The Rotary Club of Cebu, fondly called the “mother club,” one of the most well-respected and admired civic organizations in the city, recently inducted a new set of officers and directors at the Grand Ballroom of the Cebu Marriott Hotel to continue the association’s ideal of “service above self.”
This Rotary year is especially significant since it marks the 75th anniversary of the mother club, the second oldest club in the Philippines.
The incoming office bearers include John Domingo, president; Frederick Kintanar, vice president; Renato Kintanar, secretary; Jose Soberano, treasurer; Catalino Chan, sergeant at arms; Bernard Vonn Sia, club Internet communications officer; Jerico Sungahid, membership director; and Edgar Chiongbian, club public relations director. They will be ably assisted by directors Roy Lotzof, Anastacio Cubos Jr., Manuel Heredia, immediate past president Oscar Jereza Jr., club adviser Ibarra Panopio, assistant governor zone 1-B Pericles Dakay, and honorary member Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Frank Benedicto.
The evening’s guest speaker was Manila-based Peace Corp director Karl Beck, an experienced man and eloquent speaker. He recognized the similarities between the volunteer spirit of his organization, the Peace Corps, and Rotary International. He added that this volunteerism is more important in today’s world than ever before. NGOs seem to be very effective in bridging cultural gaps and efficient at solving the massive social problems that continue to plague the planet.
Domingo, in his acceptance speech, aside from pledging all-out support for the club’s many laudable projects, wholeheartedly dedicated his service to two outstanding Rotarians — Rex Reyes, former club president and the oldest past district governor in the world, and Catalino Chan, who has time and again shown selfless dedication and loyalty to the club.
To the civic-minded Rotarians with a mandate for the coming year, our sincere congratulations, and may they achieve their goals in the service of their fellowmen.