Good news

Almost daily, we hear and read mostly the bad news happening in our government. Hence it is about time to write some good news that usually happens not in the field of politics and governance but in the non-governmental affairs of our society. I am referring here to a leading service oriented world wide organization that is perhaps the best training ground for selfless leadership sorely needed by our country now; particularly the Rotary Club of Cubao West (RCCW), where I belong.

The RCCW is one of the oldest clubs in Rotary International District 3780 covering Quezon City. It will hold its twenty third inductions of officers for the year 2008-2009 this coming Thursday August 21, 2008 at the AFP Officers Clubhouse in Camp Aguinaldo starting at 6 p.m. I say this is a piece of good news because it is an event clearly demonstrating to the elected officials of this country that true leaders know how to handle power for the sake of others especially the less fortunate in our society and how to gracefully turn it over when their term expires.

In Rotary Clubs, the elected officers led by the president serve for a term of one year only. Yet in that period of one year they are able to accomplish what they set out to do simply because they adhere to their time honored guiding tenet of “service above self”, not to mention the fact that they are afforded a lead time to familiarize themselves of their job by being chosen as Presidents-elect one year before they assume the position. Indeed if the motive of those desiring to serve this country whether in the private or public sector is over and above self, they would be able to accomplish their mission and vision within the fixed time frame and they would not attempt anymore to cling to their position by seeking term extensions.

When the RCCW was organized almost 24 years ago, its recruits including myself were a conglomeration of individuals with sharply contrasting personalities and political persuasions. Yet we immediately gelled beautifully and stuck together precisely because of our strict adherence to the principles of Rotary stimulating us to always uphold the truth, observe fairness, do justice to everyone, promote goodwill and act for the benefit of all concerned.

Very noticeable among our members then and up to the present is the lack of superficiality and pretense. They are genuine people who never hide their weaknesses nor flaunt their strengths. What you see in them is what they really are. Thus every time they get together for a meeting every Thursday evening or for some projects, they are so genial and at ease with each other. No one stays aloof or acts alone and whatever their stature in society is disregarded as they all become plain and simple Rotarians of RCCW. Truly every activity in RCCW becomes a time to relax, unwind and enjoy simply because they forget themselves and think about others. This spirit of camaraderie and fellowship thus led to the many really notable and laudable socio-civic projects of the club spearheaded by some members and officers who have been cited as outstanding Rotarians.

Deserving of special mention is past president, Dr. Santiago O. Rodriguez Jr. Last year “Santi ” was the Outstanding Rotarian of the Year Awardee in District 3780 aside from being the Vocational Awardee as the Most Outstanding Military Physician. Indeed he has been cited as the Most Outstanding Rotarian in the district for seven times already because he pioneered several free medical projects such as the free bone scan for the early detection and prevention of osteoporosis, the digital examination for early detection and prevention of prostate cancer, the free cataract operation for reversible sight saving procedure and free electrocardiography for those with heart disease.

Of course, another RCCW past president who has excelled as a Rotarian is the eminent Dr. Rommel Carino already a well known heart surgeon who became more famous for his successful repair of the acute aortic dissection under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and triple by-pass surgery on the President’s spouse, which many considered as bordering on the “miraculous”. Rommel’s altruistic heart led to the creation of the Heart Matters’ Foundation designed to help those afflicted with same rare and other heart diseases but could not afford the prohibitive costs of the cure.

Other past presidents of RCCW who have served ably and well are: Bobby Viray who became District Governor and served for two terms, Butch Bautista, Dodie Carlos, Joe Ragos, Tito Galang, Titong Imperial, Jay Alcantara, Obet del Rosario, Don Samson, Tito Yuquimpo, Freddie Reyes, Jojo Bernardo, Jess Munoz and Ayie Gonzales.

And so on August 21, 2008, with QC Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista as guest speaker, Immediate Past President Manoucher Khaledi will turn over the gavel and mantle of leadership to Norman M. Verzosa a noted lawyer and leading legal practitioner. Atty. Verzosa will be inducted as President for 2008 to 2009 together with Jesus E. Avecilla, a hotel and shipping magnate, as President-Elect. Others to be inducted are: Edwin C. Marcos as Vice President, Joselito Caballero, Secretary, Erwin P. Lamson, Asst. Secretary, Santiago Rodriguez Jr. Treasurer and Service Project Director, Harlene B. Tejedor Asst. Treasurer, Bobby Viray, Auditor and Club Membership Director, Jose C. Sison Legal Counsel, Joe Ragos, Club Trainer, Peter F. Mutuc, Renato S. Carillo and Elmer S. Decano, Sgts.-at-Arms, Joel M. Sarmiento, Club Administration Director, Maximiano R. Tan, Director Rotary Foundation, Melandrew T. Velasco, Director Public Relations (PR), Michelle Cabrera, Asst Director PR, Adonis Samson Club Membership and Fellowship Director together with Obet del Rosario. Businessman-Rotarian Alex Bernales will see to it that all those attending the affair will enjoy themselves with sumptuous and mouth watering food.

This is the good news that I want to share with you as a reminder that there is still hope for our country because of these men and women who wear the badge of service above self in their hearts.