President's Message - March 11, 2008

The last two weeks of February was a hectic one but memorable. Of the ten(10) wheelchairs collected on Feb 21 by Spouse Becky, three were assembled and distributed the following day to beneficiaries in Numancia, New Buswang and Pinamuk-An by PO Pete, Rtn. Wennie and with two members of Lifeline Int’l, VP Efren and myself. The balance seven wheelchairs were assembled with PO Pete and his RCC SEALS (Rescue) members. The wheelchairs are now awaiting distribution to seven paraplegic children.

Rotary International’s 103^rd Anniversary was celebrated in conjunction with RCC New Washington’s Induction and Graduation and it was a success. The support given by our members present, twenty-two of us, impressed everyone on the strength and ideals of Rotary, especially to RC Kalibo such that Gov. CARLITO S. MARQUEZ an honorary member of the club had emphasised the credibility of Rotarians in his message and had promised us another P200,000 to expand our Livelihood Programs. Thank you fellow Rotarians, thank you Gov. Marquez! A special thank you to celebrants and members who contributed to the sumptuous lunch…too many to mention!

It was also a very busy week with sleepless nights for Sec. Vic and Rtn. Bing who were so engrossed compiling the District Award bids and through endurance and motivation they successfully completed a compilation of fourteen reports. We pray that your hard work will be rewarded in every way! For a start Rtn. Bing, you got a new HP printer!!!!

PESETS was attended by PE Megs, Rtn. Leny and PO Pete last Mar 08 in Iloilo City and we are sure that the incoming ‘Dream’ team will surely lead the club to greater success!

Again, DISCON 2008 is less than a month away and if you have not experienced an event such as this it would be an excellent opportunity for ‘old’ but especially new members of the club to meet fellow Rotarians from the Visayas and Mindanao Regions. Registrations are still open. Please see me or Sec. Vic if interested.

Thank you PP Art and Spouse Hedy for inviting us to celebrate New Washington’s Fiesta with your family. “The attendance is higher than the regular meetings” remarked an anonymous. We were blessed with all the goodies!

As this is Literacy Month in Rotary’s calendar and also graduating month for students, RC Kalibo will again present medals and certificates to graduating Valedictorian and also to Interact members of the schools associated with us.

Tonight we have with us Ms. Chita Dela Cruz Heap of the PREM RAWAT FOUNDATION to tell us more of this foundation and its role in helping the children of the world.

Last but not least, PP Berting and Spouse Yoshi we thank you for the dinner you have prepared for us. God Bless and have a pleasant evening.