A durable organization

In the past, we usually spend National Heroes Day on August 30 of every year, which was yesterday. So it is fitting to write about the unsung national heroes and remember them especially the countless, faceless other men and women who have sacrificed a lot and given up so much for our country and people. Worth mentioning are the millions of OFWs who continue to help shore up our economy with their remittances, as well as dedicated teachers who silently serve our country by educating our youth to be the future leaders and useful citizens of our country.

But also worth mentioning and writing about however are not only these individuals, but even groups or organizations that have made our country a better place to live in, and have done noble deeds and selfless acts in the service of their fellow Filipinos. Hence this is also a fitting occasion to write once more about the biggest service organization worldwide, and perhaps in the Philippines, known as the Rotary International.

If the United Nations is the political organization among nations promoting peace and harmony in the world, Rotary International is the socio-civic humanitarian organization of the very people of these nations promoting health and education especially among children, providing home and shelter, extending natural disaster relief to the victims of devastating typhoons.

In the Philippines, there are already 801 Rotary Clubs and 21,488 Rotarians in 10 districts. The first rotary club was the Rotary Club of Manila, but the first City to be established as a district by itself is Quezon City (District 3780) where there are now 97 clubs with 2,200 members.

Noteworthy among the Rotary Clubs in Quezon City District 3780 is the Rotary Club of Cubao West (RCCW) because of its colorful past and its storied existence. It also started small like the first Rotary club until it grew relatively big and strong enough to weather any “storm” that may threaten its existence. In fact its strength lies in its capacity to survive and remain intact after all the numerous other “storms” in the past.

RCCW has survived and became more durable after 28 years despite having members with colorful, varied and sometimes clashing personalities of different ages and persuasions like lawyers, priests, doctors, government officials, businessmen, employers, employees, leftists and rightists. Several times in the past, its membership dwindled into near extinction but it managed to come back stronger because of several factors.

First, the hearts of its members seem to be uniformly throbbing and aching with intense desire to help others in their communities, especially those who are in dire need of assistance. In other words, they have firm and solid commitments to carry out the various humanitarian projects and services of the club under the Rotary principle of “service above self.”

Second, they have developed closer personal relationship through fellowship, especially during meetings, that inspires mutual confidence and serves as the basic source of strength for the club in carrying out its mission pursuant to the Objects of Rotary. Every member is always looking forward to the regular weekly meeting where they can relax, unwind and relieve the tensions of work. In short, they have managed to connect with each other and in the process link with other members of other clubs for a more effective rotary work.

Third, because of their unity and closeness they have achieved various humanitarian projects that simply stand out and spread by word of mouth throughout the community that eventually merit media attention. In other words they are able to communicate with the rest of society without too much drum beating but mainly by their own outstanding humanitarian works enough to attract membership in the organization or supporters of its projects.

And so today, starting at 6 p.m., the RCCW will hold its 28th Turnover and Induction Ceremony at the Rembrandt Hotel in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. To be inducted as club president for the year 2012-2013 is Nestor “Nes” Atienza whose life of love and service to God and neighbor is well known to all.

To be inducted with him are Josie Garcia as president-elect for 2013-2014; Mel Waje as vice president for internal affairs and Ed Zaragoza as vice president for external affairs; Max Tan as treasurer, all of whom are self-made and successful businessmen; and veteran PR practitioner, Ven Martillo as secretary.

Also to be sworn in are: Edwin Marcos as director for club administration; PP Obet Del Rosario as director for club membership; PP Santy Rodriguez as director for club service; PP Joe Ragos as The Rotary Foundation director; Jim Baniqued as public relations director; IPP Mel Velasco as ex-officio director and Rhyan Virrey as director for service to the new generation.

After the turn-over ceremony where the outgoing president will deliver his valedictory address, the incoming officers and directors will be sworn in by Gov. Rufino “Penny” Policarpio III, district governor of 3780, who will also give his address as the guest of honor and speaker, after the inaugural address of president Ness Atienza.

With the formidable lineup of dedicated and capable incoming officers and club members the future looks bright and promising for the RCCW.

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