PRESIDENT'S TIMEBy Pastor Mar Reyes
| President’s Message No. 6 |
| HAIL THE CHIEF! |
It was a rare privilege for the District, to have no less than the sitting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines as its Guest of Honor and Speaker, in an Intercity Meeting last July 30, 2009 at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino. No better person embodies the ideals of Rotary than Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno.
It became more significant for us because the Chief, in the presence of District Governor Dulce dB. Coyukiat, told us during a private dinner before the start of the Intercity Meeting that since he became Chief Justice, because of his very tight schedule, he never accepted any invitation from Rotary clubs to be their guest of honor and speaker. Even the Rotary Club of Manila failed in its three (3) attempts to get him as their Guest of Honor and Speaker. Except RC SFDM!
The Chief Justice actually had a prepared speech on moral ethics (hopefully featured in this issue), but he actually gave a different one, because at the very last minute, coming from a marathon hearing of the case involving the automation of this coming presidential and local elections, he thought the sanctity of the right of suffrage was more important and compelling at this time. The Press Office of the Supreme Court is now trying to reconstruct the actual speech, and hopefully, will also be featured in our Tambuli.
It was a cerebral experience. The depth of intellect shines forth in the speech. The challenge given was profound, for indeed, the forthcoming decision will change the course of history of the country. The automation could propel us to great opportunities of getting the duly elected officials, or we still get the crooked politicians able to manipulate massive fraud through the use of modern technology.
I am elated that RC SFDM, the lovely spouses and members of the IWC and our Rotaractors came out in force. My thanks to my fellow officers and members who helped me put the event together, especially that we came from successive weekly events that required a lot of work.
The support and cooperation we got from the clubs across the District was fantastic. There were 72 clubs who joined as co-sponsors. News reporters covered the event. GMA 7 news aired the event in the evening of July 31, 2009. Rotary and RC SFDM got a lot of publicity mileage. It pays to plan way ahead and come up with a good project that Rotarians know they will benefit from.
The success of our initial events should inspire us even more. We have barely started with our planned year-long projects. But history tells us – success comes from team spirit. We must work together, if we are to go any farther.
Already, I am getting invitations from many clubs wanting to join us in our projects, or asking for our help to teach them how to organize and implement their projects. This should be a compliment.
Again, my thanks to all for the support and cooperation!
The future of Rotary is in our Hands!
