ROTARY YEAR THEME 2007-2008

DISTRICT 3850 DISTAS (2nd Round)

District 3850 MAKE DREAMS REAL team had a very successful 2nd Round of DISTRICT ASSEMBLY (DISTAS) last May 17, 2008 at Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo City, hosted with enthusiasm by RC Midtown Iloilo.

The Distas was surprisingly a full house inspite of the not so cooperating weather that day.

I do not know with others, but this is how i felt: (april_73uk@yahoo.co.uk)

Prior to the preparation of Distas, information dissemination and campaign for attendance were done to all the clubs in the District. The second round of Distas was made possible thru the enthusiasm herself of Incoming District Governor Emma Nava, who believed that incoming officers who did not made it to the 1st round, deserved a second chance. With the tedious preparation by RC Midtown, thanks heaven that everything went smooth. For those who missed it, for the second time, the third time would be too much (just kidding...). Seriously, attending this very important training workshop and seminar as incoming officers for RY 2008-09 is actually a big help and a learning opportunities especially for the new Rotarians and incoming officers in particular. This year is so different that the District team for this year deserve a commendation.

With the like of Toastmaster Philipp Matthys who handled the first topic on PUBLIC SPEAKING in a more interactive and fun approached; PP Cris Montero of his newly modified powerpoint presentation and clear topic on DEVELOPING GOALS: RESOURCES with participation from the delegates, too; PP Louie Gonzaga on the SERVICE PROJECT: RYLA who talked over lunch and begged the delegates to consider him a "dessert top with cherries"....(considering the lunch with gusto, we can take another dessert actually hehehe, esp the cherries :) ) and of course, who brave the river to cross in order to be with us, the seasoned speaker PP Jundad who talked on the topics - PUBLIC RELATIONS AND LEADERSHIP. So, who can bit the team of caliber speakers whom we appreciated for the first time and who has brought the room down with laughters and more learning opportunities with the delegates all attentive and wide eyes (and mouth, too) open with awe.

Another surprise is the presence of DG Prince Gerochi who welcomed the delegates at the start of the session, but later disappeared, without saying goodbye :) On the other hand, no matter how busy a Rotarian is, they still make it a point to fulfill their commitment, a true example of being a TRUE ROTARIAN, come high mountains or high water.

The club is most grateful to incoming Vice-President Pete Ruiz and Youth Chair, Rtn. Winnie Bersanas for the unexpected attendance. To the rest of you, hope we see you again in the next future seminars this RY 2008-09. It indeed pave the way for us to learn new things in Rotary held every year in antipation for the coming Rotary year. We yearn for more Rotary Education, it is better to hear it first hand, than reading the manual, huh!

MABUHAY DG EMMA NAVA for coming out with a pool of inspiring speakers and a wonderful experience of fellowship and fun while learning ROTARY.

To all incoming officers, remember:

S - hared
M - easurable
A - chievable
R - real
T - time specific
C - hallenging

MAKE DREAMS REAL - RY 2008-09!!!

ROTARY SHARES

By: IP Megs Lunn

The Birthday-for-a-Cause last night was a success. Considerably the attendance of the members, special guests (my Uncle Nonoy of soon to open NADAL CASTLE HOTEL and RESTAURANT in town) and even surprised guests who came from RC Cebu City - Rtn. Tina Campus of Sunlife of Canada, joined and celebrated with me, my delayed celebration hehehe thanks also to those who are not around but sent their greetings. Likewise to my fellow media practitioners from the MEDIA OFFICE of SEN. MAR ROXAS for the LITSON hehehe, thanks guys esp. to Jenny Bugarin - media protocol officer. To PP REUBEN YAP of ROTARY CLUB OF ROXAS for the FUNDADOR! Whooh....but thanks goodness, nobody got drunk hehehe

I would like to personally thanked AG Noli Sodusta for a well applauded Recognition Time as fundraising for the project. This RY 2008-09, "MAKE DREAMS REAL" team's major project ADOPT STAC (STIMULATION AND THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY CENTER) with (the last count) 273 disabled children will be our main focus this year, in support to the call of R.I. President for RY 2008-09 DONG KURN LEE who is much concerned about the children of the world.

Ms. Joana Tay was invited as our guest speaker to present the Goal, Objectives and Programs of STAC and for the members to be enlightened with the present situation of the center. It is for this matter that in my term, I have considered the project, of which gained a big support from the last Board meeting from the new Board of Directors for RY 2008-09.

Last night's dinner was blessed. With so much food and donors, too. For those who donated cash last nite, THANK YOU! For the pledges, A BIG THANK YOU. We will be looking for a more fruitful year ahead this RY 2008-09, MAKE DREAMS REAL...for the children of Aklan.

The following are the donors/pledges:

ANONYMOUS - $100 (for the Matching Grant)
PP VADY MARIN - supply for the feeding program
RTN. ZAMIE BRITNELL - free entrance and use of the swimming pool for the HYDROTHERAPY SESSION of the kids once a month at FROGSHOLLOW RESORT, New Washington, Aklan
RTN. ARNOLD JAYME (MD) - free Pedia Clinic and visitation in cooperation with Aklan Medical Society
ALL MEMBERS - cash donations during the Recognition Time (turned over on the spot)
PP BERTING NAKAYA - cash (auction of THE LENS MAGAZINE)
RC ROTARY - additional once a month feeding program (RY 2008-onwards)

"GIVE ALL YOU CAN, AND GIVE EVEN IF IT HURTS"

According to Annie Frank, and I quote, "NO ONE HAS EVER BECOME POOR BY GIVING."

Thank you to all who have joined my celebration and looking forward to a more progressive RY 2008-09. I know NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN OUR CAUSE."

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO BE ABLE TO HELP THE CENTER, PLS CONTACT THE ROTARY CLUB OF KALIBO AT (MOBILE) 0919-5521862 TEL/FAX (+63 36) 2682830 MADYAAS PEN OFFICE (+63 36) 2686238.

Or pay your donations/help directly to the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Kalibo, Branch C/A No. 1110-0114-97. Proper official receipt will be issued to you or your company’s name upon receipt of your donations.

"EVERY DISABLED CHILDREN MATTERS..."

MAKE DREAMS REAL - RY 2008-09

STAC WISH LIST
(AMONG OTHER THINGS)

* PEDIATRIC WHEELCHAIRS
* PEDIATRIC WALKERS
* STROLLER
* BED SHEETS/PILLOW CASES
* BATH/HAND TOWELS
* EDUCATION TOOLS (puzzles, coloring books, art kits, preschool books, plastic toys, clay, etc)
* ASTHMA MEDICINES (Rx available upon request)
* VITAMIN C and other medical needs for ASTHMATIC kids

"EVERY DISABLED CHILDREN MATTERS..."
MAKE DREAMS REAL - RY 2008-09

GOD BLESS EVERYONE!

FUND RAISING FOR STAC

THIS ROTARY YEAR 2008-09, FROM APRIL 18, 2008 ONWARDS THE WHOLE OF ROTARY YEAR 2008-09, INCOMING PRESIDENT MEGS LUNN WILL CELEBRATE HER BIRTHDAY FOR A CAUSE (now on its 5TH YEAR) FOR THE BENEFIT OF STIMULATION AND THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY CENTER (STAC). FOR DONATIONS AND HELP, PLS MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO: ROTARY CLUB OF KALIBO with office address at - c/o JUDGE VADY MARIN, ROTARY LIVELIHOOD & TRAINING CENTER, ANDAGAO, KALIBO, AKLAN, PHILIPPINES.

IT HAS BEEN HER TRADITION SINCE 2004, THAT SHE IS CELEBRATING HER BIRTHDAY AS FUND RAISING PROJECT FOR ANY OF THE R.I. PROGRAMS. THIS YEAR’S THEME “MAKE DREAMS REAL” WITH FOCUS ON CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.

IF YOU HAVE MADE OUR LITERACY PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL FROM THE PREVIOUS YEARS BECAUSE OF YOUR DONATIONS FOR THE LIBRARY, THIS YEAR, WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD FOR MORE SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS ON CHILDREN. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

"Every disabled child matters...."

What is STAC all about?

STIMULATION AND THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY CENTER (STAC) located at the back of the Kalibo Municipal Hall, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. This is the main center for children with disabilities in the province of Aklan, others are satellite center in the 17 municipalities of the province – Aklan.

STAC at present has more than 265 active children beneficiaries with various disabilities (physical, mental, cognitive and social).

Our GOAL:

To improve the living condition of Children with disabilities in the Philippines.

Our Objectives:

1. To make available an accessible, sustainable, and low-cost rehabilitation facility.

2. To provide free comprehensive rehabilitation, pre-school special education and related social services to poor children with disabilities aged 0-14 years.

3. To increase the awareness and caring capacity of LGUs, agencies, parents, disability organizations and others in the community towards children with disabilities.

4. To transfer the technology that is the STAC to the Local Government Unit.

5. To improve the capacity and practice of organizations of PWDs and parents of children with disabilities for advocacy and lobbying the rights, programs and services for the disability sector.

6. To mainstream and socially integrate children with disabilities.

7. To increase the number of children with disabilities attending school.

Our Programs:

1. REHABILITATION

1. Psychiatrist
2. Physical Therapy
3. Occupational Therapy
4. SPED

2. PARENT’S TRAINING PROGRAM

3. SOCIAL REHABILITATION

4. SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING

5. REFERRAL

6. STAC PARENT’S ASSOCIATION

7. BHW TRAINING

8. ORIENTATION-WORKSHOP ON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

9. DAY CARE WORKER’S TRAINING

10. NETWORKING

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO BE ABLE TO HELP THE CENTER, PLS CONTACT THE ROTARY CLUB OF KALIBO AT (MOBILE) 0919-5521862 TEL/FAX (+63 36) 2682830 MADYAAS PEN OFFICE (+63 36) 2686238.

Or pay your donations/help directly to the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Kalibo, Branch C/A No. 1110-0114-97. Proper official receipt will be issued to you or your company’s name upon receipt of your donations.

LET’S MAKE DREAMS REAL THIS RY 2008-09.

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO RESPONDED AND PLEDGED EARLIER.

1st Donor: ANONYMOUS: $100

GOD BLESS YOU MORE! PLEASE SEE US MAY 13, 2008 (dinner) at the clubhouse. We will start accepting more donations and pledges by then.

Or pay your donations/help directly to the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Kalibo, Branch C/A No. 1110-0114-97. Proper official receipt will be issued to you or your company’s name upon receipt of your donations.

Note: The wheelchairs (7 units) in the picture is our first donations to STAC. This RY 2008-09, we are adopting STAC as our pilot project on children, as per emphasis by our Incoming R.I. President - DONG KURN LEE, "MAKE DREAMS REAL" - for the children of the world. There is so much to be done and so I encourage everyone to join our hands together for this children - EVERY DISABLED CHILD MATTERS......

The picture on the right is the skeleton/abandoned proposed STAC BUILDING. Fundraising for this cause is also being negotiated.

SO, PUT YOUR RESOURCES on this project and rest assured that it will be in the right place with the right people.

Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU!

R.I. President's Message - May 2008

May 2008

Dear fellow Rotarians,

Soon after I was nominated to serve as president of Rotary International, I began planning a series of membership conferences in North America. Earlier this Rotary year, we held seven such conferences, each drawing between 200 and 600 participants. I chose North America as the setting because of the region’s recent alarming decline in membership as well as its large pool of qualified prospective members, many of whom are just waiting for an invitation to join.

Each conference generated a high level of energy and a shared understanding of why membership is such an urgent matter. We talked about the challenges Rotary faces in this arena as the need for its service continues to grow. And we determined that the organization can’t grow, or even maintain its status quo, unless more Rotarians take on the responsibility of bringing in new members.

Right now, only about 18 percent of Rotarians ever bring a new member into their club. The great majority of our membership growth reflects the work of just a few individuals who take their responsibility very seriously. But that responsibility belongs to all of us, not just to those few. This is the premise of the “member get member” initiative I’ve been promoting this year. “Member get member” is not a campaign or contest. It is, very simply, the way we need to approach the whole question of membership for Rotary to survive and grow – the understanding that it is the responsibility of each one of us to bring in at least one new member every year.

Our North American conferences produced some encouraging results: In the first half of this Rotary year, every zone in the region showed a positive change in membership. Next year, President-elect Dong Kurn Lee plans to hold the events in 10 countries, building on the momentum we’ve developed and spreading the enthusiasm to other parts of the world.

As this Rotary year draws to a close, consider the benefits of fulfilling your individual responsibility of bringing one new member into your club. Think about having one more pair of hands to do Rotary’s work and strengthen your club’s service; one more person to embrace Rotary’s core values and bring help and hope where they’re needed; one more person who will not only show the world that Rotary Shares but also allow Rotary to Make Dreams Real.

Wilfrid J. (Wilf) Wilkinson
President, Rotary International

EDITORIAL - BUDYONG MAY 13, 2008

The District Assembly (DISTAS)

Incoming District Governor Emma “Ems” Nava has announced that there will be a District Assembly (DISTAS) for Panay clubs on May 17, 2008, 8:00 A.M., at Belle Terrace, Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo City to be hosted by RC Midtown Iloilo City.

The annual district assembly is the major leadership training event in each Rotary district of the world. In view of the annual turnover of Rotary leadership each July, special effort is required to provide the 27,000 club leaders with appropriate instruction for the tasks they will assume and help them develop a good grasp of their duties in advancing Rotary’s program of service. It is usually held after the Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) and before 1 July.

The purpose of the district assembly is to develop Rotary club leaders who have the necessary skills, knowledge, and motivation to lead an effective club. Participants include the president-elect and the incoming leadership team for the club, including: 1) Club secretary, 2) Club treasurer, and 3) Club committee chairs.

The district assembly offers motivation, inspiration, Rotary information and new ideas for club officers, directors and key committee chairmen of each club. Some of the most experienced district leaders conduct informative discussions on all phases of Rotary administration and service projects. The assembly gives all participants valuable new ideas to make their club more effective and interesting. Usually eight to ten delegates from each club are invited to attend the training session.

Another important feature of a district assembly is a review by the incoming district governor of the program theme and emphasis as well as service goals for the coming year. Let us show our support for IDG Ems Nava as we Make Dreams Real this coming Rotary Year by attending the coming DISTAS.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION CORNER

by PP Raphy Tayco, PHF+1

May 2008

Message from the Chair: Thank you for a successful year

Dear family of Rotary,

This is my last message as chair of The Rotary Foundation. Throughout this year, I rediscovered, as all of my predecessors have, the tremendous generosity of Rotarians and their efforts on behalf of our Foundation, in both its educational and humanitarian programs.

Donations to all the funds have increased, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation challenge grant is generating enormous excitement. I am confident that if this momentum continues, we will meet, and even exceed, all of our fundraising goals for this year.

Our first goal for this Rotary year states: “Polio eradication is realistic.” Since Rotary launched its polio eradication initiative in 1985, the infection rate has dropped by 99 percent. Only four polio-endemic countries remain. Who says we cannot eradicate polio? We Rotarians must continue to be the conscience of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative until no child is ever again paralyzed for life by the poliovirus. It is our promise to the children, and as we all know, Rotarians keep their promises. We will meet Rotary’s US$100 Million Challenge.

The Rotary Foundation has built a magnificent record over its 91 years and is now recognized around the globe as one of the world’s most respected private foundations. It has been an honor to serve as its chair. Thank you for the good you have done, for the good you are doing, but most important, for the good you will do.

Robert S. Scott
Trustee Chair, The Rotary Foundation, 2007-08

Weekly Rotary Foundation Thoughts - Budyong May 13, 2008

Week 33:

This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought is about Foundation Service Awards.

There are three different Foundation Service Awards. The District Service Award is given to any Rotarian whose service to humanity deserves to be recognized. The District Governor can award up to 20 of these a year and the recipient is given a certificate. The Citation for Meritorious Service is awarded by the Trustees to one Rotarian from each district every year. Nominations are solicited from district governors and RI Directors. The Trustees consider these nominations throughout the year until 15 May. A handsome certificate in a walnut frame is sent for presentation to the recipient of this award. Four complete Rotary years after receiving the Citation for Meritorious Service, a Rotarian becomes eligible for the Distinguished Service Award. Because this is the Foundation's highest service recognition, a recipient's exemplary service to the Foundation must extend beyond the district level and over an extended period of time. Award recipients receive a cast bronze plaque mounted on a walnut base.

Do you know someone who is worthy of such an honor in our club?

RC KALIBO, 40 YEARS AND BEYOND

THE ROTARY CLUB of KALIBO

(Reflections of the past 40 years and in the 21st Century)

The Rotary Club of Kalibo was born in October 1966 through the efforts of Rotary Club of Roxas City and the first set of officers were elected in October 1966. On May 06, 1967, Rotary International issued the charter membership of RC Kalibo and the Charter was officially presented on July 22, 1967.

In the first decade (1966-1976) of its existence, several community projects were undertaken by the club for the benefit of the people of Aklan: 1) rehabilitation of the comfort rooms of Kalibo Pilot Elementary School; 2) construction of waiting shed at junction of Osmena and Quezon Avenues, Kalibo; 3) traffic islands along Roxas Avenue; and 4) the Banga Welcome Rotunda. RC Kalibo had also donated cement and other materials in the concreting of some municipal roads. It also extended financial assistance to typhoon victims of November 1969 and flood victims in 1973.

During the second decade (1976-1986) of its existence, RC Kalibo through the efforts of PP Roberto Nakaya, donated a fire truck from Japan to the Municipality of Kalibo. The Municipal Library of Kalibo and various schools in the province of Aklan were also given a total of 82,000 volumes of books through the club’s first foreign matched club of RC El Sobrante, California. It also saw the Club involved in International projects such as hosting Group Study Exchange teams, hosted and sent Rotary Exchange Scholars and sponsored foreign medical missions to Aklan. Contribution to The Rotary Foundation began and the club saw its first PHF member, PP Mods Abriam. The yearly “Handog Pamasko” was started during this period and the Rotary Club of Kalibo Scholarship Foundation was organised in 1984.

In the third decade (1986-1996), the significant projects are: 1) installation of lighting facilities at the Kalibo Shopping Center, Gomburza Plaza and Archbishop Reyes Street; 2) construction of traffic island and beautification of Archbishop Reyes Street; 3) continued its foreign and local medical missions. 4) continuation of yearly projects initiated in the second decade.

The start of the fourth (1996-2006) saw the construction of RC Kalibo’s Livelihood and Training Center after the site was donated by PP Vady and Spouse Nilda Marin at a cost of PHP1.3 m. In this decade, a very significant medical mission from Uplift Internationale named “Operation Taghoy” was implemented with the principal sponsor Rotary Club of White Ridge, Colorado, U.S.A. The project conducted surgical operations on patients with maxillo-facial deformities. To date an approximate of 120 plus operations have been performed in the province of Aklan. Other projects include: 1) construction and rehabilitation of the Children’s Playground at Pastrana Park, Kalibo; 2) construction of the Masing Amigo Mini-Memorial Park at Tambak, New Washington; 3) installation of two drinking fountains in ANHSAT; and 4) installation of 22 deep wells in the province of Aklan under the Water Management Projects in partnership with Rotary Clubs of South Korea.

To date, the club has accomplished the following: 1) sponsored a donation of a modular library to ANHSAT with reference books through the Mabey Foundation; 2) acquired a Matching Grant totalling PHP716,566 with Rotary Club of Santa Barbara, California for ANHSAT’s workshop equipment; and 3) sent five delegates to different countries through the Group Study Exchange Program and several graduating high school students abroad through the Rotary Exchange Program, enabling them to finish their secondary education there.

The Club has produced eighteen (18) PHF members of which three (03) are multiple PHF members and forty-four RFSM.

With the foregoing significant projects as well as several others not mentioned have merited several awards from Rotary International District 3850, the Rotary Club of Kalibo stands proud and views the future with confidence and determination to fulfill its mission through the 21st Century.

NOTE: The pictures were taken last May 6, during the celebration of Rotary Club of Kalibo's 40th Founding Anniversary: RCK donated Php40,000.00 to the Club's Rotary Foundation to send scholars to College. Presscon was held in the morning with the Tri-Media, donation of wheelchair of hope to the elderly and ended with a great fellowship with flowing beer, good food and a fruitful night with a raffle of $100 for Sustaining Member winner - Rtn. Efren Abayon. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary Rotary Club of Kalibo. Mabuhay and long live RC Kalibo!

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION CORNER

By: PP RAPHY TAYCO, JR.

(Ed’s Note: Lost in the activities of the previous month was the commemoration of our founder, Paul Harris’, 140^th birthday. I’m sharing with you this letter from PDG Matts Ingemanson (D-7230), Chairman 2004-2006, Rotary Global History Fellowship)

Happy 140^th Birthday, Paul Harris!

Fellow Rotarians,

Rotary may be the greatest organization of leaders in the world. With 1.2 million Rotarians in 170 countries, we have an incredible asset of talent, wisdom and know-how in one organization.

It all started with Rotary’s Founder Paul Harris, who today celebrates his 140th birthday. He was born on April 19, 1868.

Paul Harris is well-known in Rotary, but what most Rotarians may not know is that Paul Harris made his main contributions to Rotary as a young man. He was only 37 years old when Rotary was founded. He was only 44 when his two year term as President of the International Association of Rotary Clubs ended in 1912 (later in 1922 renamed Rotary International).

After 1912, Paul Harris had no formal position in Rotary. He was the Founder of Rotary and continued to influence and inspire Rotary for the rest of his life, until he passed away in 1947.

It is my opinion that Paul Harris’ vision has created the spirit in Rotary as we know it today. Here are some examples of Paul Harris’ wisdom:

• A well ordered mind is a possession more valuable than unlimited riches.

• It is just as easy to acquire the habit of speaking kindly as it is to acquire the habit of speaking unkindly.

• Perhaps dreaming is not so bad if one dreams good dreams and make them come true.

• Rotary brings out and develops the best there is in men.

• The Rotary of today is different from the Rotary of yesterday and the Rotary of tomorrow cannot, must not, be the same as the Rotary of today. Rotary will continue to evolve.

Here are some examples of visionary statements by Paul Harris:

· The spirit of tolerance which has made it possible for Rotary to form a worldwide fellowship of business and professional men will make all things possible.

• Rotary allows ordinary people to do extra ordinary things.

· War is always a ghastly blunder, even the winners loose.

At the Rotary Convention in Chicago in 2005, I met Retired Professor Robina Quale-Leach from Albion, Michigan. She knew Paul Harris when she was a little girl at the age of 12 in 1943. Paul Harris and his wife Jean used to rent a summer house next to her parents. Paul Harris tried many times to convince Robina’s father to join Rotary, without any success. “Little did he know that he convinced me instead,” said Robina. So in 1990, when her local Rotary Club accepted women, Robina was able to Rotary.

During 1943, Robina asked Paul Harris what he thought about the ongoing World War Two. Paul Harris responded to her that he looked forward to the end of the war, so that Rotary could be revived in Germany, Italy and Japan. Paul Harris also told her that he would like Rotarians around the world to make sure that such a war would never happen again.

Later in November 1943, Rotary sponsored a conference in London with ministers and observers from twenty-one governments. This group began laying plans for what was to become UNESCO.

During the foundation of the United Nations in 1945, forty-nine Rotarians helped to draft the United Nations Charter in San Francisco and many of the international delegates from around the world were Rotarians.

At the beginning of the organization conference of the United Nations in San Francisco, the United States delegation invited Rotary International to appoint consultants. Twelve prominent Rotarians served in this capacity with resulting influence on the humane aspects of the Charter. Rotarians at San Francisco helped re-write the preamble (We the peoples rather than we the states). The U.S. government had called upon Rotary to become involved in the founding process during 1945. The Secretary of State Edward R. Stettinius, Jr. wrote:

"The invitation to Rotary International to participate in the United Nations Conference as consultant to the United States delegation was not merely a gesture of good will and respect toward a great organization. It was a simple recognition of the practical part Rotary's members has played and will continue to play in the development of understanding among nations. The representatives of Rotary were needed at San Francisco and, as you well know, they made a considerable contribution to the Charter itself, and particularly to the framing of provisions for the Economic and Social Council."

Upon founding the United Nations, Rotary became one of the original 42 Non Governmental Organizations that were invited to participate. Rotary still maintains this position.

I believe that a strong positive vision is necessary in order to get great things accomplished. Paul Harris once wrote: “In the battle between the “cant’s” and the “cans” in Rotary, the “cants” have never won a single permanent victory to my knowledge. The broad visions, the nobler purposes have always won.”

Happy 140^th Birthday to Paul Harris! His spirit lives on and I believe that it will continue to influence Rotarians for many years to come.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Matts Ingemanson

Chairman 2004-2006, Rotary Global History Fellowship

(If each Rotarian contributes $100 per year to the Rotary Foundation, Rotary would, with its 1,221,920 members around the world, collect $122,192,000. One hundred dollars per year is only 27 cents per day. I have not yet met a Rotarian, who could not afford such an amount. These 27 cents per day would help Rotary make an even bigger difference in the world.)

WEEKLY ROTARY THOUGHTS

Week 31:

This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought is about our scholarship programs.

Ambassadorial Scholarships is one of the world's largest privately funded international scholarships programs. Last year, 737 Ambassadorial Scholars from 70 different countries studied and served as ambassadors of goodwill in over 60 countries. The Rotary World Peace Fellow program had 64 Peace Fellows from 27 different countries studying at the seven different Peace Centers. Although the program is still young, we are already seeing our graduates take important positions. One graduate, Arnoldas Pranckevicius is currently serving as the domestic policy advisor to Mr. Valdas Adamkus, President of Lithuania. Another, Richard Gee, is serving as senior legal advisor to the chief electoral officer for Afghanistan. Let’s make sure our local community is aware of our commitment to education and world peace through conflict resolution.

Week 32:

This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought is about Avoidable Blindness projects.

Realizing the urgency of the problem, Rotary clubs and districts around the world have endeavored to develop Matching Grant projects designed to combat avoidable blindness and assist those suffering from vision loss. Thousands of cataract surgeries have been performed as a result of Matching Grants involving numerous countries including Mexico, South Africa, USA, Lebanon, India and Turkey. Rotary clubs in Uruguay and Argentina partnered to provide equipment for a library for the blind in Montevideo, Uruguay. And, as a result of a matching grant obtained by Rotary clubs in Nepal and the USA, funds were provided to offer vision screenings, glasses and corrective surgeries for children in Kathmandu, Nepal. Isn’t it nice to know that Rotarians are restoring eyesight to so many?

D-3850 POSITION PAPER

RI DISTRICT 3850

OFFICIAL POSITION PAPER

on the

CONSOLIDATION OF CLUBS IN DISTRICTS 3850 AND 3870 (PHILIPPINES)

In response to the request of RI Director Ian Riseley and RI Director-Elect John Lawrence, we are presenting our Official Position on the Consolidation of the Clubs in Districts 3850 and 3870 (Philippines), as follows:

1) RI District 3850 recognizes the power vested on the RI Board under Section 15.010 of the RI Bylaws to “… eliminate or change the boundaries of any district with fewer than 30 clubs or fewer than 1,000 Rotarians.”

2) RI District 3850 views the proposed consolidation of the Rotary Clubs in Districts 3850 and 3870 with great reluctance, considering the difficulty of travel within the proposed consolidated District involving great constraints in time and resources.

3) RI District 3850, if and when the proposed consolidation will take effect, welcomes the return of the Clubs of District 3870 to its original “mother” District 3850 and looks forward in working for a stronger, bigger and effective consolidated District 3850 with the Clubs and Rotarians of District 3870.

4) In the event that the proposed consolidation will take effect on 1 July 2009, RI

District 3850 proposes the following:

a) Being the “mother” District, the District Governor for RY 2009-10 should come from District 3850 in the person of District Governor-Nominee Edgar Sy (Bacolod), with a mutual agreement to be worked out to resolve the question on who will serve as District Governor in RY 2010-11, RY 2011-12 and RY 2012-13, considering that the District Governors- Nominee for RY 2009-10 and RY 2010-11 of the two (2) Districts may have been selected before 30 June 2008.

b) The budget of the District Governor should be thoroughly reviewed and increased by RI, considering the existing conditions within the multi-island consolidated District.

5) RI District 3850, in the event that the proposed consolidation will not take effect, recognizes that there is the immediate need to address our problems in membership and calls on its past, present and future leaders to work out a program that would enable District 3850, with or without the Clubs in District 3870, to reach a membership of at least 2,000 within the next 3-5 years.

6) A committee to be chaired by PDG Ramiro “Chick” Garcia, Jr. and composed of Past District Governors shall be organized to work out the official position paper of District 3850 on the consolidation issue.

ADOPTED during the Official Business Meeting of RI District 3850 during the 2008 District Conference held on 5 April 2008 at Planta Hotel & Residences in Bacolod City, Philippines.

PDG RAMIRO L. GARCIA, JR. DG RENIER P. GEROCHI

Chair, Consolidation Committee District Governor, RI D-3850

RC Kalibo joins 52nd Aklan Foundation Day

RC Kalibo participated in the parade during the 52nd
Aklan Foundation Day - 25 April 2008.

Added force from RCC Seals (Rescue) Aklan members, too.

The group is led by Pres. More Morier....

PP Botoy Villorente (2nd from left) led the
Aklan Press Club delegates at the parade...

Rotary Community Corp Seals (Rescue) Aklan..

During the booth exhibit by the 17 municipalities of the province,
the product of RCC Malogo New Washington was displayed at the Municipality
of New Washington booth trade fair..i.e. peanut butter,
colored candles and crispy shrimps, too.

Rtn. Bong Durana, Jr. (Prov'l. Police Director) with IP Megs Lunn
at the Goding Ramos Park during the program of Aklan Day...

In behalf of the club, IP Megs offered flower for
the late Father of Aklan - Goding Ramos, on the foot
of the latter's statue fronting Capitol Ground after the parade.

HAPPY 52ND ANNIVERSARY AKLAN!

MABUHAY AKLANONS!

LONG LIVE, AKLAN!