Rotary's secret of longevity

The secret of longevity of any voluntary organization is the assurance that its vision and mission will be pursued and carried out through the years; that there will be continuity in its programs and activities; and that future plans and projects will also be drawn up and implemented. This is precisely the thrust of Rotary and the very reason for its longevity. And this is the reason why each Rotary district holds an annual conference of all Rotarians belonging to the Clubs in the district.

The purpose of the district conference (Discon) is to continue promoting the Objects of Rotary through fellowship, inspirational addresses and discussions and considerations of special matters submitted to it by the Rotary International (RI) or of matters relating to the affairs of the clubs in the district or to any affairs originating within the district. Legislations may also be proposed and endorsed to the RI’s Council on Legislation which is the Legislative Body of RI vested with authority to amend the RI Constitutional documents.

Usually featured during the conference are Rotary projects and successful district and club activities displayed in the form of exhibits and recognized in the form of awards given for outstanding achievements. The conference also encourages interactions and dialogues among clubs and their members. Hence one of the landmarks in the conference venue is a “House of Friendship” where Rotarians congregate, exchange pleasantries and strengthen the bond of fellowship. The conference is indeed a good opportunity to sustain and increase the membership base of the clubs in the district.

Today, March 19, 2010 is the start of the District 3780 conference at Baguio City. This is the Rotary District composed of 97 Rotary Clubs in Quezon City headed by its first lady governor in the person of Ms. Dulce dB Coyukiat who is definitely one of the most effective governors and powerful motivational speakers the district ever had. The host club for the conference is the Rotary Club of Timog under President Gerry Buhain. Conference Chairman is Past President (PP) Rey David while the Secretary General is PP Francis Paderna. Discon Program Chairman is Past District Governor (PDG) Dan Espinosa. Musical and Dance presentations in between activities are provided by the University of Baguio students. Spouses of Rotarians also have their separate outreach programs and activities like visiting the reception and study center in La Trinidad Benguet.

Following yesterday’s pre-conference sports tournament and this morning’s motorcade, the conference proper starts with a District Leadership Seminar chaired by PP Ed Ferriols and hosted by the Rotary Club of Murphy under President Rod Ria. Seminar speakers are Mark Go who will talk on leadership opportunities and motivational skills. Past District Governor (PDG) Bobby Viray will then talk about district meetings and building an international service project.

This morning also marks the opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the House of Friendship, with PP Dulce Estrella as Chairman and RC of Cubao Business Center under Pres. Beth Sy as host club; the Family Activity Center with Assistant Governor (AG) Maricor Imperial as Chairman and RC of Diliman North under Pres. Glady Villar as host club; and the Club Exhibits with PE Beth Constantino as Chairman and RC of Loyola Heights under Pres. Rod Apostol as host club.

This afternoon will be the opening ceremonies and the first plenary session. Highlights of these events are the welcome address of Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo A. Bautista Jr., the State of the District Address by DG Dulce Coyukiat, and the State of Rotary Worldwide by PDG Bob Aitken, of District 9690 in Australia who is the RI President’s representative to the conference. The inbound Group Study Exchange teams from Switzerland and Korea will also be presented by PP Jess Tanchanco.

The first day will be capped by the International Night of Fellowship where the conference participants will be attired in different costumes of various nations. This dinner, entertainment, fellowship and dancing affair will be held at the Baguio Country Club Multi-Purpose Hall. Chairman of the night’s bash is PP Manny Santos with PP Gil Valera as co-chair.    

Tomorrow, March 20, 2010 will start with breakfast meetings of the incumbent “Hands On” RC Presidents and District Officers and of the Presidents Elect (PE), Incoming District Officers and President Nominees (PN). During the meeting of the PEs and PNs, District Governor Elect (DGE) Ambo Gancayco and DG Nominee (DGN) Jess Cifra will deliver their inspirational messages. Slated to give an inspirational message also is PDG Bob Aitken while DG Dulce Coyukiat will deliver her governor’s message.

The main activities of the second and final day are the three of the four plenary sessions. These four sessions consume a total of about 9 hours devoted to the main business of the conference with guest speakers on different topics.

The second session starts with the talk of PDG Bob Aitken on the Rotary theme, “Future of Rotary is in your hands” followed by the selection of the members of the Nominating Committee and the election of the DGN for 2012-2013. After the presentations and discussions on Rotary and Rotarians’ Concerns, PDG Mar Nery will talk on the topic “Our Family as the Future of Rotary”. Highlights of this session are the speech of guest speakers, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca who will talk on “Promoting High Standards in Business and Profession”, Urban Planner-Architect Jun Palafox who will talk about “Global Warming: Green Urbanism” and Dr. Corazon Barba who will talk on “Good Nutrition for the Filipinos: The Foundation for Better Health”.

The third plenary session will have former Executive Secretary and Pangasinan Governor Oca Orbos as guest speaker who will talk on the topic “Rotary’s 4-Way Test: A Steady Hand to Hold the Future”. Thereafter reactions and panel discussions will be conducted by 11 PDGs of the District as well as DGE Gancayco and DGN Cifra. PDG Gil Divinagracia will also talk about “The Rotary Foundation of the Future”.

The fourth and last plenary session mainly consists of the presentation and affirmation of Proposed Resolutions and Enactment, by PP Tony Abad, Chairman and PP Angel Gahol Vice Chairman followed by the proclamation of the DGN for 2012-2013 and the closing ceremonies. The day will be capped by the Governor’s Ball where dinner and musical entertainment will be provided and when the incoming Governor Ambo Gancayco and his family will be presented to the Rotarians followed by his message.

As can be gleaned from the two-day programs and activities, Discon indeed strengthens the resolve of every Rotarian to make the future of Rotary their responsibility, as RI President John Kenny says.

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