From the Editor..What we have feared has come! RI has finally began to do what it has promised – impose sanctions on delinquent clubs. Many clubs have received suspension and termination notices…to the embarassment of the PDGs who suddenly found themselves “out in the cold”. What is worst is the cost of reinstating terminated club – they have to pay $10.00 per member. It's a bit late to say “we told you so”…but we did! We repeat: subscription to the magazine (and payment of course) is mandatory…as vital as payment of membership dues.
We are making another appeal – as Chair for Attendance Promotion for Philippine Districts – to register for the Presidential Celebration on Poverty Alleviation to be held at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel on January 31, 2004. RI Pres. Jonathan Majiyagbe will be in attendance. Last chance for reduced Registration Fee at $40.00 (up to Dec. 31, 2003 only)… starting January 1st , it will be $50.00!
It would also be a good idea to come for the 3rd Philippine Conference on Poverty Alleviation on January 30, 2004…in the same venue. This is hosted by RI District 3810. For those who have not gone to the first two Conferences (Cebu and Clark) – this can be a rewarding experience, for this is something very different from other conferences already attended…its about the many problems of Rotary in the Philippines and what we as Rotarians, can do. Registration fee is affordable: P1,500-up to November 30…P1,700 up to January 15, 2004…P1,800 on site. The hotel venue (Shangri-la Makati) has arranged a special room rate for delegates. Atin ‘to…
It is the Christmas season – and that means, not only the occasion for festivities, but for sober reflection…have we been good to our selves and to our families, and – most of all – to our God? As Rotarians – have we done enough for the needy, the sick and the ignorant…have we given our share of the load of the universal task of making life better for all?
After looking back and (perhaps) realizing the inadequacies…let us look forward with firm resolve – to do one bit more!
At the PRM, we also experience the same. We committed to catch-up and make the magazine current…we did that, and now we are asked: why can't we deliver the issue sooner? We worked to solve the financial problems…after paying over a million pesos in old obligations and – through innovations and prudent financial controls – having accumulated a substantial amount to insure viability, we are now asked why we can not publish and distribute the magazine for free! After attaining our first goal of 10,000 subscription, we are told that is only half of the Rotarians in the country! All this…and many more! Please be assured that, more than anybody else, we realize that there is still much to be done. We plead for your kind understanding and your help! Lend us your hands…we can do better!
As we profusely thank the Rotarians who have cooperated and assisted us – specially our editorial team – we all re-dedicate ourselves to the never-ending quest for improvement. We also thank God for the “critics”.
They keep us on our toes, for they prod us to realize that we are only humans, and, therefore, imperfect.
Now…for our Christmas wishes. We heard this story from DG Bobby Viray
(3780) and we have permission to use it. In a speech in District 3770 on “servant leaders” he told the story of a little girl who was asked what she wanted most for Christmas. We are adopting as our own the selfless reply of that benevolent young girl, who said: “All I want for this Christmas is Happiness…for others!”.
