Rotary's longevity and strength

There are numerous non-government service oriented organizations, but few have lasted long and have grown stronger through the years. It is thus interesting to find out how and why these few ones have withstood the test of time and the volatility of volunteerism. Finding out the reasons for their longevity and stability is really important especially considering the vital role they play in promoting the peoples’ general welfare, in nation building, in developing a just, peaceful, productive society and in preserving a healthy environment.

Noteworthy among these few ones is the world-wide service organization that has evolved through the years into a “marvelous and great universal movement with elements of altruism, sparkling with beautiful gems of the philosophy and science of service to fellow men and society.” This is the Rotary International (RI) that was established 107 years ago to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and professions and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Today there are more than 1.2 million Rotarians coming from 33,000 Rotary Clubs in 168 countries all over the world.

To my mind as an “insider” who has been a Rotarian for the past 27 years, the foremost reason behind RI’s continued existence and growth is the purity of intention of all its members in joining the organization as they all subscribe to Rotary’s motto of “service above self, he profits most who serves best,” This is a motto with a universal appeal that has undoubtedly attracted only those who are sincere and dedicated in achieving Rotary’s goals.

But aside from the character and quality of its members, Rotary has emerged as one of the oldest and biggest humanitarian and service oriented organizations simply because it has set aside a definite time for everything necessary in realizing its specific objectives. It has a time to act and carry out its yearlong programs and activities, a time to assess and review what it has accomplished so far, a time to give due recognition and awards to worthwhile projects and outstanding members, a time to plan ahead and a time for fun and fellowship, rest and relaxation.

Usually the various Rotary clubs themselves have set aside these times specifically during its weekly meetings. But on a grander scale, and at least annually towards the end of the Rotary year, the Districts also set aside a Convention/Conference (Discon) for this purpose.

Worth mentioning now is the Discon of District 3780 starting today, April 20, up to Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City with the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights as the overall host club. District 3780 is one of the ten Rotary Districts in the Philippines. In the entire country there are 790 clubs with over 20,000 Rotarians. In District 3780 with the entire Quezon City as its territory, there are 93 active Rotary Clubs with 2,306 members and six newly chartered clubs. It is the first Philippine Rotary district to have its own service center building funded by donations from Rotarians and benefactors and has the distinction of being one of only two districts worldwide with one entire city (QC) as its territory. Established in 1987, District 3780 is celebrating its 25th year with Jose Francisco “Jess” Cifra as District Governor fully and ably supported by District Chief of Staff Joe Baradi, District Secretary Jess Tanchanco, Administrative Officer Mar Cancio, Protocol Officer Paeng Arcega, Legal Counsel Louie Pagulayan and the following Lieutenant Governors: Chito Borromeo for Strategic Planning, Boon Ongchoco for Program and Project Service, Butch Javier for Operations and “Duke” Zuluaga for Communications. Also assisting the District Governor are the Executive and a Management Committees composed of Past District Governors with District Governor Elect Fenny Policarpio and District Governor Nominee Francis Rivera as Vice Chairmen.   

Yesterday, April 19, 2012 some pre-conference events were already held specifically the Discon Golf Tournament at Splendido Golf and Country Club, the District Leadership Seminar at the Taal Vista Hotel and the Friendship Night at the Le Jardin Resort.

Today marks the start of the Discon proper, after the registration of the delegates, the District Awards Ceremonies, Opening of the Club Exhibits and the House of Friendship. The first plenary session at the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel will be highlighted by the keynote speech of the Vice President of the Philippnes, Hon. Jejomar “Jojo” Binay who will be properly introduced by Past President Nestor “Chito” Borromeo. To give importance to the event, the RI President has sent his Personal Representative, Kamal Sanghvi who is accompanied by his wife Sonal. He will give an inspirational talk on the “Magic of Rotary” and the RI theme of “Reach within to Embrace Humanity.” In this session, District Governor Jess Cifra will report on the State of the District. The day will end with the grand Dinner Awarding Rites and Fellowship when Rotarians will have time to mingle and get more acquainted with each other.

The second day will start with the breakfasts of the Silver Club Presidents, Presidents Elect and President Nominees, followed by the second and third plenary sessions with the following plenary speakers: Pacio Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV who will talk on “Social Enterprise and HAPINOY Story”; Ms Sharada Ramanathan, on “Increasing the Scale, Sustainability and Impact of Poverty alleviation focused organizations through Skills Based Volunteerism”; Past RI Director Rafael “Paeng” Hechanova, on “Rotary’s Legacy of Embracing Humanity”; Jose “Joe” Tale, on “Saving Humanity by Caring for the Poor”; and AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. General Jessie D. Dellosa, on “Promoting Peace Through Service.” The final day will be capped by the Governor’s Ball when the Incoming District Governor Elect Rufino “Fenny” Policarpio will be introduced and will deliver his acceptance speech. The night also marks the District Silver Anniversary, Rotary Club of Quezon City 52nd Anniversary and the presentation of the major awards to the Most Outstanding Rotary Club President, Rotary Club and Rotarian.

And so as the Rotarians of District 3780 hold their Discon, they will certainly be inspired to further “embrace the heart of service” as they look back and reminisce on another Rotary year about to end during this two day “affair to remember.”

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