SECRETARY'S CORNERBy Secretary Andrei Bon Tagum
HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING
The new Rotary Year is on to a roaring start. President Mar Reyes and his set of officers are themselves hitting the ground running.
On the eve of the birthday of our new President, last July 2, 2009, the Club had its first regular meeting at the Quezon City Sports Club which was also graced by officers and members of the Rotary Club of Tuguegarao-Citadel. The RCT Citadel signed a sister club agreement with our club and later, was given thousands of doses of deworming medicines. Already, we are already talking about holding a joint project in the future. The first regular meeting was impressive as it was also the Anns' Night and there were several guests, notably, distinguished former board members of the Alpha Phi Beta Chancery (of which President Mar was the Immediate Past Lord Chancellor). Most notable was the presence of National Labor Relations Commissioner Alex Lopex, who is being proposed to be a member by Pres. Mar.
Last Saturday, July 4, 2009, Pres. Mar and Innerwheel Immediate Past President Chit Reyes, accompanied by several clubmen like Immediate Past President Allan Asi, Past President Louie Pangulayan, Past President Boyet Tabao, Past President Manny Po, Past President Danny Tuazon, Past President Butch Javier and Secretary Bon Tagum graced the glittery and classy District Induction of Governor Dulce Coyukiat and her District officers held at the Hotel Sofitel Grand Ballroom. The affair was a smashing success and was one of the most-attended district affairs witnessed thus far.
Among those inducted as district officers were PP Louie Pangulayan (District Chair for Club Administration), PP Boyet Tabao (Assistant Governor), and IPP Allan Asi (Assistant Governor's Representative).
This early, the Club is already feeling the vibes of the new Rotary Year. It augurs well that recent events mirror the dynamic energy of our President. The recent turn-over of 54,000 doses of deworming medicines by the World Filipino Alliance to our club gives us a great opportunity to reach out and improve the lives of 54,000 Filipino children.
Already, we have enlisted the help of RC Tuguegarao - Citadel in distributing some of the medicines in their own jurisdiction. We expect to enlist the help of other service partners and sister clubs in this regard.
The second regular meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2009, is expected to be quite eventful as we will hold the first Club Assembly this rotary year to discuss the plans and preparations for the numerous upcoming club activities.
The Club is presently neck-deep in preparations for the fast-approaching Governor's Visit and Club Induction Ceremony slated to be held on July 16, 2009 at the prestigious Manila Polo Club. Last year, Past District Governor Alex Cureg has declared his club visit with our club as one of the most impressive, if not the most impressive. President Mar has vocalized his resolve to extend the same kind of royal treatment to the first lady District Governor of the District. Let us pull all stops in making this vision a reality! This rotary year is on its way to becoming most historic. Let us be part of making history!
Another major activity that is fast approaching is the projected mega MSU Surgical, Medical, Dental and Legal Mission set to be held on July 25 and July 26 at Pozzorubio, Pangasinan. The Mission is being co-sponsored by the family of former COMELEC Commissioner Julio Desamito (also past president of the Rotary Club of Cubao West), who is the father of our own Director Nonoy Desamito.
As if the above activities are not enough, our Club is also preparing for another grand district event: the first Inter-City Meeting where the Guest Speaker is Chief Justice Reynato Puno. Our Club has been chosen to host the said event with the help of other co-sponsors from among the other rotary clubs in the District.
So, Clubmen, there are several opportunities for service available to us. Let us all rally behind our new President and his set of officers! Let us make Rotary more relevant during these hard times! The future of Rotary is in our hands!
