From the Editor.. Finding the Way Home Ensuring Rotary's Growth Why I give to TRF and Why we all must Choice of RI President Rotary International Appointment Rotarians also Laugh Meet RI District 3860 Gov. Roberto "Bert" A. Dormendo

(D-3860 is the sponsor of the December 2003 issue)

DG Bert Dormendo may not have the built of an athlete but his brilliant ideas, dashing looks and charming ways conjure a towering presence on his own. Joining the Rotary Club of Bislig in 1990, he was elected club president in 1994 owing to his invaluable contributions to the growth of the club. During his incumbency, his unquestionable passion for Rotary and his fruitful stewardship of the club earned him the "Outstanding Club President Award" from RI District 3860 together with other major district awards, including the "Outstanding Club Award" in a grand slam fashion.

The only Bislig Rotarian twice awarded the club's highest accolade given to a member "The Rotarian of the Year Award," he then proceeded to hold the position of assistant governor for two consecutive years and likewise became a member of the prestigious District Nominating Committee, also for two terms, on top of his membership in other district committees. In 2002-2003, he was catapulted to the position of district governor-elect.

A Paul Harris fellow, he has attended numerous Rotary International Conventions. Before he assumed the governorship of RI D-3860, he attended the RI 2003 International Assembly in Anaheim , California , USA on January 26 - February 2, 2003. He was the first Filipino ever to be invited as guest speaker at the DISCON of RI District 2790 in Chiba , Japan last November 8, 2003.

Married to Divinagracia "Divy" Rebuyas of Catmon, Cebu , they are blessed with four children, now all professionals.
DG Bert has been on the road in the vast dominion of RI D-3860 in Visayas and Mindanao and has a voluminous travelogue of colorful and challenging experiences as he completed his club visitations of 101 Rotary clubs on November 28. He was honored at a Governor's Ball at General Santos City and again on November 29 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu .

The exciting mix of challenge, hard work, and fellowship reward DG Bert with high degree of fulfillment as he continues his retinue of consultations and follow-throughs with D-3860 Rotarians be it at the top or at the grassroots. His secret of success is no secret at all - he simply loves people.