Quick Links From the Editor...A Message from RI Pres. MajiyagbeRotary StoryDistrict Governors RY 2003-2004Dancing in Brisbane |
Human that we also are. we are most gratified by the outpouring of calls, notes and text messages from friends and PRM readers regarding our "courtesy resignation" as editor-in-chief. This is a pleasant surprise, considering that we have been doing this every year. every time there is a new PCRG chairman (to give him a free hand). but we thank them most kindly nevertheless. We love the job we are doing. and we admit being proud of our modest accomplishments. but we do not claim a monopoly of talents. There are many others who can do even better, given the chance. In fact, we credit all our achievements to the team of selfless Rotarians who have worked with us for the past seven years without material reward. just the satisfaction of a job well done!
RI Pres. Jonathan Majiyagbe has scheduled 15 Presidential Celebrations in various parts of the Rotary World. and he aptly chose the Philippine to host the one on Poverty Alleviation. This will be held on January 31, 2004 at the Shangrila Makati Hotel. This is a rare opportunity for Philippine Rotarians to meet with the RI President. participate in an International event. and learn more about "real poverty alleviation programs." We do not diminish the value of common projects like feeding programs, medical/dental missions, and occasional gift giving. but these are so "momentary" and do not really contribute to a better quality of life. There is some help when we give a fish to a hungry man. but we help him more by teaching him how to fish. and we truly alleviate poverty if we also make sure there is fish to catch! Chairman/PDG Herman Gamboa has tapped PDG Sonny Ventura and the PRM staff to produce a booklet of viable projects on poverty alleviation - to be distributed free to all registered delegates. Plan to be there. and go home ready to make a difference!
This is Membership Development month in Rotary, and every district is expected to hold seminars on membership. The sad part is that many concentrate on Membership Growth and tend to forget the equally important RETENTION. We put a lot of effort on recruiting new members and presume that they will stay. Rotary is reported to lose about 10% of its membership every year. that's over 120 thousand Rotarians lost for various reasons over which we have no control. It is when we lose members for reasons we can do something about when we say: SAYANG!
Last week, we lost a close friend. PP Rudy Aniceto of Vigas was a REAL Rotarian. We served in the same year as presidents of our respective clubs and become good friends. He was so good, he could (and should) have been governor of our district. Be he chose to heed a "higher call" to service. he went into politics with a crusade for a better life for his people. He faced formidable odds. he did not win the elections. he lost a fortune and his good health. but we know that he won the hearts and admiration of "people who count." We ask fellow Rotarians to pray for his soul.. and for his spouse Florida.
We shall never get tired mentioning the Rotary Club of Downtown Manila as the ONLY club in the whole country with 100% of its members being Lifetime Subscribers of PRM. for we look upon this not merely as a gesture of support, but a demonstration of their abiding faith in the magazine's continuity. Another club worth mentioning is RC of San Fernando, LU. it has the biggest number of Lifetime Subscribers (and close to 100%). We must also cite PDG Oca Inocentes, DGR-PRM for 3780 and our Coordinator for Lifetime Subscribers. We have no doubt that he can make good his promise to have more Lifetime Subscribers in 3780 than 3790 (our district) by the end of this year! Judging from initial performances, we are also confident that DG Bert Domendo of 3860 and DG Romy Millan of 3870 will achieve their dream of 100% subscriptions of all the clubs in their respective districts.
The impressive Turn-over ceremonies of District 3830 leaves no other conclusion that Gov. Jun Cortes will lead his district to greater heights. We were also invited to the Turn-over program of District 3800 the next day, but it unfortunately conflicted with a very important event in our district. We have known DG Tony Puyat for many years. and we can see only the best in the future of district which used to be part of the big 380 we served as governor 20 years ago!
PDG Mar Un Ocampo III
Editor-in-chief
