Vol. 25 No.

January 2012

District 3780 responds swiftly for the relief of typhoon Sendong victims
Typhoon Sendong (international name Washi) struck Northern Mindanao, the Visayas and Palawan last December 17, 2012 when everyone was preparing for the Christmas holidays. The storm, now known as the deadliest this year, killed over 1,000 people (mostly in the Cagayan De Oro and Iligan areas) and is now considered more destructive than Typhoon Ondoy in terms of casualties and level of destruction. DG Jess Cifra (who was in the Middle East at the time) immediately sounded off the Rotary clubs in the district for an organized relief effort to help the typhoon victims. DS Jesse Tanchanco was tasked to coordinate the activity. Despite the short notice, about 40 Rotary clubs responded by bringing cash, food, clothes, toiletries, blankets, slippers and medicines to the Rotary Center non-stop from December 18 to 23, 2011. More than two dozen Rotaractors from 12 Rotaract clubs headed by DRR Marby Montellano and the Rotary Center staff spent the several days sorting, repacking, marking, and loading the relief goods. The donations were shipped free of charge via Air21 before Christmas. A parallel effort initiated by RC SFDM and in partnership with the Radio Mindanao Network yielded 2 x 20-ft container loads of goods which were shipped via Negros Navigation at no extra cost. The donated goods were turned over to District 3870 in coordination with DG Sam Fontanilla. All told, the value of the D3780 donations amounted to more than one million Pesos in kind and about P200,000 in cash.

RI President Kalyan Banerjee presents the Zone Public Image Award to D3780
DG Jess Cifra accepted from RI President Kalyan Banerjee the Zone Public Image Award for RI D3780's UNTV Rotary in Action TV Program during the 2011 Rotary Zone Institute held in Bali, Indonesia last December 2 to 4.

Rotary in Action traces the social services rendered by Rotary clubs

through numerous outreaches for the people. The weekly UNTV program has been conceptualized and is hosted by Rotarian Daniel Razon of RC Kamuning. Upon their return from Bali, Governor Jess and Lyne Abanilla, RI Public Image Coordinator in South Pacific, presented the Public Image Coordinators PR Award to UNTVs Daniel Razon. The award came less than two months after Daniel Razon received the Vocational Excellence Award for broadcast journalism from District 3780

State of the District, First Half, RY 2011-2012 and Our Challenge for the Second Half
(Speech delivered during the Opening Plenary Session of Rotary International D3780 Mid-Year Review held on January 28, 2012 at Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bagac, Bataan)

The past is a wellspring of lessons to learn from. One of those in- First time to have 50 clubs congregate in a multi-club induction cerevaluable lessons is looking back to where we started and realizing mony what we have achieved to gain inspiration and more energy to First time to recognize 179 Paul Harris Fellows (including 20 Major Donors) for a Rotary year on installation night move on. Looking back is what has made people and organizations tremendously successful in the pursuit of their dreams. As a wise First time to breach the 1,000 attendance mark (1,084) for our district turnover ceremonies man once said, Remembering the past gives power to the present. Let us give a round of applause to the host club of that historic Many times I heard about this story about a businessman who put event, the Rotary Club of New Manila Heights, led by Silver Presithis lesson into practice in his daily life. In the evening he would dent Alex Buot. The chairman of our district induction, as you will write down on his planner all the things he would do the next day. recall, was Lt. Gov. Boone Ongchoco. But he was not content with that. He would re-write everything on a The Children's Parties held by our clubs in different areas of Quepiece of paper and when hed leave his home in the morning he zon City also marked the beginning of our Silver Year. Through would hang that piece of paper inside his car so he wouldnt miss the love and care as well as the food, gifts, and fun that we shared anything. with the children, we have most certainly initiated waves of change At the office he would open his planner and every time a task was done he would place a check mark on it to indicate which tasks had been done and which ones still needed action. At midday he would make a review of his planned activities for the day and what he had achieved in the morning. Then, resolving to get everything done before sundown, he would enjoy his lunch and continue on his days work. At the end of the day he would make a final review and reward himself with a good dinner with his family and a restful night. This Midyear Review is like that mans midday activity. Here we shall take a good look at what we have achieved so far in the first six months of our year and see what still needs to be done in the second half of our year. And as I have stated earlier, we shall draw inspiration from our achievements and gain strength from them to enable us to move on to complete our years success. in their young hearts and minds waves of change that will secure their future and that of the world. May I request all Silver Presidents who led their clubs in conducting the Childrens Parties in early July or even later than July to please rise. To celebrate August as Membership Development Month, we organized a welcome fellowship for new members, to pave the way for their assimilation into our unique world of service. The first-ever welcome fellowship was hosted by the Rotary Club of Timog led by Silver President Johann Montellano. Another spectacular event we had was the celebration of our districts 25th anniversary at the historic Manila Hotel which featured our tribute to all past district governors who served during the last 25 years since our district was assigned its own district number in the worldwide Rotary movement.

Also at our Silver Anniversary celebration we launched the book titled, EMBRACE: The Heart of Service, a 260-page full color coffee table book celebrating 25 years of District 3780 as a One City, One District in the world of Rotary. Written by Silver President Melandrew T. Velasco, and published with funds mostly solicited by Silver President Eren Tumali, the book was launched by the former President of the Philippines Fidel V. Ramos who was the evenings guest of honor and speaker. This book has been hailed as an unparalleled public image initiative. May we ask Silver Presidents In the meantime, let us go through some of the spectacular events Mel and Eren to stand to acknowledge our gratitude and admirawe had in the district to demonstrate our excellent performance tion. during the first half of our year. Our Vocational Excellence Awards night, which we held on October I know deep down inside me that we have done more than what we had planned to achieve in the first half of our year. I have seen how you and your clubs worked so hard to pursue your plans and programs. I know you have toiled passionately as I have been to your projects and we have had our monthly meetings. I have seen in your eyes the glow of contentment emanating from your sweet success. However, I would like this Midyear Review to reveal all that when all the figures are written down on paper. We began our year with the awe-inspiring district induction on July 3, 2011 at Hotel Sofitel, graced by no less than the most revered and loved, RI Past President Bhichai Rattakul who flew all the way from Thailand to administer my oath of office. Hosted by the Rotary Club of New Manila Heights, the great event also witnessed the installation of the Silver Presidents and district officers and established the following firsts: 26, 2011 at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, was also one of the biggest events during the first half of our year. On that eventful night we honored fourteen distinguished individuals in Quezon City who have excelled in their respective vocations, demonstrated commitment to high ethical standards, and established themselves as role models for others. PRID Paing Hechanova was the guest of honor and speaker. The Awards night was hosted by the Rotary Club of Araneta, whose president is Silver President Terence SanFirst time for a RI past president to serve as installing officer in tos, and the affair was chaired by the District Vocational Service D3780 Committee Chair Albert Lee.

(Continued on pages 6 and 7)

District Secretarys Report

By DS Jesus Jesse Tanchanco
The change in calendar year also provides us with opportunity to assess and analyze the first 6 months of the Rotary year and to initiate necessary changes for the next 6 months. It is often said that a Rotary year usually starts out with a bang on July 1, reaches peak by the end of December, and then things go downhill thereafter. On the other hand, we should look at it this way when we If you are not a Rotarian, you may not under- go downhill, our speed usually increases due to gravity. It should stand what I am talking about. We have just toasted and hailed be no different in Rotary. The finish line is in sight and we should the change in calendar year from 2011 to 2012. On July 1, 2012, pull out all the stops to reach it with flying colors. we will see the advent of the new Rotary year wherein as expected By this time, practically all clubs have completed their Governors there will be mass changes in leadership from RI President visits. That means there will be more time to focus on completing (except those on a 3-year term), to District Governors, to Club the plans and programs which the clubs have set out to do at the Presidents and officers. start of the Rotary year. Club Presidents and district officers must At the end of a calendar year, many of us promise and swear to now assess what they have achieved and what still needs to be initiate changes or make what we call New Years Resolutions. done. Questions that need to be answered: Are we getting closer But how many really follow through or carry out those commit- to our targets? Do we need to change courses of action in order to come closer to our original objectives? Are we better off now comments through the New Year and even beyond? pared to last year? If the answers are yes, no and yes, respecOn the other hand, the new Rotary year is well planned for in adtively, then we are in good shape. The Midyear Review on January vance. Leaders and officers are elected and/or appointed at least 28 and 29, 2012 at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, 18 months in advance (as in the case of RI Presidents, DGs and Bataan (hosted by RC Paraiso) will be a good opportunity for the Club Presidents). District and Club training and planning sessions district governor to gauge how the clubs and the district as a are initiated months prior to the end of the Rotary year in preparawhole have performed so far. Remember, we still have 5 months tion for the next RY based on time enduring principles and pracahead of us, enough time to initiate changes or adjustments. So tices in order to continue the tradition of service, as well as to adlets focus on our priorities and do what is doable and realistic just to new global conditions and priorities. Rotary leaders of the based on resources available to us. current year in turn monitor the performance of clubs and even From the Editor We thank all club leaders and district offiI guess Rotarians are quite fortunate that instead of celebrating one New Year, we actually celebrate at least two (more if you also follow the Chinese New Year, etc.). That means at least two opportunities to initiate changes, improvements or new directions in our personal, professional or even in our Rotary involvement. individual Rotarians to make sure that we do not veer off course.

cers who have been helping us cover and write up district events and share news on their clubs service projects. All clubs are invited to continue sending news of their community service projects, joint activities with other clubs, and

service-support practices such as fund-raisers, for example. Publication would help promote public awareness of Rotary while enabling the sharing of experiences with other clubs. This magazine particularly its digital edition is widely distributed in the Philippines and abroad.

Editorial Board
DG JOSE FRANCISCO Jess Q. CIFRA Publisher JESUS Jesse TANCHANCO (RC Loyola Heights) District Secretary EDUARDO Duke ZULUAGA (RC New Manila East) District Chair, Public Image RICARDO Ric SALVADOR (RC Holy Spirit) Editor-in-Chief GARY Gary TING (RC Pag-asa) Assistant Editor-Business Manager WINSTON Winston SIA (RC VisMin) Associate Editor-Webmaster

RI President-elect Sajuki Tanaka will ask Rotarians to build Peace Through Service in 2012-13.
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Associate Editors PASTOR Mar REYES (RC SFDM) FAUSTO Osty MANLAPAZ (RC New Manila East) Printer Relations Manager BETSY Betsy BULANADI (RC Mega EDSA) Distribution Manager

The Silver Edition of the Governors Monthly Letter is available in printed form and in digital format. The digital edition offers access to more information than the 8-page print. Please send suggestions to the editor and articles for publication to Ric Salvador by email at rp_salvador@yahoo.com. Ric may also be reached through 0919-361-6406.

RC Uptown Cubao opens free clinic for the poor

By SP Armand Santos, RC Uptown Cubao
In a move to bring Rotary closer to the heart of the community, the Rotary Club of Uptown Cubao formally opened the D3780 Rotary Center Foundation Clinic to the public on July 29, 2011. On hand for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting were District Governor Jess Cifra and Past District Governor Oscar Oca Inocentes, the clubs chairman emeritus. The opening coincided with the clubs induction of its 2011-2012 officers led by Silver President Armand Santos. tal and nursing services as well as medicines to 2012. But it is the clubs flagship project that will the less privileged in the nearby communities. It is touch peoples lives daily. open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM every day except Friday (where services are available 2:00 to 9:00 PM,) and Sunday. Medical services include consultation for obstetrics & gynecology, surgery, urology, and cardiology. On the other hand, optical services are focused on refraction while dental services include tooth extraction, filling, and cleaning. Nursing services cover blood pressure taking with temperature, respiratory rate, and The clinic is the brainchild of PDG Oca Inocentes, pulse rate taking; wound care; first aid treatment; also the chairman of the Rotary Center Foundamedication (parenteral with doctors prescription); tion, Inc. and was established in cooperation with physical assessment; and health education. the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Viewed as a major project of the club and of RI District The clinic is just one of the many major projects 3780, the clinic offers free medical, optical, den- RCUC has lined up for implementation in 2011-

RC MegaEDSA in Araw ng Pag-asa : Beyond reading

By Club Secretary Cora Abio, RC MegaEDSA
Streamers showing former senator Ninoy Aquino (whose eloquence as a writer and speaker inspired the events concept) hanged conspicuously in every school around the country to remind that November 25, 2011 is the Araw ng Pagbasa. The Rotary Club of Mega Edsa Silver President Marissa Santos together with PP Lino Atienza, club secretary Cora Abio and treasurer Tess Benitez impressed in the minds and hearts of the pupils at the Balara Elementary School the essence of reading in their daily lives. Days before Araw ng Pagbasa, PP Lino Atienza, assisted by Balara High Interact adviser, Dr. Aurelio Almario distributed 50 pieces of Super Pinoy Kid komiks book at the Grade 3-class. The demo-class was instructed to prepare a presentation (role-playing) based on the four (4) stories in the komiks book that depict important values that every student should possess. RC Mega Edsa offered tips on characterization specifically on facial expression (proper display of emotions), pacing, blocking, voicing and delivery. PP Atienza explained Araw ng Pagbasa and the role of Rotary in this endeavor. He underscored that the values depicted in the komiks book are the same values being taught in the FourWay Test of the Rotary. I hope someday you will join the Ro-

Rocaflor (DIR), Janelo Mariamonte and Kevin An- tary, he said. geles to the demo-class of around 50 pupils. In closing, President Santos expressed gratitude Selected pupils in their costumes performed a for the cooperation and enthusiasm of the class role-playing based on the first story about hon- as well as the team from the Balara High School esty. Performers for the second and third stories and Balara Elementary School. Indeed, the Araw were chosen by RC Mega Edsa. Interpretation of ng Pagbasa went beyond its objective of propaOn November 25, 2011, the RC Mega Edsa group the fourth story was done by RC Mega Edsa and gating the value of reading. The activity also bewas accompanied by Balara High School coordi- the Interactors with the pupils playing the role of came a channel of peace and friendship towards nator Dr. Almario assisted by Interactors Mariel narrator. a meaningful service.

RC New Manila East raise funds for children

By SP Ed Ayento, RC New Manila East
Last December 7, 2011, the Rotary Club of New Manila East held a fundraising concert at the UP Ang Bahay ng Alumni for the Benefit of the Grade 1 pupils at Toro Hills Elementary School, who are the beneficiaries of our Milk Feeding Program. Milk feeding for school children has been one of the clubs signature programs. The AMP Band staged the Big Heart Concert, with Mel Villena as the Musical Director, while the featured vocal artists were Cookie Chua and Art Manuntag. RCNME Director Allan Cueva acted as overall chair of the event. 4

RC Camp Crame and PNP join hands to serve

By Sheena Montierro, RC Camp Crame
A Memorandum of Understanding underscored the joint collaboration and cooperation of the Rotary Club of Camp Crame and the Philippine National Police in the conduct of various community-based projects and humanitarian activities. RC Camp Crame is a duly registered civic organization within the jurisdiction of Rotary District 3780, and under the Rotary International. It is a socio-civic organization that aims to bring together business and professional leaders to provide community-based humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

RC Biak-na-Bato feeds body and mind of young elementary school pupils

By SP Non Sariba, RC Biak-na-Bato
In order to augment the Feeding Activity at Dalupan Elementary School for both Kindergarten and Grade 1 students, the Rotary Club of Biak na Bato has been giving a monthly donation of one sack of rice which started last October 7, 2011. President Non Sariba, PE Ed Corpuz, Rtn Jolan Salino and Principal Agnes Noble witnessed the said activity which was done during lunchtime at the school canteen. The project aims to help feed the children well, because only children with full stomach can concentrate on their studies and participate well in school activities. On the same occasion, RC Biak-na-Bato turned over volumes of hardbound books to the elementary school.

RC Cubao Central promotes health through free chest x-rays and treatment
By SP Marilyn Manabat, RC Cubao Central
RC Cubao Central recently sponsored a community project, "Health is Wealth, Free Chest X-Ray," at Villa Arman Resort, Barangay Caniogan, Malolos, Bulacan last January 7, 2012. This continuing medical project is chaired by PP Arman Sy of RCCC in cooperation with St. Augustine's School of nursing and Barangay Chairman Ms. Precy Mateo. This was a preliminary step for our big Medical Mission on February 18, 2012 at the same venue. Close to 300 indigent residents of Barangay Caniogan benefited from this free chest X-ray. The results have been evaluated by doctors and those found with ailments would be given free check-up and medicines on Feb.18. On that date, we will also offer free circumcision, free check-ups and medicines. We will also be donating medical instruments and kits to Barangay Caniogan.

RC Agham serves 600 poor patients through integrated healthcare care mission
By SP Bermar Bantola, RC Agham
The Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Agham and the University of the Philippines (UP) Pan Xenia Fraternity successfully held a medical mission in Brgy. Lupang Pangako, Payatas, Quezon City. This was done in partnership with Unilab, Euromed, Bantex, Cong. David Kho, and The Generics Pharmacy, together with 14 doctors from the University of Santo Tomas Hospital and other volunteer specialists. surgical patients. Over 600 patients were served. 250 children and 140 adults were given general checkups, multi-vitamins, ascorbic acid, and the medicines they needed. Some 112 patients went home with a brand new set of reading glasses. 85 patients had dental checkups and tooth extractions. Lastly, 25 extremely blessed patients were given surgical attention. Minor surgeries were performed, treating tendon cysts, and the like. One patient, for example, who had been The medical mission catered to children & adults, living with a tendon cyst on his arm for 18 years, dental patients, ophthalmologic patients, and was very delighted and relieved. We are happy we truly were able to change some lives. a means of primary healthcare, and hopefully Unlike other medical reduce the number of illnesses in their commumissions, we sought nity. The hygiene kits included toothbrushes, to look more into the toothpastes, and face towels. Furthermore, longer term. We through the generosity of Bantex, we were able to cannot really make a include slippers in the kits to protect them from lasting difference diseases they can pick up from dirty roads and floors. A total of 500 hygiene kits were given simply by providing away. secondary and tertiary health. The prob- The medical mission was indeed a great success. lem needs to be We helped people in need of immediate medical stopped at its root. attention, fed them, and provided kits for better Thus, we gave the primary health care. It was a touching scene seeresidents hygiene ing how thankful the people were after the miskits: the basic tools sion. Many of them walked out with exactly what they need to main- they needed, and got rid of what they did not tain good hygiene as need like decayed teeth and cysts, for examples. 5

(Continued from page 2)

We also launched the districts First Literacy Congress during which were launched a menu of literacy projects that Rotary clubs may choose to adopt and implement this Rotary year. The Congress featured full descriptions of the various literacy projects presented by their respective proponents, from the district and from other institutions, our cooperating organizations. The First Literacy Congress was a multi-club activity, with the Rotary Club of Batasan Hills as lead club, chaired by RCBH Past President Becca de la Cruz and Silver President Agnes Santos. May I request Agnes and the Silver Presidents of the Co-Host Clubs to rise to be recognized. Pag-Asa Past President Oyie Valarao and Rotary Club of Kamuning West Past President Rencie Padernal for the food and gifts they donated which were distributed to the children. The District Christmas Party will be remembered for its many firsts. For one, it included already what used to be called in previous years as the Past Presidents Fellowship Night. This was meant to emphasize the spirit of oneness and equality among Rotarians -past presidents, and for that matter past district officers including past district governors, and other Rotary club members. What also made our District Christmas Party this year special was that for the first time ever, a batch of Rotary club presidents hosted the event with a "Mardi Gras" theme. Hands-On Governor Dulce Coyukiat (2009-2010) and the Hands-On presidents led by event chairman PP Kiko Gutierrez and overall event coordinator Noemi Hernandez left no stone unturned to ensure a very colorful and truly memorable night. To salute our Hands-On Governor Dulce and all the Hands-On presidents, let us all rise and give them our applause!

Our District Fellowship and Rotary Family Day, another first in our districts history, gathered more than 600 Rotarians, their families and Rotaractors in the spirit of fun, great fellowship and friendly competition. Again, this activity was a multi-club affair, with the Rotary Club of Diliman Heights as lead club, with RCDH Past President Lyndon Wong as Chair, Rotary Club of Pearl of the Orient Past President Myra Gonzales as Co-Chair, and they were supported by mostly Dream Maker Presidents of several other Rotary Clubs. May I cannot forget the trips I made to Hawaii to support our GSE team, we ask Silver President Jorge San Diego of RCDH and the Silver to the Bali Zone Institute to participate in this annual Rotary event, Presidents of the other Clubs which co-hosted the District Fellowand to Hongkong to join the Rotary Club of Quezon City as they parship and Rotary Family Day to please stand. ticipated in their sister-club's charter anniversary celebration. All of Our Testimonial Dinner for Paul Harris Major Donors, fellows and these helped to promote friendship and goodwill with other counsustaining members had no less than PRIP Wilf Wilkinson as guest. tries. It was an elegant formal function hosted by the Rotary Club of KaThere is one event that until now stirs my imagination and that is muning West whose president is Silver President Bob Ruiz. Our the thanksgiving celebration of our district spouses with cancerTestimonial Dinner was chaired by District Service Projects Chair, stricken children. On this rare occasion, the kids and their parents RCKW Past President Rencie Padernal. On that occasion we also smiled their biggest, danced and pranced, momentarily forgetting launched the RI District 3780 Paul Harris Society with PDG Oca their woes, while partaking of the lunch and receiving gifts from Inocentes as PHS coordinator. D3780 spouses led by our first spouse Helen Cifra. Helen was The On to Bangkok Fellowship organized and sponsored by the joined by the spouses of our District Secretary Jesse Tanchanco, District's International Convention Committee chaired by CP Oyie Joji, and of our Chief of Staff, Anne, as well as the spouses of many Valarao of the Rotary Club of Pag-Asa was another meaningful of our Silver Presidents. Let us honor them through you who are and fun-filled event. With a presentation of Thai dances and a buf- here, and so, may I request Helen, Jesse, Joe and the Silver Presifet of Thai food, the affair signalled what I am very confident will be dents of spouses who have been serving the children afflicted with the most attended and best organized participation of our district cancer, to please rise. in an international convention. I ask that the presidents of the RoI would also like to mention with great modesty our districts efforts tary Club of Pag-Asa, SP Jess Lim, and the presidents of the other to develop sister-district relationships with six neighboring districts clubs which have a past president who is a member of the Internathe ultimate goal of which is to pave the way for D3780 clubs to tie tional Convention Committee to please stand up to be recogup with foreign clubs for sister club arrangements, possibly leading nized. Now, I ask the club presidents who already confirmed attento Matching Grants and other joint undertakings. Forged during my dance and the presidents of clubs with members who have already foreign trips, these sister-district relationships were signed with the signed-up for the convention to stand, also to be recognized. Figovernors of D3300 of Northern Malaysia, D3310 of Singapore, nally, I ask the presidents of clubs who have not signed-up and Southern Malaysia and Brunei, D3330 of Thailand, D3360 also of those without any member yet who have signed Thailand, D3400 of Indonesia, and D3450 of Hong Kong, Macao up: Why? Please register now! and Mongolia. It warms the heart to realize that more than 700 children shared The list goes on and on but I cannot mention them all in order to gifts, fun, and laughter at our First District Children's Christmas keep our timelines for this Midyear Review. I would like however to Party. Such a sight brings us back to our youth and inspires us to share with you a glimpse of our tremendous success as seen from devote our lives to serving the new generations. Held at Camp our performance in the areas of Membership Development and Crame, the Christmas Party we provided the children, aged besupport for The Rotary Foundation. The figures you will see should tween 5 and 9 years, mostly coming from depressed communities, stir our imagination and inspire us to the heights of heaven. public day care centers and pre-schools, was hosted by the Rotary Club of Camp Crame, led by Silver President and Chief, Philippine These are our figures on Membership Development: National Police, P/DG Nick Bartolome. Adding glitter to the occaMembers Clubs Net Gain % Net Gain sion was the participation of about 20 police officers who helped Members Clubs Members Clubs serve food and hand gifts to the children. The Childrens Christmas As of 1 July 2011: 2,187 93 Party was a gesture most appreciated by the children, their parents As of 31 Dec. 2011: 2,306 95 119 2 5.44 2.15 and teachers. It was the first time for many of the kids to receive Special notes: a. D3780 ranks 4th in Membership Gain in the 11 districts of gifts and the party certainly lent meaning to the oft-repeated stateZone 7A (Philippines & Indonesia) ment that Christmas is for children. Lets acknowledge Silver Presib. D3780 has 52 clubs under 25 members or 56% of total dent Nick, RCCC Vice President Alfred Bayan and Secretary Thirdy number of clubs, the 3rd lowest in Zone 7A. Princesa. Allow me to reiterate my gratitude also to Rotary Club of
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(Continued from page 6)

On The Rotary Foundation, here are the figures that should inspire us all:
YTD DECEMBER 2010 US$29,337 ANNUAL GIVING YTD DECEMBER 2011 US$153,359 COMPARISON 422.8%

dreams to fulfill. For this reason, I would like to remind you that the deadlines for the 2011-12 Changemaker Award and Presidential Citation. The submission of your entries is very, very urgent! Let us quickly go through some of the most important things we need to know about these two awards: Changemaker Award Recognizes achievements related to each of the five avenues of service. Rotary clubs, Rotaract clubs, and Interact clubs may qualify. Qualifying clubs must submit a completed Changemaker Award brochure to the district governor by 15 Match 2012 The district governor must report the names of all qualifying clubs online no later than 22 March 2012.

Special Note: D3780 ranks 2nd in total annual giving, with D3800 topping the list with US$314,581. YTD DECEMBER 2010 US$12.39 PER CAPITA GIVING YTD DECEMBER 2011 US$74.37 COMPARISON 500.23%

Presidential Citation Recognizes achievements in Foundation giving and member ship at both the club and district levels. Only Rotary clubs may qualify Qualifying clubs must submit a completed certification form to the district governor by 6 April 2012 The district governor should review all club certification forms and submit the district certification form to RI via fax My friends, these facts and figures demonstrate our passion and or scanned attachment to email by 10 April 2012 commitment to the spirit of our theme, Reach Within to Embrace Humanity. And these are just two areas of Rotary concerns that I Let us continue to work with passion, commitment, and excellence have presented for your appreciation. With these alone, we can to complete our mission for 2011-2012. We know how it feels to modestly claim that D3780 belongs to the top 3 or top 5 Rotary be successful, plainly because we have made our first six months a districts in Zones 7A and 7B. And that is because of our combined big triumph over our challenges. Let us move on and never tire. spirit of teamwork. That is because of your effective and efficient Remember, in our unique world of service, . . . the best is yet to leadership of our clubs. I therefore ask you now to give yourselves be. There can be no end to our quest for excellence. a big round of applause! And another thunderous round of apLet me therefore close with a challenge. Greg Hickman aptly puts plause! this challenge in his words: Paint a masterpiece daily. Always autoLess than six months from now we shall look back to our year with graph your work with excellence. mixed feelings of great pride and nostalgia. We shall all long to remain in the festive mode of success. But that is still some 60 That is the best way to Reach Within to Embrace Humanity. weeks and 3 days from now. We still have work to do and other

Special Notes: a. Since the target per capita giving is only US$50, we surpassed the target by US$24.37 b. D3780 ranks 3rd in per capita giving in Zone 7A. c. None of the 28 districts in Australia and New Zealand surpassed D3780s per capita giving. D3780 therefore also ranks 3rd in per capita giving in Zones 7A & 7B.

Message of Thanks
By Lt. Gov. Daniel Boone Ongchoco, D3780 Annual Giving Chair
I am a believer in the saying that true altruism is best manifested during the most difficult of timeswhen the giving truly hurts. With the cloud of uncertainty hovering around us once again due to the European sovereign debt crisis and the threat of another global financial meltdown, it has been most heartwarming to witness how the Foundation contributions in our district has already breached the record total set two Rotary years ago. So, at the half-way mark of our Annual Giving campaign, on behalf of Governor Jess Cifra, RRFC Bobby Viray, DRFC Dan Espinosa, Annual Giving Committee Adviser PDG Dulce Coyukiat and my hard-working Annual Giving Committee Vice-Chairs PP Chito Borromeo, PP Noemi Hernandez, PP Rose Imperial, PP Roland Tan, PP Irma Pizarro, PP Ricky de Guzman, PP Fe Canton, and PP Connie Aguila, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our Foundation donors this Rotary year, specifically our 18 continuing and new Paul Harris Major Donors, 215 multiple and new Paul Harris Fellows, 80 Paul Harris Sustaining Members and to the rest of As of December 31, 2011, we already have our District 3780 record and R.I. Zone 7Atotal check collections of $197,449 (versus high of 834 TRF contributors. Thank you for the old record of $170,233). With a number your selfless contributions. of pledges still in the collection pipeline, we look forward to surpassing the $200,000 To the Silver Presidents of RY 2011-12, it mark soon and to hopefully achieve $100 has truly been a pleasure to see all of you per capita contribution in our district of very much involved and at the heart of this 2,300 plus members. Yes, these lofty goals campaign. Thank you for inspiring your club are within our reach in the most unlikely of members to be Foundation donors this Rotimes. Indeed, when the going gets tough tary year. Without a doubt, you have been and the giving really hurts, the generosity of the X-Factor behind whatever success we District 3780 Rotarians overflows. have achieved thus far. As a final message, may all our donors this Rotary year serve as inspiration to the rest of the District 3780 Rotarians to contribute as well to the noble cause of The Rotary Foundation. Lest we forget, we are just halfway in our journey as there remains another 6 months in this Rotary year to achieve our goals, and the rest of our lifetimes to continue spreading the good being done by the Foundation not just in our country but all around the globe. As I always say, in my opinion, one cannot be a true Rotarian without being a donor to The Rotary Foundation. Whether it be $1,000, $100 or just $10, one must find it in his or her heart to give to the Foundation. After all, regardless of the times, I would like to think that we remain much better off than our underprivileged brothers around the globe, and as the biblical saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected. May we continue to master the art of giving and cultivate the kind of heart that never stops giving. May God bless you all and reward your generous hearts ever more abundantly!

Silver Presidents roll out project to renovate the 4th floor of Rotary Center
By SP Ped Condeno, RC Holy Spirit
During the Fellowship of Silver Presidents hosted by RC Camp Crame last February 2nd, SP Nick Bartolome led the unfolding of plans to renovate and transform the 4th floor of the Rotary Center into a multipurpose hall that will include provisions for a 36 square meter Audio-Visual Room, an 11 square meter elevated stage, and upgraded comfort rooms for ladies and gentlemen with an open wash area in between. The total floor area is about 286 square meters with granite flooring and powder coated swing doors. Walls and ceiling shall be repainted to reflect the colors of the Silver year. Club presidents present during the fellowship event each committed to share P10,000 to kick off the fund raising. SP Ronnie Yap of RC SFDM pledged a whopping P50,000 as his clubs contribution. The renovation work shall start in April 2012 and is planned to be completed by June 30, 2012.

It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

Walt Disney

RI Presidents January Message

My dear brothers and sisters in Rotary,
At Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington, D.C., stands a memorial to the Seabees, formally known as the U.S. Naval Construction Force. An inscription reads, With willing hearts and skillful hands, the difficult we do at once; the impossible takes a bit longer. In Rotary, we already have our own mottoes. If we didnt, I might be given to nominate those two lines. The power of combined effort, as Paul Harris once wrote, knows no limitation. When we work together, the impossible becomes possible. I thought of this when I read, a few months ago, an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, the premier medical journal in the United States. Titled The Polio Endgame, it outlined a strategy for a post-polio era, including managing post-eradication risks. Thirty years ago, such an article could never have been published. Today, it is a testament to the power of dedication, of persistence, and of combined effort. The impossible has, indeed, become possible. A post-polio world, once the stuff of dreams, will soon be here. My friends, the day that polio will be eradicated is close at hand. We have to be ready for it with a powerful Rotary a Rotary of enthusiasm and confidence, of bold vision and clear ambitions. It is time for us to prepare by taking an honest look at our clubs. Are our projects meaningful, sustainable, and relevant? Are our meetings productive and enjoyable? Are our clubs welcoming to new members, and are our schedules and events friendly to young families? And once people join us, do we welcome them properly, involve them enough? Do we make them a part of the family of Rotary quickly enough? The figures tell us that while enough new individuals join Rotary every year and everywhere, too many exit Rotary, on an ongoing basis. What unfulfilled hope do they leave with? What expectations are we not meeting? Can we do more and better? Now is the time to focus our energies on our clubs, and on the way people see them. It is time to show our communities that the Rotary of today is not the Rotary of their preconceptions. Rotary is a way to connect, to do more, to be more it is a way to take our idealism and our vision, and turn them into reality.

Foundation Chairmans January Message

Areas of focus are the causes that drive Rotary Areas of focus are the causes that drive Rotary. We are now halfway through the pilot of our Future Vision Plan, and as I look to the future I think the most significant change will be the adoption of the six areas of focus -- and not just for our Foundation. I recently heard RI Director Stuart Heal, the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, say that our areas of focus fit very comfortably into our RI Strategic Plan. Todays generation supports causes rather than organizations, and so we in Rotary should be able to clearly identify the causes that drive us. When somebody asks you what Rotary is, you do not have to fumble for words. Tell the person that we are an organization of service-minded individuals around the world who are working to make the world a better place with our efforts in water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, economic and community development, and peace and conflict resolution. You can say that in 20 seconds! You can see how this may bring new members to Rotary and increase the giving to our Foundation. If you approach corporations for a contribution, they are much more likely to respond if they know how their money will be spent, and that we will spend it wisely. We are building on a strong record of performance over a long period of time. Bill Gates has said as much on a number of occasions. He has shown his faith in us through his significant gifts for polio eradication. While I am writing this from a Foundation perspective, the membership factor should not be overlooked. Plenty of organizations talk about issues, but Rotary is about action, not words

William B. Boyd - Rotary Foundation Chairman

The FOUR-WAY TEST of the Things We Think, Say and Do
Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Kalyan Banerjee President, Rotary International

Important RI and TRF Deadlines

Click Images to View Content

RI Changemaker Award (2011-12) for clubs. Application to DG office - 15th Mar 2012
http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/900b_en11.pdf

RI Significant Achievement Award for Clubs - 15th March 2012

http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/awards_saa_en.pdf

Matching Grant Requests (Below 25000 USD) - 31st Mar 2012

http://www.rotary.org/en/ServiceAndFellowship/FundAProject/HumanitarianGrants/Pages/Ma tchingGrants.aspx
The Governors Monthly Letter is linked to:

Rotary International District 3780 Website Latest News Update from RI December Issue of GML Rotary Leader Online

RI Presidential Citation (2011-12) for clubs to reach DG Office - 6th April 2012
http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/900a_en11.pdf

RI Recognition of Membership Development Initiatives Application to DG - 15th April

2012 http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/422en.pdf

RI Membership Development and Extension Award - 15th May

http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/901en.pdf

RI Recognition of Smaller Club Membership Growth - 16 May - 30 June 2012 http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/416en.pdf

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Watch songwriter Jerry Mills sing Come Join Us. Click the link.