Talking tourism at induction of Cebu Rotary, Inner

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon was the guest of honor and main speaker at the 69th induction of the new set of officers and directors of the Rotary Club of Cebu, held recently at the Grand Ballroom of the Cebu Marriott Hotel.

Former Cebu City mayor and president of the University of the Southern Philippines Ronald Duterte is the newly chosen president, while Sergio Romero is the president-elect for the year 2002.

Completing the line-up of officers are Cebu Contractors Association head Pericles Dakay as vice president, automotive executive and enthusiast Edgar Chiongbian as secretary, and banker Carlos Lao II as treasurer.

Active associates Francisco Borromeo, Jonathan Gesalem, Antonio Lozada, Antonio Mira, Ibarra Panopio and Edward John Reyes will serve as members of the board of directors.

Two new members, Asian Development Bank senior adviser Caesar Atienza and Institute for Peace Value Center executive director Bonifacio Belen, were inducted after the time honored ritual of charging executed by past president and club adviser Catalino Chan.

In his well-received speech, Secretary Gordon extolled the importance of travel and tourism in our country today.

"We have embarked on a campaign for the development of a national culture of tourism," he declared. "When Filipinos realize their own important role in tourism development, this kind of culture forms the sturdy backbone supporting tourism growth."

The annual presidential citations were awarded to members in recognition and appreciation for the outstanding services rendered to the club.

Among the recipients were Ronald Duterte for leadership and enhancing the Rotary Club of Cebu’s international image and Mario Ortiz for the objective and relevant editorials of the Sugbuanon, the organization gazette, which garnered the district governors’ citation as outstanding club bulletin. Also honored were members with a 100 percent attendance record in meetings. They include Catalino Chan for 27 years, Ibarra Panopio for 26 years and Renato Kintanar for 18 years.

The Inner Wheel Club of Cebu, likewise, held its induction of officers, with Cely Chiongbian as president. The other officers include Ely de Veyra for vice president, Lourdes Parker for secretary and president-elect, and Melba Israel as treasurer.