end, I was overwhelmed to hear these kind words from RIPE Tanaka, “Now that I have met all the Rotarians coming from the 10 Districts here in the Philippines, I can say that I had a good time with this oneof-a-kind experience which I will treasure for the rest of my Rotary life.” As our response to RIPE Tanaka’s message, we say, “Your visit will be a big part of our Rotary history. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and friendship with all of us. Together with our DG Corina Bautista and DGE Yolly Wycoco of District 3770, and DG Digna Ragasa and DGE Tony Bautista of District 3790, we look forward to your next visit. Again, thank you very much RIPE Sakuji Tanaka for giving us the chance to meet you and experience a wonderful day with you.” ®
Pictures submitted by PDG Guiller Tumangan, PDG Efren Martinez and PDG Toto Locsin SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
11
features RC Naga – D3820
RC Goa Partid o
- D3820
G A L L E R Y
Start with the Children
T
he 10 Philippine District Governors responded to the challenge made by Past Rotary International President Mat Caparas to start Rotary Year 2011-12 by treating the needy children of the communities to a party. After the reports were submitted, 26,107 children felt the warmth of Rotary service on 1 July 2011. From among those who submitted their reports (not all clubs were able to give their numbers to their District PR Chair who was tasked to tally them), District 3820, led by DG Rey Castillo, made it to No. 1 with 6,711 beneficiaries. Coming second is District 3790 with 5,035 beneficiaries. Led by DG Digna Ragasa, the 96 clubs of the district partnered with Jollibee to throw a party for the children in their respective communities. “Some have not even set foot inside a Jollibee store!” gushed PDG Jess Nicdao. Knowing how ubiquitous a Jollibee burger joint is all over the Philippines, a child who hasn’t been to one is indeed a rarity. Coming in third is District 3800, led by DG Raffy Garcia, with 4,484 children beneficiaries; fourth, District 3810, led by DG Ernie Choa, with 3,548 children beneficiaries; and fifth, District 3780, led by DG Jess Cifra, with 3,000 children. These figures represent only those that were reported as of deadline day. Enjoy the photos in this Gallery that we have put together for you. ® Compiled and written by PDG Chit Lijauco, Associate Editor. (With contributions from all districts)
12
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
Wacky! - D3790
Can’t you see I’m busy? D3790
800
RC Rizal Centro - D3
DG Raffy blowing out the candles - RC Cosmopolitan San Juan, D3800
RC Pasig Sunrise - D3800
Museo Pambata -D3810
SEPTEMBER 2011
Distribution of umbrellas, raincoats, school supplies and food - D3810
RC Camp Crame - D3780
RC Pagasa - D3780
DG Ernie does the feeding
District 3820 3790 3800 3810 3780 3870 3770 3830 3860 TOTAL
Beneficiaries 6,711 5,035 4,484 3,548 3,000 1,641 824 380 484 26,107
Waiting for their turn D3830
RC Diliman D
3780
Balloon hat - D3830
RC Plaridel Kristal - D3770 Fun with face painting - D3830
SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
13
features
Cover feature
Fair Hope of My Fatherland
N
By PP Ed Trinidad, D3780, Managing Editor
ew generations month is celebrated in Rotary every September. It takes more significance as it was added as the fifth avenue of service during the Council on Legislation meeting in April 2010 and is now embodied in the Manual of Procedure. When talking of the youth, we always remember our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal who once wrote about them in his poem entitled “A la Juventud Filipina” (To the Filipino Youth), with this first stanza in one of the English translations (see box): Hold high the brow serene, O youth, where now you stand; Let the bright sheen Of your grace be seen, Fair hope of my fatherland! Dr. Rizal wrote the poem in Spanish in 1879 at only eighteen years old while studying at the University of Santo Tomas. It won first prize at a literary contest held in the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature, a society of literary men and artists who were obviously impressed with his message. The poem was dedicated to the youth of his time, but can very well refer to today’s youth or new generations. We also thought it fitting to recall Dr. Rizal’s famous line as a youth then, and in celebrating his 150th birth anniversary this year (June 19). As can be seen in these pages, this hope is alive. The elders contribute in this hope as influential parents,
teachers, and guardians, and as Rotarians. These articles are only a few of the many activities that have been held in many Philippine Rotary clubs, and Rotaract and Interact clubs, and emphasize the importance of the youth as a catalyst for change and torch bearers for the brighter future of the nation and Rotary. We thank those who contributed to this tribute to the new generations.
Fatherland or motherland? Which is which – motherland or fatherland? The fifth line of Dr. Rizal’s poem in Spanish is “bella esperanza de la patria mía!” and it has been translated to English by several authors. American translator Charles Derbyshire (whose English translation of Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” is reportedly the most popular) early in the 20th century used “Fair hope of my fatherland!”. On the other hand another translator, Alfredo S. Veloso, rendered “la patria” as “motherland” but exercised extreme literary license by translating “bella esperanza” (literally “beautiful hope”) as “handsome hope”! (“Handsome hope of my motherland!”) (Sources: Jose Carillo, Wikipedia, other Rizal-inspired websites.) For the author, both translations are acceptable. The author chose fatherland for the title as that was what he remembers from his youth. The message though is still clear and should not be lost in translation: the youth represents the future of any nation.
PROJECTS OF ROTARY CLUBS D3770 – RC Plaridel
14
PP Perry R. Peralta and other Rotarians from RC Plaridel offered a unique project for 800 grade school and high school students from five schools at the Sto. Nino Elementary School in Plaridel, Bulacan. The project was dubbed “Good Looking & Literate New Generations”. They offered free haircuts, led the students in singing the national anthem and pledging allegiance to the flag and distributed uniforms, dictionary and school supplies donated by the Rotary clubs from Flagler County D 6970 and York, Ontario, Canada. The materials contained Rotary and Rotaract/ Interact logos, 4-Way Test, Object of Rotary, The Rotary PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2011
features Pledge and The Declaration of Rotarians in Businesses and Professions, and the different Rotary undertakings. This project was also to enhance the public image of Rotary. – By Loy Punongbayan
D3770 - First Interact Club in Meycauayan The Rotary Club of Meycauayan Northeast D3770 organized its first Interact club at Trinitas high school on Jan. 27, 2011 in Meycauayan, Bulacan. – By Pres. Esther “Teng” Padilla, RC MNE
D3780– Rotary Club of VisMin,QC charters its first Rotaract Club
The Rotary Club of VisMin, QC, under its Charter President Winston Sia, chartered its first New Generations partner – The Rotaract Club of VisMin-PUP. The said Rotaract club chartered by Rotary International on June 9, 2011, and is composed of more than 200 student leaders of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, College of Business, under the leadership of its Dean Dr. Dominador Gamboa. The induction was attended by Rotarians, students, district Rotaract leaders, school officials and teachers. The parent club donated a banner, and the bell and gavel. The Rotaract members joined the club’s medical mission in Rizal in the last quarter of 2010 as a prelude to their formation. – By CP Winston Sia, RC VisMin QC
D3790 – The Rotary Club of San Fernando La Union D3790
The members of the Rotary Club of San Fernando La Union D3790 braved a storm and landslides to deliver goods to an uphill school in the remote Barangay Nagyubuyuban. The project went on through the determined effort of President JB Bolong who was celebrating his birthday that day. Pres. JB led other Rotarians in giving, instead of receiving, gifts of raincoat, school bags loaded with school supplies, food and seedlings. A group of doctors also came and conducted a medical mission for the students, and residents. As the children SEPTEMBER 2011
were handed out their gifts of love, the appreciation and the thank yous that were received were enough to alleviate whatever hardship went through in climbing up the road to Nagyubuyuban. – By PP Ming Yan Jao
D3800 – A Computer Center for Kapitan Moy Elementary School in Marikina Heights
The Rotary Club of Marikina Heights in 2010 built a new air-conditioned computer room at the second floor of the building and rehabilitated the 20 computers destroyed by typhoon Ondoy in late 2009, at the Kapitan Moy Elementary School in Marikina Heights, the club’s adopted school. The funds used were from the remaining proceeds of a 2008 matching grant from The Rotary Foundation with the Rotary Club of Tongjeju, D3660, in Korea, which originally equipped the said school with the computers and internet connection at its ground floor. The computer room is now at the second floor to avoid being destroyed by floods again. The children from the depressed neighborhood communities now have the opportunity to develop their IT skills, basic to getting jobs in future years. – by Gerard R.Rikken, President, RC Marikina Heights.. – By Gerard R. Rikken, President, RC Marikina Heights
D3810 – PVSETS 2011: A Turning Point for RAC Clubs of District 3810
District 3810 Rotaract Committee headed by Clarice Joy San Jose, the Rotary Club of University District Manila and Rotary Club of Manila, in partnership with the Rotaract clubs of Malate and University District Manila, successfully hosted the Rotaract Presidents, Vice-Presidents and SecretariesElect Training Seminar (PVSETS) 2011 at the Development PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
15
features Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City, on June 10-11, 2011. 70 officers from the Rotaract clubs from Manila, Pasay and Cavite attended the event with the theme “PVSETS 2011: Turning Point”. Highlights of the affair were lectures on how to be effective in their roles, and project planning, implementation and evaluation. Among the speakers were Benjie Oliva, a former commissioner of the National Youth Commission and Rotaract leaders. On the second day, the participants enjoyed teambuilding and group dynamics activities that fostered experiential learning and camaraderie among the Rotaract club leaders. – By Clarice Joy D.J. San Jose, District Rotaract Representative
Generations Seminar of the district. During the seminar, New Generations Chair, Past President Jenny Salud of the Rotary Club of San Juan, discussed the district’s thrusts and goals. Rotary clubs were encouraged to organize Interact and Rotaract clubs and host various New Generations activites throughout the year. – By PP Jenny Salud, Rotary Club of San Juan, RI District 3820
D3830 - DRITS 2011: A Huge Success The District Rotaract Interact Training Seminar, also known as DRITS 2011, met all expectations when it got off the ground August13 at the PATTS College of Aeronautics in Paranaque City under the theme “New Generations: Reaching Within To Embrace Humanity”. More than 500 Interactors, Rotaractors and advisers attended the big affair. The DRITS 2011 is the reformatted and new version of the District Rotaract Interact Assembly (DRIA) of previous Rotary Years, which now includes training seminars and workshops to better understand their organization and roles, aside from the fellowship. Speakers included DG Billy
D3820- New Generations Seminar “There is no success without succession.” These were the words of Governor Tato Dimayuga of District 3820 at the New Generations Seminar in Blue Sapphire Hotel in Lipa City last July 17, 2010. The district governor initiated this event because he knows that today’s young people will become tomorrow’s parents, professionals, business leaders and community leaders. “Youth programs will be the tool for them to develop into responsible and productive
16
members of society. “ This one-day event was attended by over 200 Rotarians from the different clubs in the district. The event’s chair, Past President Jun Manalo of the Rotary Club of Taal- Lemery was very pleased with the turnout of attendees. Some of them came all the way from the Bicol region to participate and learn in this very first New PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
Villareal, DGE Sue Sta. Maria, PP Doods Policarpio, Justice Jose Midas Marquez,the youngest ever Court Administrator and Spokesperson of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, and District Rotaract Interact Advisors Council (DRIAC) President Danny Gapasin (Tenets of Fund Raising). Adding excitement to the jam-packed whole day affair was the awarding of special prizes for the Biggest Delegation which went to the Rotaractors/Interactors of RC Paranaque St. Andrews, the Early Birds from the delegation of RC Makati Urdaneta, and the Best in Uniform from the delegation of RC Paranaque North. Raffle prizes included cellphone loads, cellphone sim reloading business, health soap products, and a cellphone unit, among others. The DRITS 2011 was ably hosted and organized by the following sponsor clubs: RC Alabang, RC Las Pinas Central, RC Las Pinas West, RC Makati Jose P. Rizal, RC Makati Olympia, RC Palanyag Paranaque, RC Paranaque Poblacion, and RC Paranaque Southwest, under the SEPTEMBER 2011
features
auspices of the New Generations Committee. – By PP Ador Tolentino, RC Paranaque Southwest, District Rotaract Chair, New Generations Service
D3860 - Rotary Club of Davao
2011 out of the 15 nominees endorsed by the various Department of Education (DepEd) school divisions in Region 10. She received a cash award of P50,000.00. The school of Ms. Tirol was also awarded a unit of desktop computer with LCD screen and schools with runners-up received wall fans. Heeding the call of DepEd Director Luz Almeda, for the first time in its 3 decade history, the search for MOPSTA has gone region-wide - expanding the search to cover the whole area of DepEd Region 10. Director Almeda thanked RC West and declared that “Public school teachers of DepEd in Region 10 are no longer unsung heroes because the RCWest is there to recognize, honor and award them for their excellence in their chosen noble profession as educators of our youth”. – By Past President Eileen E. San Juan
PROJECTS OF ROTARACT and INTERACT CLUBS Christmas Activity QRTC Orphanage December 15. 5 Rotaractors and 13 children participated, and with the assistance from OJT psychology students and staff, they distributed food, toys, prizes and had games. QRTCC is a transient home for the abandoned or homeless due to family problems. It operates under the city government and has shifts of social workers who teach catechism and literacy. However, the center was in bad shape, and Rotarians helped to provide with whatever they can. The club also participated in fun run, treeplanting and Rotaractors training. – By IPP Carlos Valverde
D3780 – Interact club projects, Batasan Hills
D3870 Most Outstanding Public School Teacher Award (MOPSTA) of the Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro The Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro (RCWest) awarded Ms. Luzviminda P. Tirol - a Grade 1 teacher of San Antonio Elementary School in Ozamiz City, as the winner of the club’s annual search for the Most Outstanding Public School Teacher Award (MOPSTA) for school year 2010-
The newly formed Interact Club of Batasan Hills National High school successfully launched several projects with its parent club, the RC Batasan Hills D3780. The projects were career counseling, clean up drive, talent shows and blood-letting. The projects benefitted more than 300 students, teachers and workers. – By IPP Becca dela Cruz
D3790 – Limay Interact Youth Camp The Interact Club of Limay held a two-day youth camp in June 2011 as a fund raising project at the Limay National High School (LNHS) in Bataan attended by 100 students. With the theme “Your Action Today Leads to a Brighter Tomorrow”, the camp aimed to improve the leadership skills, create environmental awareness and develop the well-being of the school’s students. The SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
17
features It was for the learning, the dedication you give to become a better professional. I am a Rotaractor. And it’s Fun. – By Rotaractor Kristoffer Ted M. Angala, SLU School of Medicine, Baguio City
D3820 – RC Calauag
camp was led by Interact Club President Antoneth dela Paz in cooperation with the Rotaract Club and Rotary Club of Limay, and the LNHS Principal and TLE teacher. Exciting and challenging activities were held to test the mental and physical attributes of the students, who found the camp worthwhile and fulfilling. Speakers PDRR Elizabeth Salvador, Director/historian Edna Binkowski and the author discussed leadership, role of youth in addressing global warming and preservation of our historical landmarks. Part of the funds raised was used to donate a multimedia player (in the picture) to the school. – By Imelda D. Inieto, Assistant Governor D3790
D3790 – RC Baguio
RC Baguio held a Rotaract orientation at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and School of Engineering to present the different vision, mission and goals of the organization and to welcome new members. During the orientation, there were three big things that I learned. First, we are a family. I imagined my proctors as my parents. Second, Experience is just an arm’s length away and all you have to do is reach for it. Third, Learning is not always confined in the 4-walls of the university. I registered with the Rotaract Club not for the privilege, honor or fame. It was for the company and friendship, the time you spend with the community folks for service.
History was made by the Rotaract of Calauag on its 2nd year of being a community based club because they’ve done a 5-in-1 community service project in the Barangay Hall of Kapaluhan, Calauag, July 9. These projects were: 1)Donation of Nebulizer kit from the Rotary Club of Daegu Gwang Jang, South Korea and Rotary Club of Tanauan through the matching grant # 74110. 2) Books Across The Seas / School Supplies Distribution, part of Matching Grant #67903 from The Rotary Club of Wisconsin, USA, with 50 sets of books distributed to grade 3 to 6 students, and school supplies for younger children. Rotaractors and Interactors entertained the students with fun and games. 3) Alternative Medicine Fund Raising was launched by Rotaractor Billy Joel Santos which included free consultation, measuring of blood pressure, electronic acupuncture, and herbal supplements. 4) Anti-Rabies- Ten dogs were administered with anti-rabies vaccine. 5)Tree Planting – The Green Barangay Road Project. 50 narra seedlings were planted along the main road of Brgy Kapaluhan and another 50 were donated to the community. The 5-in-1 event was made possible through the assistance of CENRO Cyril Coliflores, Ms. Lucena Vivian Lim, Mr. Erwin Santos, Mr. Arturo Santos and family, and Ms. Evangeline Araño.
D3830 – Proud Pinoy, Proud Makati Rotaractor
18
The 5th Induction Ceremonies of Pilipinas Rotaract Multi-District Information Organization representing Districts 3780, 3790, 3800, 3810, 3820, 3830, and 3860 (MDIO Pilipinas) and the APRRC Subic Bay Grand Launch on August 21, 2011 at Citimotors Makati. MDIO is a regional center for information and resources. The event, hosted by District 3830, was aptly themed “Proud to be Pinoy” because the day marked the death anniversary of one of our heroes, former Senator Ninoy Aquino. Special guests were D3830 DG Ismael “Billy” Villareal, the Guest PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2011
features Speaker and Inducting Officer, and District 3780’s DG Jose Francisco “Jess” Cifra who charged the MDIO Pilipinas Council. They were joined by New Generations and Rotaract officers from the seven districts. DG Billy, in his message, emphasized how important we Rotaractors are because of three things: we are trained to espouse the VALUES of Rotary; we are a part of the EXTENDED FAMILY of Rotary; and we are the BEST SOURCE of FUTURE ROTARIANS. DG Jess, on the other hand, energetically charged the incoming MDIO Pilipinas Council and challenged them to excel in everything and never resort to mediocrity. The event also saw the Grand Launch of the 8th Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) to be held from September 29-October 2, 2011 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. My attendance in this event was really a great opportunity for a Rotaractor like me, which makes me proud to be a Filipino. And a Rotaractor, too. – By CMP Marisko “Miko” Sabado
D3850 – Council of Rotaract Clubs in Iloilo
It all started sometime in November 2010 during a final planning session of the Council Of Rotaract Clubs In Iloilo inside the Central Philippine University Campus for their Fun Run Fundraising called “Race to the Sun”. During the planning session, City Councilor & PP Jason Gonzales of the Rotary Club of Iloilo South presented his proposal to “Adopt a Gawad Kalinga Family” project to all the Rotaract Clubs present. After discussing the uniqueness and the opportunity to touch lives, the Rotaract Club Of Iloilo South then committed their participation to PP Jason Gonzales. Their first involvement for the project was during the Christmas season on December 18, 2010 through giving of food, utensils and gifts, with the help of their Korean Rotaract friends.
D3860 – Rotaract Club of UP Mindanao
The yearly Filipino oratorical contest, “Pagpamatbat”, was held at the SM Event Centre last November 29, 2010. The club decided to make the competition inter-city and invited different schools from different cities. This event showcased the ideas and points of view of the nine high school students on the topic, “Kabataan ng Mindanao, Para Sa Mindanao”. In the in end, it was Melissa Mae B. Layno (in the picture) of Sta. Ana National High School who bagged the first prize.
SEPTEMBER 2011
Those who responded : Thank you!
Editor’s note : We thank the Rotarians whosubmittedphotos for our August 2011 cover which theme was “Philippine Rotarians : The Face of Service in our Communities”. Listed below are the names on the photos that we were able to gather or decipher from the emails we received. Some submitted their first or last names only while some pictures did not have names on them. District 3770 Joey Abela Lyzabeth Abela Vino Abella Raffy Arenes Reggie Avellanoza Jody Mar Bartolome Caroline Dave Joe De Guzman Lynn de Guzman Janice de Jesus Romeo De Jesus James delos Santos Merly Gonzales Rhel Jose Prudencio Legaspi Loreto Limcolic Noel Mariano Jun Payumo Felipe Policarpio Ronald Putena Boy Valle Naldy Villano Lita Zamora Rody Zamora Arlene Marilyn Nympha District 3780 Eduardo Aguila Alcantara Elisa Allada Karl Alva Josefina Ang Alicia Arcano Alexander Arrojo Atienza Jun Avecilla Jimmy Baniqued Bermar Bantola Nick Bartolome Alfred Bayan Alex Bernales Jojo Bernardo Jeffrey Briones Alejandro Buot, Jr. Lito Caballero Michelle Cabrera Armin Camacho Rommel Cariño Vic Chua Consulta Francisco d. B. Alfonso Irma dc. Pizzarro Joel de Jesus Warren Domantay Roman Escueta Dan Espinosa Josie Garcia Go Ayie Gonzales Annabelle Jereza
Manouch Khaledi Luz Laguitao Jess Laxamana Rodolfo Lejano Danny Lim Limbert Lim Co Glenn Macatiag Edwin Marcos Mark Bernard Marquez Ven Martillo Mark Mendoza Felicitas Millena Alfonso Miranda Hector Moreno, Jr. Isidra Nery Mario Nery Daniel Ongchoco Rolando Pacana Jun Padua Josie Patron Rafael Pefianco Deo Princesa Deogracia Princesa Perfecto Quilicot Joel Ragos Bernadette Redublo Ricky Reyes Reyes Rodriguez Francisco Saavedra Floro San Juan, Jr. Joel Sarmiento Signo Ping Sison Jesse Tanchanco Nicolas Torre III Alex Torres Annie Torres Jose Umali III Elsa Unson Joseph Uy Gloriosa Valarao Tony Vidal Dina Viernes Aladin Villacorte Lyndon Wong Efren Yambot Crispina Yenko Andrew Ariel Bernie Bobbie Caloy Cora Ed Gerry Henry Lito Mike Nanding Romy Suzette Tony (To be continued)
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
19
features
Voice of the Youth (Editor’s note : In an Essay Writing Contest conducted by RI District 3860 among the youth, this one emphasizes how the four way test can transform people and issues a call and challenge for all. It won second place.)
The Extraordinariness of the Ordinary By Philip Castillon, St. Mary’s Academy (Cebu City)
I
learned that the Rotary Four Way Test was established for the professionals but I earnestly believe that an ordinary student like me can use the Four Way Test in my daily actions and decisions in life. With the Four Way Test as my guiding principle, I can turn my ordinary life into an extraordinary one. What exactly is the Rotary Four Way Test? It is a guiding principle composed of four questions that anybody can make use of. We have to consider truthfulness, fairness and concern for individuals when apply this in real life. The four essential questions will steer us to its main goal, which is to attain fairness, truthfulness, goodwill and better friendships and if used appropriately, it will yield positive results. As a student and a son, authentic truthfulness is the important virtue that I must possess. Without it, my life would be nothing because of the lies that I will do if I don’t exhibit truthfulness. In addition to this, I would want to share a horrible experience of mine. That experience is when I saw students cheating during examination, I was troubled with what I should do, so I applied the first question of Rotary’s Four Way Test. In the end, I told the teacher of what happened and I was relieved of doing it because I knew that it will be helpful to those students and to me, just as what the famous quote says, “the truth will set you free.”
We must also consider fairness in our daily activities so that all will be benefited and not only us. Fairness entails sacrificing one’s needs for the sake of other people, so it is something difficult and challenging to do. Nevertheless, we must challenge ourselves to be fair with other people for it is what God wants us to do. I saw a souvenir of the CEAP National Convention with the theme “A heart of Eden and A hand at Ecology.” which reminded me that I should be a good steward of the environment. God gave us the full authority to rule over His creations, therefore, we are held responsible for whatever happens to it. So, we must find ways to slowly heal the environment and help it be preserved for future generations. I cannot do this alone so I will encourage other concerned people to help me in this goal. Friendships are now easily built because of the advent of technology but the challenge for us is how to use technology in an appropriate way, to connect with other people with different personalities, outlooks and perspectives in life. With the proper utilization of the Rotary Four Way Test, we can connect with communities and bridge continents. We start out being ordinary but with the application of the Rotary Four Way Test, I can say that we can make ourselves extraordinary!
Then Rotaractor, now Rotary Club President Dr. Johann Christian “Joh” Montellano was an active member of the Rotaract Club of UE College of Dentistry and upon graduation joined the Rotaract Club of Timog, QC in 2005 as a charter member and became the Community Service Director. His service record in leading dental missions to Payatas, QC helped him undertake the task well. In RY 2007-2008, he was invited to the Rotary Club of Timog and elected Club Secretary in his second year, doing so well that he was nominated for Most Outstanding Secretary of D3780. He also served as Service to New Generations Chair, Service Project Chair
20
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
and adviser of RAC Timog before becoming the Silver President of the Rotary Club of Timog for RY 2011-2012. Joh credits his Rotaract experience in helping him to be a “person for others” and in developing his leadership skills. A Rotarian and Rotaractor at heart, Joh owes his service orientation to his dad, Rotarian Dr. Roberto S. Montellano, a past president of the Rotary Club of Timog. Following their footsteps is younger sister, Marby, the incumbent District Rotaract Representative of RID 3780.
SEPTEMBER 2011
sponsored section
MEET DISTRICT GOVERNOR LEONCIO “NONOY” VILLA-ABRILLE
A
s Rotarians, we live by the truism, “Service above Self.” This is no more evident than in the lifelong passion for service of District Governor, Leoncio “Nonoy” P. Villa-Abrille. A lawyer by profession, Nonoy finished his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree at San Beda College in Manila in 1966 and his Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of the Philippines College of Law in Diliman, Quezon City in 1970. He was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1971 and to the New York State Bar in 1988, making him a member of both the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the American Bar Association. But he is more than just a lawyer: In spirit, Nonoy is a passionate servant to those in need. When he and his family moved to the United States in 1985, he became active in the civic activities in the Filipino-American
september 2011
community in Dallas, Texas, cofounding the Filipino-American Catholics of Dallas, Inc. Nonoy also served as counselor for the Fil-Am Senior Citizens of Dallas Metroplex, Inc. In both groups, he devoted his time and expertise when called upon. In 1996, Nonoy returned to the Philippines for good and joined the Rotary Club of South Davao. Since then, Nonoy has served in various capacities in the club and district levels. He served as club president in 2004, and concurrently served as chairman of the Council of Presidents. Nonoy has attended several Rotary International conventions, and was an active participant in many sessions. His willingness and total commitment to take on any task assigned to him, whether chairing a district conference or serving as resource person for a training seminar, was noteworthy. Outside his community service as a Rotarian, Nonoy has worked with the local governments in Davao City and neighboring areas for their housing programs, especially for the homeless and informal settlers. Through his stewardship of the Don Cesareo Villa-Abrille Foundation, Nonoy spearheaded the philanthropic works and community service involvement of the Villa-Abrille family. He also supported several scholars through the Fr. Maurice Cote Scholarship Foundation, Inc., as well as through
Top: DG Nonoy Villa-Abrille with RI President Kalyan Banerjee and spouse Binota. Bottom: PDG Ray Patuasi inducts DG Nonoy VillaAbrille into office at ceremonies held at Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City.
similar academic programs he initiated with his high school classmates and friends. As our District 3860 Governor, Nonoy Villa-Abrille has the skills to lead us in our continuing efforts of building a healthier, happier and peaceful community. His passion for serving others is a brilliant inspiration to each one of us to reach within ourselves and embrace and serve our community, and all humanity, above our own selves. ® PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
21
sponsored section
22
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
september 2011
sponsored section
september 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
23
sponsored section
24
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
september 2011
sponsored section
SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
25
sponsored section
26
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2011
sponsored section
SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
27
sponsored section
RCDowntown Downtown Davao’s Center: RC Davao’sDay DayCare Care Center:
A Center for Hope for Davao’s Children
What was once known as “NicarAgdao”--because Davao City’s Agdao district used to be the killing fields and therefore referred to as the “Nicaragua of Asia” in the late 1970s and early 1980s -- is now home to the Rotary Club of Downtown Davao’s Center for Hope. The Center for Hope is a two-story, four-room building that stands on a 300 square meter lot near the coastal area of two barangays -- Centro and Duterte. The land was purchased by RC Downtown Davao Foundation during its charter year in 1993 and construction of the building started during RY 1998-99. The completion of the building in RY 2006-07 was made possible by generous donations from the World Community Service (WCS) of Chiba and RC Osaka, Japan through the efforts of President Maria Richelle Bangoy Vicente. An all-women service club, RC Downtown Davao focused their community service projects to benefit Agdao’s marginalized women and their children. The Center for Hope is where the club conducts its children’s feeding and
28
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
nutrition program, medical-dental mission and free clinics, skills and livelihood trainings for mothers and out-of-school youth, and literacy program. In RY 2008-09, the club under President Marina Bello - Ruivivar, partnered with the local government to implement the Early Childhood Education and Development program. The City Social Services and Development Office provided the accredited teacher while the club offered its Center for Hope as a free space for the community’s pre-school and day care center. The club also gave children’s uniforms, furniture, and school supplies. Around 40 to 50 children are served every year. This Rotary year, President Irene Aquino added incentives to encourage more parents to bring their children to pre-school classes, which led to record-high enrollment of 56 children. RC Downtown Davao believes in investing in the New Generations through education and in ensuring that hope will triumph over despair. And they are proud to say that Rotarians have helped transform Davao City’s killing fields into a center for hope. •
SEPTEMBER 2011
sponsored section
In 1956 Past District Governor Danding Romualdez introduced the idea of establishing an extension of Rotary work in the Province of Cotabato. Rotarian Fred Ramos, Sr. past president of the Rotary Club of Cotabato at that time, recalled that the Municipality of Midsayap was initially surveyed as a possible community for a new Rotary Club. However, Midsayap was not encouraging. Then Governor Danding suggested that under the joint sponsorship of the Rotary clubs of Cotabato and Davao, a club would be established at Kidapawan. After a conscientious study of the locality, it was decided that a Rotary club in Kidapawan would not prosper as well. The Rotary Club of Cotabato then surveyed another area for the establishment of a new club, this time in General Santos City, Under the encouragement of Past District Governor Ito Tinio, who suggested Danding Romualdez. In the survey reported submitted, General Santos was described as : “A town specially blessed by nature with a wide expanse of plains of farm lands : with the Sarangani Bay, a storehouse of seafood on the foreground, and Mt. Matutum standing majestically on the background is endowed with all kinds of natural forest products. This community of about forty to fifty thousand inhabitants, enjoys peace and happiness with the comforts and accommodations present in the modern small city of four hotels, four show houses, churches, schools and facilities for land, water and air transportation.” By mid-1957, the Rotary Club of Cotabato reached the decision that General Santos City would, and could sustain a Rotary club. Thus, they began to actively search and invite prominent men in the city to attend regular club meetings in order to acquaint and interest them in the workings of a Rotary club. According to Fred Ramos, he sought for the ”right person having the right ideas and the spirit of cooperation in the establishment of a civic club to carry out the ideal of service in General Santos.” The new club was originally named. “The Rotary Club of Sarangani.” However, according to the decision of the district governor at the Institute held in Ozamis City on 24 November 1957, “the name Rotary Club of Sarangani runs counter to the provision of the By-laws of Rotary International, to the effect that a Rotary Club must carry a name identical to its post office address.” Hence the change, to the name which is carries until today, ROTARY CLUB OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY. Being the first club to be organized in the SOCSARGEN region, having been chartered by RI on 3 March 1958, the Rotary Club of General Santos City became an instrument of hope and change in the community. Among the club’s signature projects are the following: Sight for a Child Project, Feeding Program, Health & Sanitation, and Literacy Projects. The members are renowned gentlemen, who excelled in business or in their chosen professions. The club is known in Zone 3A for having the most past district governors (numbering 4: PDGs Jorge Royeca, Armin Cucueco, Jesus Veneracion, and Antonio Veneracion), the most Paul Harris Fellows (91) and the 1st 100% Paul Harris Club in the zone (as of 26 May 2010, the club became the 18th club to be certified as a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club in the Philippines and the 8th District 3860). The membership now spans to 2 generations, and the club has distinguished itself for having 10 Father-Son tandems/members through the years (The Veneracions, the Tans, the Salangsangs, the 2 Royeca families, the Riveras, the Regollos, the Patridges, the Hongs and the Baulas). On Independence Day of 2006, I set out on a 41-hour voyage from Manila to live permanently in General Santos City. Through the invitation of Rotarian Thomas “Bebot” Haw, I was inducted to the club in December of the same year. I was then overwhelmed by the members of the club. I felt I was a nobody compared to the rich and pillars of the club, who are mostly past presidents and past district governors. But then I was welcomed with open arms without regard to my status in life and where I came from. Their friendship is genuine and sincere. It is indeed a privilege to be a member of this all-male club. And it is my distinct honor to be the first lawyer to become the 54th president of the Rotary Club of General Santos City!
SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
29
sponsored section
30
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2011
sponsored section
THE ROTARY CLUB OF STA. ANA (DAVAO) Club No. 17130, R.I. District 3860, Philippines
The club was chartered on August 08, 1980 as Club No. 17130 of Rotary International District 3860. The club owns the distinction of having hosted the 1982 District 3860 Convention only as a three-year old Rotary club. RCC STO. NIﾃ前 LIVELIHOOD PHILIPPINES (Barangay Sto. Niﾃｱo, Tugbok District, Davao City, Philippines) Under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Sta. Ana (Davao), RCC Sto. Niﾃｱo Association was organized in January 2005. Barangay Sto. Niﾃｱo has a population of 15,000 consisting of 3,000 families. This RCC is hosting skills training in building construction leadmanship for the recipient barangay which is home to many carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers and painters. Since the RCC has a multi-purpose building, it also hosts medical and dental clinics for the residents, jointly with the Rotary Club of Sta. Ana (Davao). RCC SAN VICENTE DAY CARE AND LIVELIHOOD (Purok San Vicente, Barangay Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines) Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sta. Ana (Davao) and organized in 1985, this RCC is hosting a Day Care Center for 100 pre-schoolers in the Purok which has a population of 3,000 consisting of 500 households. On the side, a group of ten enterprising resident housewives are doing handicraft production of RTWs and stuffed toys, and recently, merchandise retailing. The day care building also serves as the venue for medical and dental clinics which the RCC hosts at least twice a year. SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
31
sponsored section
The Operation New Look, a continuing service project of the Rotary Club of Tagum North, generously provides free surgical interventions to the indigent patients with cleft lip and cleft palate. On its 13th year of generous assistance to the affected patients and helpless families, the program stands stronger than ever and continues to be the major health project of the club. This year, it envisions of going beyond the limits of Davao del Norte, extending its invitation to the nearby provinces and municipalities of Mindanao. Owing to the desire of changing the lives of this increasing multitude of affected individuals, the Rotary Club of Tagum North has collaborated with the Jerome Foundation, Inc. in the promotion of this laudable activity that is traditionally being conducted at the Bishop Joseph Regan Memorial Hospital in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The Rotary Club of Tagum North has developed a strong partnership with the following civic and government organizations to collaborate with the project, namely: the Bishop Joseph Regal Memorial Hospital, Philippine Pediatric Society – Davao Southern Mindanao Chapter, North Davao Dental Society, and the Rotaract Club of Tagum North – UM Tagum College. Oozing with their desire to help the unfortunate families of these affected children, the Rotary Club of Tomioka, Japan has extended their generous financial assistance to facilitate the conduct of the operation. After more than a month of information campaign drive in various tri-media group, fifty-seven (57) patients were screened and successfully underwent the cleft lip and palate surgery last October 22 and 23, 2010. To date, more than 560 patients have availed of this impressive program. The Rotary Club of Tagum North’s Operation New Look has gone a long way, changing lives, bridging gaps, and providing new hopes for these unfortunate helpless individuals. It has definitely changed the face of the world, one smile at a time.
32
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2011
sponsored section
RCWWD HOLDS ROTARY FAMILY ECO-CAMP by SAG Malou L. Jacinto and PP Giovanna McKay
The Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao conducted the Rotary Family Ecology Camp on June 4, 2011 at the Teresian Daughters of Mary Retreat House, Davao City. Done in partnership with Davao City Water District and Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC), the one-day camp had a total of thirty-three (33) participants, composed of Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD) Rotaractors, RCWWD children, and WMYC members. The objective of the Eco-camp is to instill in the young members of MKD Rotaract and RCWWD family the importance of Davao City’s watersheds. Highly interactive lectures, workshops, and games were done touching on the basic laws of ecology and nature and importance of watersheds. At the conclusion of the eco-camp, the participants shared the ways by which they could contribute in the protection and conservation of the watersheds through poster –making. Finding the Eco-camp as a very refreshing and effective way to promote Rotary’s program on environmental advocacy, RCWWD Pres. Marivic Jimenez expressed her plan to make it an annual club activity. Now close to two decades in existence, RCWWD’s secret to staying positive all these years is that we are always on the look out for “beauty”. Sounds rather simple, but we are convinced that this is the most important skill we as humans can ever learn or develop. By doing this, we move to a place where it is much easier for us to relate to ourselves and to each other…a place ruled by respect and tolerance and, as we move forward, our actions as individuals, and as a group, are always grounded in the wisdom of love, compassion, and appreciation for all.•
Eco-campers presenting their workshops output.
http://www.rotarywaling-walingdavao.org
SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
33
features
Measuring Leadership
A
PDG Mark O. Go, D3790
new Rotary year often evokes in many of us a mixture of excitement, a sense of overwhelming, a tinge of anticipation. A new Rotary year presents to us new opportunities with which we can fulfill our advocacy, as well as new challenges that will test and hone our skills, strengthening us in our pursuit of the loftiest of ideals.
34
We set out to make the most of the coming year. To do this, it is necessary to evaluate ourselves, and refresh in our memories the standards we measure ourselves against. As servant leaders, we have the obligation to constantly improve, remain abreast with the times, and responsive to the needs of our constituencies. We then have to measure ourselves as leaders. While our leadership styles can vary far and wide, and approaches differing depending on the situation, the key here is to find the common elements that altogether comprise quality leadership. These are: Integrity. A leader is nothing if not an example to those around him. We need leaders who stand by their principles, who walk the talk. The true test of integrity is in our behavior when no one is watching. During these unguarded moments, it is often helpful to ask ourselves, would we be ashamed to tell others about what we were doing? This is the very basic application of the four-way test, as well as what ties us, in most cases, to our profession. Most of us are required to abide by professional codes of ethics, as well as corporate ones; this is the code of ethics that we as people managers must implement. Integrity is doing what we say and saying what we do. This reinforces not only the mandate of our professions, but the mandate of our conscience, and the inherent value of doing right by it. Vision. Leadership is among the professions that require threedimensional thinking: it requires the ability to see into the future and transcend the limitations of the PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
present. This vision is the gift we impart to others and it is similarly important to break down this vision into attainable chunks that confirm to how each one of us in the organization can contribute to its fulfillment. The leader, after all, can not only see the future, but see it through its execution. Vision is a crucial unifying element in any organization, bringing people together to achieve a shared goal that will benefit others not only in the short term but in the long
necessary to mobilize any work force to align their work with our vision. Open lines of communication are best seen in fraternity, and it is this that makes a formidable base for the pursuit of the loftiest advocacies. The organization’s growth inextricably promotes the growth of the individuals that comprise it; and a shared goal for a determined period of time challenges and empowers everyone to perform to the best of their abilities, as well as acquire useful skills. It is, ultimately, the mandate to bring those around us to the state where they see all the possibilities and are inspired to make the most of them. The challenge for us is to transmit the energies we have to encourage others to take bolder steps: to set bigger goals, take bigger
Leadership is among the professions that require threedimensional thinking: it requires the ability to see into the future and transcend the limitations of the present. term as well. Most importantly, sharing one’s vision is empowering others to become agents of change. Planning. Vision is never enough, and we continue to be measured by the results that we can deliver. Good planning is the crucial link between the now and the futures we plan, the results we intend to generate. The ability to produce results is, for the most part, what defines us as an organization; and developing community capabilities is what takes all of us forward. Ceremonies are auxiliary. Ceremonies serve to keep us grounded with club ideals, as well as provide us a stream of opportunities to fraternize. But our fraternity is not limited to our organization, and must be shared with those around us. It is in service that we truly create the ties that bind. Inspiration and motivation. Inspiration and motivation are
chances in the pursuit of an ideal. Calculated Risk. Openness is a risk, growth is its reward; and it is the willingness to undertake it that makes it possible. Some risks are always necessary to progress, and the true leader knows to strike the balance between comfortable and outrageously risky, as well as to anticipate what the risks involve, to prepare for them, and more importantly, ensure minimal compromise of the organization’s interests. Always responsible, the true leader is most often has his neck on the line for such risks, believing that ultimately, the risk is worth it: “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly,” (Robert F. Kennedy) and progress is the outcome of taking that extra leap, grabbing a new opportunity, setting a bigger goal. Innovation. Innovation is often the true mark of a healthy organization, Turn to page 37 SEPTEMBER 2011
features
Celebrating our teachers’ heroism:
A multisectoral initiative
M
By Aniceto M. Sobrepeña
ost of us have a teacher who had inspired us during our student days. As we leave the halls of our respective Alma Maters and pursue our respective callings, our teachers are often left behind. Every year, our dear teachers continue to teach, to mould and to inspire new students to find and pursue their passion. After several years of struggle in different work places, we often find ourselves in the proper fields of our interest and it dawns on us, that once in our lives, we have met this special person – a teacher - who has been a part of who we are right now who is worth remembering. But busy schedules come in the way, and the intention to go back to visit our beloved teacher gets buried along with our other daily concerns. With all their efforts, they deserve to be remembered and honored. Their success in honing the youth over the years must be celebrated. It is now time for us to express our deepest gratitude for what they have done to us. They are our mentors. Our second parents. Our spiritual advisers or gurus. Our trusted counselors. Our friends – they are our TEACHERS.
Teachers’ Month (TMC)
Campaign
It was in 1993 when UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) declared October 5 as World Teachers’ Day - a day to celebrate teachers and the central role they
SEPTEMBER 2011
If you can read this, thank a teacher. – Anonymous play in guiding children, youth and adults through the life-long learning process. Realizing the need to encourage heightened public participation on this very important celebration, then De La Salle University president and now Department of Education secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, approached me to initiate the idea of institutionalizing the event through a nationwide advocacy campaign. Metrobank Foundation has long been involved in uplifting the image of the teachers through its long-running program, Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT), and Bro. Armin saw this new endeavour as an opportunity for the public to pay tribute to our country’s educators. Thus, in 2008, the��������������������� Teachers’ Month Campaign (TMC) was conceived. We led the Steering Committee and organized partnerships between Metrobank Foundation and the De La Salle University together with the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), Campaigns Social Response (CSR), with the special participation of the Department of Education (DepEd) and some other key business insti-
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
35
features tutions and major media partners. From its inception, we encouraged not only our partners but also other organizations to engage in this endeavor. Their participation was instrumental in generating nationwide interest in the event and led to a lot of honoring activities and gratitude perks for the teachers.
Collaboration in motion TMC is a multisectoral campaign aiming not only to disseminate information but also to create various venues for the public to be able to express their gratitude towards their teachers. We have envisioned it as a platform to remind the public of the nobility and essence of the teaching profession and the role it plays in shaping an individual, families, the community and the nation as a whole. With the diverse nature of partner institutions, the promulgation of the advocacy became easier as it
36
reached different entry points. Our collaborative efforts with the national government down to the local government units, non-government organizations, the academe, private companies, media, and other sociocivic organizations created a big impact in the nationwide celebration. This convergence is a testament that, indeed, our teachers being a great influence in shaping us as respectable individuals, is truly worthy of national PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
recognition. In 2008, we were in awe as we saw the largest “Thank You Banner” as a unified expression of gratitude. This banner composed of personally handwritten thank you messages and expressions of appreciation by students from several universities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces and cities became a testament of the public’s appreciation for teachers. The Teachers’ Month Campaign was re-launched in 2009 with the theme “My Teacher, My Hero” and this was also carried on in 2010. We organized a TMC Council of Leaders. This is chaired by Mr. Washington Sycip, founder of the SGV Group, while I headed the Steering Committee together with Secretary Armin Luistro. More government education institutions, private companies, and major organizations joined the Campaign which further bolstered a more unified action among various sectors. Serving as the highlight of the campaign is the simultaneous recitation of A Special Prayer for Teachers at exactly 10:05 am on October 5, led by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Earlier that day, Malacañang issued Presidential Proclamation No. 41 “declaring the 1st Friday of September to October 5, 2010 as National Teachers’ Month”. In recognition of the campaign’s success, the Metrobank Foundation and the Teachers Month Campaign Steering Committee received a Merit
Award in the 2010 Philippine Quill of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) for spearheading the TMC. Because of the huge success in generating public impact in the implementation of the 2010 Teachers Month Campaign, it bagged the Grand Anvil from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP). For us in the Steering Committee, our partners and numerous supporters, winning the awards and receiving recognitions comes with the greater challenge to sustain what we have started and do more for our teachers.
Moving forward This year, the Teachers Month Campaign continues to herald the theme “My Teacher, My Hero” and will be launched once again, during the Metrobank’s 49th anniversary celebration on September 5, 2011. This will be highlighted by the awarding of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teachers of 2011. The month-long celebration culminates on October 5 as World Teachers’ Day. Large scale-plans by partners from both public and private institutions and organizations including the Rotary Clubs are already being laid out as we celebrate another milestone in recognizing the significant role of our teachers in our lives as an individual and their contribution to nation building. We invite the public to participate on these planned activities and in our own little ways express our own gratitude to our our heroes – our teachers! ® SEPTEMBER 2011
features
Teachers’ Month Campaign 2011 Activities (more activities to be announced) Activity: 2011 TMC Launch during the Awarding of Outstanding Filipinos Implementing Company: Metrobank Foundation, Inc. September 5, 2011, 5:00 p.m., Metrobank Plaza Auditorium Activity: “This One is For You” - A nationwide Fun Walk / Run for Teachers Implementing Companies: Synergeia Foundation, Inc., CCP, Museo Pambata, SMART & Globe October 1, 2011, 4:30 – 7:00 p.m., venue for NCR: CCP Grounds Activity: World Teachers’ Day Celebration (TMC Culminating Event) Lead Implementer: Department of Education Partners: SM Supermalls October 5, 2011, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn, PhilSports Arena or SMX Activity: Poster Making Contest and 60-second Video Contest Lead Implementer: SMART Partners: Department of Education, Bato-Balani Phase: Regional & National (on-line voting) Activity: Party Pilipinas Tours Lead Implementer: GMA 7 Partners: Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education 4 Sundays of September Activity: Celebration of World Teachers Day in Philippine Schools in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Lead Implementer: Department of Education, Education Attache in Riyadh October 5, 2011, Whole Day, Philippine Schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Treat/Promo: Everyday is Teachers’ Day in Ayala Museum – free entrance for all teachers Implementer: Ayala Foundation, Inc. Whole year, Ayala Museum Activity: “Tribute to Teachers” Implementer: DIWA and Bato-Balani Foundation, Inc. September 10, 2011, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m, Marriott Hotel, Resorts World About the Author Acquiring the highest rank in the Career Executive Officers Corps in his more than 22 years in public service, Aniceto Sobrepeña was elected executive director of the Metrobank Foundation in 1995. He then became executive vice president of the foundation and was later elected as the foundation’s president in 2006. Under his leadership, the Foundation became one of the country’s most dynamic corporate philanthropic organizations. SEPTEMBER 2011
From page 34
Measuring Leadership, cont’d as mechanisms are provided to better respond to the changing needs within and outside the organization. Innovations assure a continually emerging degree of quality services, piloting work process improvement and systematizing methodologies. In so doing, we recognize the innovations that provide us significant conveniences at increasingly competitive costs. It is important for us to provide the structures that are best conducive to innovation, and in so doing, think outside the box---or without it entirely. Creativity is the driving force of any organization, and we must both invite it as well as harness it. Hard work. Leadership is never simply about dominance. Often, leaders must work just as hard, if not harder, than their constituents. Being among the brains of the institution, leadership requires extensive knowledge of processes that keep the organization up and running, as well as the particularities that allow individuals to fruitfully interact with one another within organizational spaces. This is picked up through experience, extensive study, and rigorous training, and is driven by a restless energy for learning and new experiences. Competence. A certain amount of competence is often fundamental to any leadership, one that is constantly improving with the learning of new skills, strategies, and techniques acquired through any number of ways. In addition, knowing the terrain has an invaluable impact on judgement calls made in the precarious positions of leadership. Its most essential capacity in organizations where there are a plurality of interests is the integration of these interests. Leaders have the challenge of maintaining non-adversarial relationships and instead fostering an environment of collaboration: bringing people together to address issues and concerns in a cooperative manner. A focus on root causes effectively results from this, and it is this that enables us to create the milestones that define us as a club. These values are part and parcel of what is the bigger picture, the steps that, when taken, are the equipment with which we channel our professional affiliations into the improvement of the quality of life of others. As a socio-civic organization, we form an alliance with the government and work toward the shared aspiration of bringing the best out of this country. “We give [others] the chance to improve their lives, because their progress will be the country’s progress.” Testing ourselves, evaluating ourselves, and further challenging ourselves, is the hallmark of Arthur Clarke’s, “the only way of finding the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.” As an organization, as professionals, as servant leaders, as Rotarians, we pledge to continually improve in this stead. Cheers to another Rotary year of service and friendship. ®
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
37
Family of of Rotary Rotary in in the the Philippines Philippines Family districtS 3770 • 3780 • 3790 • 3800 • 3810 • 3820 • 3830 • 3850 • 3860 • 3870
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF PRM FOUNDATION, INC. RY 2011-2012 PDG Jaime “James” O. Dee, D-3800 Chairman of the Board
PDG Oscar “Oca” A. Inocentes, D-3780 Vice Chairman/Trustee
PDG Rafael ”Butch” A. Francisco, D-3830 Trustee (PCRG Chairman RY 2011-2012)
PDG Melito “Melito”S. Salazar, Jr., D-3780 Trustee (PRM Editor-In-Chief)
PDG Miguelito “Lito” L. Jose, D-3770 Trustee
PDG John Paul “Jaypee” S. Cadaing, D-3790 Trustee
PDG Fabio “Fabie” J. Enriquez, D-3800 Trustee
Rotary Club of Pandi - D3770 supports the supplemental feeding program launching ceremony for the underweight and severely underweight children 0-71 months old. – By Pres. Noel Esteban, RC Pandi, D3770.
PDG Juanito “Sonny” T. Ventura, D-3810 Trustee
PDG Leandro “Lindy” P. Garcia, D-3820 Trustee
PDG Wilfredo “Willy” L. Segovia, D-3830 Trustee
PDG Ma. Victoria “Nanette” T. Garcia, D-3850 Trustee
PDG Fernando “Jun” A. Almeda, Jr., D-3860 Trustee
PDG Rhia Rita “Rhia” Y. Abalos, D-3870 Trustee
38
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
Midtown QC’s Sagip Children’S Party - D3780 held on July 2, 2011 at Gawad Kalinga Telus Village at Tandang Sora QC. Sagip is a collective name given to GK children age 7 - 12. There were 32 participants that day. – Silver President Gigi Alcala, RC Midtown QC, D3780
SEPTEMBER 2011
FAMILY OF ROTARY IN THE PHILIPPINES
RC Mabalacat provides livelihood The Rotary Club of Mabalacat - D3790 provides livelihood training program to every Rotary Community Corps that it puts up, as follows: RCC Clark, Clark - hairdressing and massage therapy, 33 members; RCC Capaya 1, Angeles City - massage therapy. 14 members; RCC Tabun, Angeles City - Barista, bar tendering, 19 members; RCC Northville 16, Mabalacat - massage therapy, barista, 34; RCC Sapang Biabas, Mabalacat - massage therapy, 29; RCC Lakandula, Mabalacat - massage therapy, 35; RCC Minalin - massage therapy, 21 and RCC Amity - bread-making and bakery course, 12. Successful graduates of these TESDA-certified courses were able to find employment. Some managed their own time by giving home services. Philippine Air Force personnel and private businesses in Clark, for instance, were grateful to have massage therapists on call. RCC members showed their gratitude by joining the medical missions of the club in depressed communities and giving free haircut to young boys and girls and massage therapy to the elders. The members of RCCs also assist in the registration of patients during medical missions. Lately, the club encouraged RCCs to put up a mini-pharmacy in their respective areas. The initial inventory of generic medicines was provided by Botika Tamu. RCM and the RCC shared the initial capital of P3,000. Botika Tamu intends to make medicines available in needy communities at most reasonable prices. – By PP Glo Nethercutt, RC Mabalacat, D3790. Rotary Club of Bagumbayan-Manila, d3810 conducted a medical and dental mission last July 10 at Mataasnakahoy, Batangas with almost 700 beneficiaries. by Pres. Richard S. Chua Chiaco, RC Bagumbayan, D3810
DG David with beneficiaries of Feeding Program. Right photo: DG David, DGL Avisha, PDG Tony Puyat, RCKGM Pres. Thomas Mo. – By Pres. Oscar Hipolito, RC Mandaluyong, D3800
SEPTEMBER 2011
DG David Harilela (RI-D3450), spouse Avisha and daughter Sheeva visited the feeding program at Mandaluyong Elementary School, jointly undertaken by RC Mandaluyong and RC Kowloon Golden Mile.
RCKGM Dir Jacqueline Muller, DG David’s daughter Sheeva, RCM Pres Oscar Hipolito. – By Pres. Oscar Hipolito, RC Mandaluyong, D3800
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
39
FAMILY OF ROTARY IN THE PHILIPPINES
kick off project of the rotary club of atimonan Sunrise, D3820. Bags and raincoats distribution at Tanauan Elementary School. 58 grade 1 students benefitted from this project. The project was chaired by Past Sec. Barney Chito, D3820.
Membership Committee Holds Seminar on Membership Development
40
One hundred twenty-three Rotarians of the Rotary International District 3830, mostly Changemaker presidents and Membership Development Committee chairs representing 43 clubs gathered for the first district seminar on membership development on Saturday, July 23, 2011 at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City. The occasion was graced by District Governor Billy Villareal and District Secretary Lito Colona. DG Billy, in his brief message explained to the listeners the importance of the RI required seminar, the purpose of which is to develop club and district leaders who have the necessary skills, knowledge, and motivation to support the clubs in the district to sustain or grow the membership base, being the first component of PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
an effective club. The welcome remarks of DGN Robert Kuan made mention of the new Rotary International developments in membership that includes acceptance of corporate membership, associate membership, and the E-club. However, his focus is on helping the small clubs grow in membership and in strength by tapping the help of the bigger, stronger clubs. The Rotary Club of Paranaque Southwest and the Rotary Club of Makati were chosen to co-host the seminar that featured PP Jimmy Ong of the Rotary Club of Paranaque as the motivational speaker. The depth of his knowledge and experience was very evident when he shared his 8-step Rotarization process of introduction, induction, orientation,
befriending, involvement, having fun, being happy, and being ready to introduce a friend to Rotary. “The choice of PP Jimmy, who’s largely untapped, was a master stroke by DGN Robert”, PDG Jimmy Cura quipped as he delivered a thorough and concise synthesis of the proceedings later. Best practices on membership were also shared by some exceptional clubs led by IPP Peter Kawsek of RC Forbes Park, hammering on “functional partnership”, PP Philip Nazareno of RC Makati Dasmarinas, on the importance of doing things together and being happy in togetherness, and PP Rene Aquino of RC Paranaque East on his recruitment techniques, like being a living example of the benefits of SEPTEMBER 2011
FAMILY OF ROTARY IN THE PHILIPPINES
membership in Rotary, and regaling the audience with his usual longwinded but humorous delivery of his piece. The group discussions ably facilitated by PP Cynthia Reyes, of RC Makati San Lorenzo, PP Lea Recomite and CP Lina Hilario of RC Paranaque Metro, and PP Flex Ancheta of RC Paranaque San Antonio brought out the best ideas and honest concerns from the different clubs, among them the difficulty of getting quality recruits, affordability of dues, pressure and rush to induct, and the likes. New ideas also came out like use of CSR or corporate social responsibility for community service and the use of technology and social media. The event, organised by the District Membership Development Committee headed by DGN Robert Kuan, in response to the RI mandate
on membership, was a resounding success based on the sheer number of attendees and how it was received by those present there. PP Cora Tan, PP Patti King, PP Lita Wells, and the other members of
the committee all felt satisfaction after seeing the results and the appreciation by the attendees as they look forward to what’s next in the series.. – By IPP Rick V. Nimo, RC Parañaque Southwest, D3830
Rotary Land Marker The officers of the Rotary clubs of Kalibo, Tokyo Jonan and Makati South and the environmental group of Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC Kalibo) posing for a souvenir picture in front of the Rotary Land Marker situated on the portion of Bakhawan Eco-Park, Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan. The Rotary Club of Kalibo was also on hand to support different projects and groundwork
concerning the Bakhawan Eco-Park. The marker demonstrates the continuing support of the Rotarians of Tokyo Jonan and the Rotarians of Makati South and Kalibo in environmental conservation and protection. Last year, the Rotary Club of Tokyo Jonan funded the Bakhawan Planting project of 30,000 bakhaw propagules covering a 10 hectare area at a total cost of PhP100, 000.00. Report & pictures from PP Megs S. Lunn of RC Roxas, D3850 SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
41
FAMILY OF ROTARY IN THE PHILIPPINES
RC South Digos, Zone 2EDistrict 3860 - Community Service Project “Medical Mission, School Supplies Distribution and Feeding Program” on July 1, 2011 at Guihing Elementary School, Digos City, Davao del Sur. – By Sec. Vilma L. Lascuña, RC South Digos, D3860
PHILIPPINE DISTRICT GOVERNORS and DISTRICT GOVERNORS’ REPRESENTATIVES TO THE PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE RY 2011-2012 DG Ma. Socorro “Corina” T. Bautista DGR-PRM PDG Romulo “Boy” O. Valle, Jr. D-3770
Aurora, Batanes, Bulacan, Cagayan, Ifugao, Isabela, Kalinga Apayao, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino
DG Jose Francisco “Jess” Q. Cifra DGR-PRM PP Eduardo “Ed” M. Trinidad D-3780 Quezon City
DG Digna “Digna” R. Ragasa DGR-PRM PP Rommel “Rommel” dG. Suarez
D-3790
Abra, Bataan, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Mountain Province, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales
Feeding and School Supply Giving Program The Rotary Club of Metro Iligan of District 3870 joined the zone wide celebration of the Rotary New year last July 1, 2011 with its feeding and school supply giving program dubbed as “Brigada Eskwela ug Pagkaon sa Bata” at the North Central School in Tibanga, Iligan City. Fifty (50) grade 1 pupils chosen by the School management from the poorest of the poor were gathered at the Nutrition room of the public school where they were treated to a Jollibee Chicken Joy meal which all of them swore to have never previously enjoyed. After the treat, they were given school bags with notebooks, pencils, erasers, rulers and pad papers. The school also received twenty (20) English dictionaries and two (2) boxes of elementary grade workbooks from the club. The gifts were raised from personal funds of club members in support of the call of the incoming president, Lita Y. Escalante, a sure sign that the incoming year will be a bright one. – By PP Caloy King, RC Metro Iligan, D3870
DG Rafael “Raffy” M. Garcia III DGR-PRM PDG Teodorico “Teddy” E. Zamora
D-3800
Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Navotas, Pasig, Rizal, San Juan, Valenzuela
DG Ernesto “Ernie” Y. Choa DGR-PRM PP Cynthia “Cyn” R. Evangelista D-3810 Cavite, Manila, Mindoro Occidental, Pasay
DG Reynaldo “Rey” H. Castillo dgr-prm PDG Medardo “Darwin” V. Igualada Co-DGR-PRM PP Mary Ann “Ma-Ann” H. Gonzales
D-3820
Batangas, Laguna, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, Quezon, and the whole of the Bicol region
DG Ismael “Billy” Z. Villareal DGR-PRM PP Antonio “Tony” Y. Chong D-3830 Alabang, Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa Palawan, Parañaque, Pateros, Taguig
DG Melvin “Mel” S. de la Serna dgr-prm PDG Emma “Ems” M. Nava D-3850
Aklan, Antique, Basilan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Sulu, Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
DG Leoncio “Nonoy” P. Villa-Abrille DGR-PRM PP Lilo “Lilu” I. Aliño D-3860
Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bohol, Cebu, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, General Santos City, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Samar, Siquijor, South Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur
42
DG Samuel “Sam” C. Fontanilla DGR-PRM IPDG Jaime “Jimmy” P. Semaña D-3870 PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
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
SEPTEMBER 2011
PHILIPPINE ROTARY MAGAZINE
43
g in
n Comi • • • • • • • • • • •
011 2 r e Octob
FOR SALE
President Noynoy Aquino’s “Daang Matuwid” RIPP Bhichai Rattakul on Ethics Four-Way Test for government officials by PDG Sonny Coloma Rotary Membership Updates by PDG Dave Villanueva Vocational Awards given by districts and clubs Rotarians with unique professions Article on Rotary inductions in the Regular features: Philippines and worldwide RI President’s Message Rotarians who responded and The Rotary Foundation – August cover (continuation) Chair’s Message Family of Rotary in the Philippines RI Convention 2012: Bangkok Sponsored Section – Rotary Club of Los Baños
Regional Rotaract Conference at Subic PDRR Flo Espiritu, APRRC 2011 Chair The Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) goes back this year to the Philippines from September 29 to October 2, 2011 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. It will be hosted by Rotary International District 3790, in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Department of Tourism and National Youth Commission. Hundreds of Rotaractors from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines are expected to attend. During the conference, members will discuss common issues affecting Rotaract through innovative plenary sessions, workshops, recreational activities, and fellowships. APRRC started in Hong Kong in 2004. Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines have previously hosted the event. In 2010, the APRRC was successfully held in Sydney, Australia. Among the speakers are Past RI Director Kenneth Ernest Collins (in picture) of Rotary Club of Freshwater Bay, R.I. District 9455, Australia, RI Zone Coordinator for the “Bill Gates Polio Challenge”, who will talk about “This Close” campaign of The Rotary Foundation. Other speakers include well-rounded Rotarians and personalities from the local media, government and NGOs, and celebrities like Dingdong Dantes. For complete conference details and to register, please visit www.aprrc2011.org.
BF HOMES, PARAÑAQUE CITY 907 sq.m. lot w/ 2 big houses/ swimming pool/ 4 car garage/5 rooms/8 T&B/drivers & maids quarter/P19M/271 El Grande Ave. cor. Kyoto BF Homes, Parañaque City/ call Inocentes Realty (c/o Lea) 9214775/9222804
I N M E M O R I A M PDG Carmelo ”Melo” S. Narciso Rotary Club of Angeles, RY 1991-1992, D-3790, died on August 17, 2011 PDG Ramon “Monet” A. Tirol Rotary Club of Central Davao, RY 2001-2002, D-3860, died on August 6, 2011 PP Balbino “Ben” S. Vistan Rotary Club of Plaridel, RY 1995-1996, D-3770, died last August 1, 2011
Obituary Guidelines PRM will publish in the obituary section, death notices only for past presidents and past district governors. Such notices should be sent strictly from the office of the district governor with his/her confirmation, and to office@philrotary.com.
Philippine Rotary Magazine contact details For inquiries on subscription, payment, advertising, articles for publication and other magazine concerns, please contact us at: Tel. nos. (+632) 453-3800, 926-7453 Fax (+632) 929-1912 Email : office@philrotary.com Our address is: 87 Visayas Avenue, Bgy. VASRA, Quezon City, 1100
ROTARY CLUB OF CEBU DISTRICT ID: 3860 • club id: 17102
Rotary Club of Cebu, the ”Mother Club,” has been dedicated to fellowship and service since 1932. Only 79 years young, we carry the distinction of being the 2nd Rotary club chartered in the Philippines. We have continuously spearheaded and have been involved in uplifting communities through our four major projects including: Changing Lives of Street Kids-Community Scouts Changing Hope of Over-age Students – Holistic Life Preparedness Program Changing Opportunity for Livelihood – Permaculture Saving a Life of Many – The Gift of Life
We are calling for Rotary Support for
SPONSORS and TICKETS for the major fellowship event of the year
THE GIFT OF LIFE Now on its 2nd year A Fully Televised University Chorale Concert and Benefit Gala Featuring: University of San Carlos, University of the Visayas, University of Southern Philippines Foundation
Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino Proceeds will go towards life-saving surgery of Cebuano children with congenital heart diseases. This event is open to Rotarians and non-Rotarians. We will be giving special recognition to clubs who purchase 20 tickets or more (PhP1,000 per ticket). For sponsorships and ticket reservations, please call 253-7365 or email us at rccebu2003@yahoo.com. Project Coordinator: Irene C. Olvis Club clerk: Keth E. Villas
Compliments of Inter Asia Development Bank