Governor’s LetterI had requested all the clubs, through the Visionary Presidents, to symbolize the first day of our year of Service by being at service in their communities. And I was overwhelmed by the response. From San Pedro to Masbate, the brand of District 3820 Community Service was apparent.

I received text messages of all the activities of all the clubs, mentioned some of them on the radio program of Joe Taruc (DZRH) which interviewed me for a few precious PR minutes at 7:30 in the morning and passed them on to Rtn. Joni Malihan (RC Calamba) and Rotaractor Joizee (Rotaract Club of Bae Sentral) to mention in their respective radio programs. All these three media sources, including Jessica Soho of GMA-7, pledged to feature newsworthy projects and activities of the clubs in our District throughout our Visionary year. So keep those good projects coming so that District 3820 can disseminate good news. Our country needs to hear and see the good in its people instead of just being bombarded with the bad. And the good news that we brought today, through Joe, Joni and Joizee, the feeding programs that many of you chose as your kick-off project, RC Nagcarlan’s motorcade and tree planting, RC Sta. Rosa’s drinking fountain gift to a school, a number of book and school supplies donation and many other community-serving activities. You and your friends can read the details of the projects, which club did what where, on our official district website (www.ridistrict3820.org) which was just launched on June 29. Indeed, what better way to start a year of service than by being with your communities on the first hour of the first day of our Visionary Year?

DG vows for continuity in changing times District Governor Chit Lijauco exhorted Rotarians of RI District 3820 to think of the new Rotary year as “a continuity rather than as a beginning that nurtures good things, a continuity that respects the

past and is sensitive to the future, and a continuity that braves new waters to keep abreast with the changing times.” In her inaugural address during the district handover and mass induction on June 13 at the Pacita Astrodome in San Pedro City, Laguna, DG Chit revealed that RI President John Kenney’s choice to focus on water, health and hunger, and literacy would be the District 3820’s “compass” and “primer” while sharing the RI passion of ridding the world of polio. The district will also focus on livelihood as an area of concern because of the global recession, as well as on environment with the continuation of the Coastal Clean-up activity, which started in 2008, she said. For the first time, the district will also hold the Model United Nations Assembly or MUNA, a recognized RI activity and a higher level of debate and global perspective for our youth, in lieu of the Impromptu Speaking and Oratorical Contest (ISOC), Governor Chit said. The Visionary presidents received their Passports to Excellence, a tradition introduced by PDG Jim Hao, to serve as a guideline on what areas they should prioritize or focus on. DG Chit consolidated the district’s priorities into the

To page 10...

The official Governor’s Monthly Newsletter of Rotary International District 3820July 2009

Compass and primer: PDG Ramon Cumagun (seated) administers the oath of office of District Governor Chit Lijauco in the presence of (from left) PDG Rustico Recto, PDG Darwin Igualada, DGN Reynaldo Castillo, PDG Feliciano Calora, PDG Henry Buban, DGE Fortunato Dimayuga, and PDG Geoffrey McLennan.

C. Lijauco

It has been a decade since Rotarians imbibed the essence of the RI themes: Create Awareness, Take Action; Mankind is

Our Business; Sow the Seeds of Love; Lend a Hand; Celebrate Rotary; Service Above Self; Lead the Way; Rotary Shares; and Make Dreams Real. Now comes The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands. There is uniqueness in these RI themes, not because of the genius of its leaders, but because of the themes’ sense of continuity as Rotarians the world over attempt to take the higher route as they help reshape the future of humanity without taking a roundabout course. Swept in the incredible tempo of change, Rotarians are restless people inspired by ideas, leaders who know what they do not know, leaders who see the interrelatedness and interdependence of their disciplines, and leaders who do not need a PhD to know why so much is at stake in bringing about equality in human condition. In the Philippines, where people seem to care less about politics as much as their three square meals a day, social issues such as hunger, poverty, malnutrition, and the like have

Editorial

the capacity to subvert their future and their unique capacity for change. As is often said, “fortune does not smile equally upon us,” especially those at the bottom of the pile. It is safe to assume that Rotarians are like outsiders in their own country – peering into their microscopes – trying to look inside at these social issues in search for remedies. They exert a prodigious infl uence in the national DNA simply because of an enduring universal philosophy that explains and inspires their willingness to sacrifi ce personal pleasures and demonstrate their unique passion for service in the name of continuous societal change. Such passion for change is inherent in every club’s capacity to test itself, within the limits of its own resources, in leaving an indelible mark for others to challenge and overcome. While there is no template for achievement, their balance sheet at the end of every Rotary year speaks well of their passion for service and in their powerful belief not only in lending a hand, sowing the seeds of love, or making dreams real for the good of their communities. Indeed, the best news about the future is that it still rests in every Rotarian’s own hands.

July 2009Dear fellow Rotarians,

It is traditional in Rotary that each Rotary International president is given the

opportunity every month to write a message to all Rotarians in the pages of this magazine. I am grateful for this tradition, which gives me the opportunity to communicate with every one of you directly, for it is my fi rm belief that The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands. It is a great honor to have been chosen as the fi rst RI president from Scotland in the 104 years of this organization, and to have the privilege of serving the Rotarians of the world. Because there is no RI – no Board of Directors or president, no world headquarters or Rotary convention – without the ordinary weekly meeting of Rotarians in our own home clubs. In Rotary, everything we are, and everything we aspire to become, lies in the hands of Rotarians in their clubs. If our clubs are congenial and our meetings well run, if our service is carefully planned and competently carried out, if our members are qualifi ed, honest, and respected in their vocations and communities, then all of Rotary will thrive. This is why I say The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands. Water, health and hunger, and literacy will be our emphases in the year ahead. In this Rotary year, I ask Rotarians everywhere to continue to learn from our experiences and to build upon our successes. I ask you all to continue to work for the health and well-being of not only children but their families and

Message

people everywhere. I ask you particularly to focus on water and sanitation, as the scarcity of clean water is an increasingly serious issue in many parts of the world. In Scotland, we have a saying that I’m fond of quoting: “We must look beyond our own parish pump.” It means that we must look beyond our own home and our own community. We must be aware that ours is only one community, of one country, of the many communities and countries in this world. In every one of those communities, there is work to be done. As Rotarians, we will not stand idly by. As Rotarians, we will accept our responsibility. We can, and we must. For we know that Rotary is only as great as its clubs – and our clubs are only as great as the members within them. The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands.

John KennyPresident, Rotary International

“It is our daily actions, and our daily decisions, that determine the course of Rotary for us all.

The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands.” – President John Kenny

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The best news about the future

News

RY 2012-13 DGN known

IPDG Felino Noguera, shortly before his term as district governor ended, announced PP Reynaldo Castillo of the Rotary

Club of Downtown Batangas as the RID 3820 District Governor Nominee (DGN) for RY 2012-13. The district made the selection process at the Rockpoint in San Pablo City, Laguna on February 7, 2009. PP Rey’s selection was unchallenged. Article 13.020.10, page 226, of the 2007 Manual of Procedure states: “The governor shall declare the candidate of the nominating committee to be the governor-nominee where no such challenging nomination has been received by the established date. Such declaration shall be made to all clubs in the district within 15 days of the deadline.”

Mandatory District seminars

District officers and visionary presidents are expected to attend the mandatory The Rotary Foundation and Membership

Development seminars at the Wonder Island Resort in Calamba City on August 1 and August 15 at the Coco Palace Hotel and Restaurant in San Pablo City, respectively. Speakers from the RI districts in Manila and Baguio were invited to shed light on the new TRF programs, while the membership development seminar will give Rotarians more knowledge in membership retention, recruitment, and development. IPP Ronaldo dela Cruz of RC Calamba is chair of the TRF seminar for Areas 1, 2, and 3. Pre-registration fee is P800 and on site registration is P1,000. Meanwhile, President-Nominee Eman Lleva announced the prizes in the TRF seminar as follows: 1 computer (dual core) unit for the club with the highest number of participants; 20 polo shirts for the first 20 registered participants; and 80 special ceramic mugs for the 21st to 100th registered participant.

No rush in GSE selection

The visit of the RI District 3820 Group Study Exchange team to South Africa is in May 2010 upon request of the host

district, DG Chit Lijauco announced. The selection of the team, which was originally scheduled on June 20, was moved from June 20 to October 24 following this development. “This is actually a better arrangement so we won’t be rushing our GSE Selection,” DG Chit said. This will give time for Rotarians to attend the district Oktoberfest on October 24, she said.

RID 3820 launches official website

Twenty clubs successfully posted their kick-off projects in the

official district website following its launching on June 29, according to district webmaster PP Roy Licardo. The clubs are the Rotary Clubs of Batangas, Biñan, Cabuyao Circle, Calauag, Downtown Batangas City, Goa Partido, Lipa West, Los Baños, Lucena Central, Metro Lucena, Nagcarlan, San Juan, San Pablo Central, San Pedro East, Sta. Cruz, Taal-Lemery, Tayabas Central, and West Bay. In less than a week after its launching, the website registered 100 users, with at least 25 active registered users visiting the site on a daily basis including Mr. Vincent Eleazar, Ms. Flordeliza Ampatuan, Ms. Marge Aberasturi, and Ms. Cecille Rosales, PP Roy said. District Governor Chit Lijauco is requiring all clubs to submit their kick-off projects to Webmaster PP Roy for posting by observing these guidelines: title and description of the project, number of beneficiaries, man-hours involved in implementing the project, number of Rotarians and partners involved, and action photos. “Our website will also function as a social networking portal. Complete your profile, submit photos and video, search and connect with friends, send a personal message, let them know what you are doing (aka Facebook) and join chat sessions,” PP Roy said. “This website is also intended for vocation and recreational fellowship. Create or join groups that interest you. Create a group specifically for your club members only. Submit bulletins and events for the group only,” he added. All club members are encouraged to register, visit, and browse the website regularly for updates, PP Roy said. The district website is http://ridistrict3820.org.

On the air

The Rotary Club of Lucena South airs program, Serbisyo Rotaryo on Air, from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM every Saturday

over 95.1 KISS FM, Vice President Irvin Alcala announced. Heard all over District 3820, “we are more than willing to announce your accomplished projects in our segment, Balitang Rotaryo, he said.

R. Licardo

3

District directory now available

The 164-page District Directory for RY 2009-10 is now with the area secretaries for distribution among club officers, Area 1

District Secretary Raul Ciabal announced. The directory has six chapters that describes the District, RID 3820 leaders, district team, club listings per area, calendar of activities, and alphabetical listings of Rotarians, It also contains messages from RI President John Kenny and District Governor Chit Lijauco.

First Leg Golf Tournament

The District’s First Leg Golf Tournament to be hosted by RC Sto. Tomas is on August 28 at the Ayala Greenfield Golf

and Leisure Club in Calamba City, Laguna. Tee off time is 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. The fee is P2,500 inclusive of lunch and raffle, tournament chair IPP Noel Ascaño said.

News

Lauren Schefter of Iowa, USA is undertaking her eight-week internship at the International Rice Research Institute’s (IRRI)

Grain Quality, Nutrition, and Postharvest Center (GQNPC) as a recipient of the prestigious Borlaug-Ruan International Internship program of the World Food Prize Foundation (WFPF).

Ms. Schefter is among 15 high school students from the US selected by the WFPF for an eight-week research assignment in the Philippines. The other students are assigned in other countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The Borlaug-Ruan International Internship program provides high school students with an opportunity for hands-on experience to work with scientists and policymakers at leading research centers around the world. The program and its summer internships aim to inspire youth to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources. While in Los Baños, Ms. Schefter is spending part of her time assisting the Rotary Club of West Bay in its ongoing feeding program for school children of the Tranca Elementary School in Bay, Laguna. “After spending my first month in the GQNPC lab, I thought it would be even more beneficial for me to see culture outside of IRRI as a sort of immersion. Community service work seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to give back and help me continue to grow as a person. The Rotary Club of West Bay’s feeding program has made my desire attainable,” she said. Rotary International awarded World Food Prize (WFP) founder Dr. Norman Borlaug, the “Father of the Green Revolution” and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, its highest honor – Award for World Understanding and Peace – in 2002. “Part of the $100,000 prize was designated to increase the number of Borlaug-Ruan Internships that year by three…as a special tribute to Dr. Borlaug,” according to the Hoover-Wallace Dinner. The Hoover-Wallace Dinner raised $56,425 to support

Borlaug-Ruan intern assists RCWB feeding program

Dr. D.K. Lee

Help reduce child mortality, RI President D.K. Lee says

Child mortality is an area in which Rotarians could make

a major impact, President Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee said in his message last month. “This is why when I became president of Rotary International, I chose Make Dreams Real as the RI theme, and asked Rotarians to work through our emphases on water, health and hunger, and literacy to reduce child mortality in our world,” he said. UNICEF statistics indicate that the number of children dying of preventable causes decreased from 30,000 to 25,000. “I am inexpressibly proud of the work that I have seen Rotarians do…There is no question in my mind that Rotary’s service has played a role in this change, and that we must continue our work until not one child dies of hunger and poverty,” President Lee said. He called on Rotarians all over the world to “continue to Make Dreams Real in the new Rotary year. The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands, and the future of the world’s children as well.”

4

this year’s Borlaug-Ruan International Internship program. Established in 2004, the Hoover-Wallace Dinner honors the achievements of an individual with significant Iowa connections, and is a collaborative activity among the WFPF, Rotary Clubs of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Chamber of Commerce, and Iowa’s Regent Universities. The WFPF has funded over 100 Borlaug-Ruan interns who have traveled to Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Kenya, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Trinidad since 1994. Dr. Borlaug created the WFP to be the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture” supported by businessman-philanthropist John Ruan, Chair Emeritus of the WFPF.Ms. Schefter, who arrived in the Philippines on June 12, will leave for the US on August 10 to pursue her course work in the natural sciences, government, and international studies at the St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

News

More Rotarian zeal and vigor in RY 2009-10

The 2009 District handover ceremonies and the mass

induction ceremony marked the end of the term of an illustrious governor, presidents, and officers and the start of a new one. The 2008-09 officers stepped down from their respective posts and joined the ranks of their fellow Rotarians imbued with more zeal and sense of service in the best interests of Rotary and their

communities. The enthusiasm and turnout generated by the district handover held last June 13, 2009 at the Pacita Astrodome in San Pedro City, Laguna was simply phenomenal. The event brought elation, reinvigorated all Rotarians, resurrected the pride of small clubs, attested the accomplishments of small and big clubs, and raised the status and performance of clubs and individual players in the district. About 500 registered delegates from all Rotary clubs in District 3820, other districts, and institutions that support the Rotarian cause came to renew friendship and witnessed the installation of the RY 2009-10 club and district officers. In this last event for RY 2008-09, RI District 3820 paid respect and recognized those who gave almost everything good back to humanity and the environment in keeping with the ideals of Rotary. The club and the district leaders joined hands, hugged, kissed, dined, drank, danced, and rejoiced with one another in the

spirit of friendship as they looked forward to a new year of service and recognition. Rotary International is consistent, judicious, innovative, and thorough in marking leadership transitions every year. Guided by the philosophy, Service above Self, Rotarians all over the world always look forward to work endlessly by providing comfort and ease to those who are in need. – By Dr. Raul Ciabal, RC San Pablo City South

Raising the standard of recognition

DG Nogi Noguera raised the standard of recognition for

Rotarians and clubs of District 3820 in his very-well attended District Recognition and Awarding Ceremony (DRAC) at the National Arts Center in UP Los Banos. For the most part, I am certain that DG Nogi’s act lifted the sagging spirit of many Rotarians and clubs who were forgotten and left out in the mad dash for plaques and honors in last year’s Recognition Night. This class act will forever be etched in our memories, leaving all of us in awe. In a way, this was a challenge to all Rotarians and all future governors, and that the best way to a man’s heart and his ego is to heap him with lavish praises. This act has its downside, too. Will Rotarians stop working for many underprivileged men, women, and children when recognition is withdrawn? As Christians, isn’t it that our rewards are in heaven? That we are not supposed to engage in too much frivolities of things material? Isn’t it that the best reward is all written on the faces of children whose lives we touched, on the looks of gratitude of expectant mothers and schoolchildren and their teachers who were given water fountains, school supplies, and books? Whatever is the answer, one thing is certain. Gov. Nogi, you are the man of the hour, and you kept everybody happy hoping that this would prod them to work some more in the name of Rotary. Thank you so much, Gov. Nogi. You did what you are supposed to do as you promised. You are a man true to your word. I salute you with all the forces within me for doing what you did despite your own personal limitations. On behalf of RC Pagsanjan, Angie, and my self, we join the rest of the Rotarians and clubs of District 3820 in expressing our gratitude and our utmost respect to the man in you. The title befits and becomes you. When all else wavered, you stood up, led, and kept our heads high. God bless you and Tita and your whole family, Governor. – By PP Dennis Sunio, RC Pagsanjan

Dr. R. Ciabal

D. Sunio

5

Gawing sukatanThe Rotary Club of Cabuyao Circle led by President Flordeliza Ampatuan (left) discusses the importance of Rotary’s Four Way Tests in our daily lives among elementary school pupils. The project was undertaken to check the pupils’ understanding, reaction, and points of view about the Four Way Tests.

Have bikes will travelFunds contributed by the Rotary Club of Montecarlo - Piana di Lucca, Italy through WCS Project 5403 enabled the Rotary Club of Calauag to buy bicycles for the poor high school students in the rural areas of Calauag, Quezon.

Masayang bata campaignThe Rotary Club of Batangas is addressing the child mortality problem by implementing programs on health, feeding, and literacy. Only July 1, the club launched its Masayang Bata (Happy Child) campaign with a feeding program at the Pallocan East Elementary School in partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross. Fourteen Rotarians and Rotaractors later distributed slippers, raincoats, and umbrellas (with Rotary theme logo) to 150 schoolchildren of the Bucal Elementary School. The club also donated medicines and vitamins to the said school to boost the health care of the children for the coming rainy season, Club President Cecilia Rosales said.

Dental educationThe Rotary Club of Lipa West started Rotary year with a deworming, dental education, handwashing, and lice infestation control on July 1. Eight hundred pupils from Barangay Anilao West and Barangay Anilao Labac Elementary School in Lipa City benefi ted from the Mula ulo hanggang paa linis project. RC Ibaan Secretary Marge Aberasturi provided the deworming medicines. RC Lipa West is headed by President Ma. Theresa Katigbak (back row, 3rd from left).

Visionaries at Work...

6

Rotary fund paradeThe Rotary Clubs of Sta. Rosa Centro, Sta. Rosa

South, and Laguna Technopark kicked off their public relations project called Rotary Fund Parade with a joint motorcade in Sta. Rosa City on July 1, supported by Philippine National Police offi cers, nongovernment organizations, and traffi c aides. Club Presidents Cheryl Lu of RC Sta. Rosa Centro, Ed Cruz of RC Sta. Rosa South, and Ron Sugapong of RC Laguna Technopark spearheaded the motorcade. The Living Water Filtration and Refi lling Station of San Lorenzo South cosponsored the event.

Water for Daet barrioThe Rotary Club of Calamba, Rotary Club of Labo, and Rotary Club of Daet South turned over water (well and overhead water tank) and bio-sand fi lter (BSF) projects to the residents of barrio Cayucyucan in Basud, Daet, Camarines Norte. The Rotary Club of Makati Foundation gave the monetary grant for the water project, with IPDG Nogi Noguera providing the seed money and donating eight BSFs. PDG Paeng Tantuco, PDG Kit Reventar, Rotarians, barangay council offi cials, barrio residents, and school children of the fi shing village witnessed the turnover of the project, which was implemented by the Rotary Club of Labo. Rotary Club of Naga, represented by PP Francis Dabu, facilitated the installation and monitoring of the BSF. The Cayucyucan Elementary School provided the site for the well and the overhead tank. The three Rotary clubs pledged their commitment to continue their water project in Cayucyucan and provide bicycles to school children, according to RC Calamba President Rosemarie Villanueva.

7

Balik-lakasThe Rotary Club of Calauag headed by President Anacleto Limcuando participated in the Balik-Lakas Basketball Tournament sponsored by the Municipal Government of Calauag, Quezon.

Dewormed!Some 1,000 pupils of the Kanlurang Mayao Elementary School are the beneficiaries of a deworming campaign launched by the Rotary Club of Lucena Central on July 1. Photo shows President Edwin Pureza (above) leading the project called Purgahang bayan sa kanlurang Mayao, with assistance from fellow Rotarians Dr. Erwin Reyes and Dr. Cesar Guinto.

Family treeThis family tree shows the strength of RI District 3820. “What we will build today could be strengthened tomorrow, and what we could see as a need tomorrow can already be started today,” District Governor Chit Lijauco said. PP Gil Tolentino of the Rotary Club of Downtown Batangas conceptualized the family tree.

Feeding day care childrenThe feeding and adoption of a Day Care Center in Barangay Bayog in Los Baños, Laguna ushered in RY 2009-10 for the Rotary Club of Los Baños headed by President Bobby Bautista (standing, far right). The officers and members earlier refurbished its “39 Years in Rotary Service” marker at the Los Baños-Calamba City boundary.

Visionaries at Work...

8

More blessings for childrenRotary Club of Metro Lucena President Reynaldo Laborte, Jr. leads his fellow Rotarians in distributing school supplies to the pupils of the Barangay Barra Elementary School in Lucena City. More than 200 elementary pupils benefited from the project. “We have to continue doing this project within this year so that other public schools of Lucena City can also benefit,” he said.

The Rotary Club of Calauag, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Napoli Ovest (D2100, Italy) through The Rotary Foundation Matching Grant 69793, distributed school bags, raincoats, and school supplies to 1,400 Grade I pupils in 37 public elementary schools in Calauag, Quezon on June 16.

The Rotary Club of Taal-Lemery will continue to monitor 31 malnourished children ages three to seven years old under its ongoing feeding program in Barangay Nagpulok, Taal, Batangas. The feeding program, which kicked off on July 1, is a part of the club’s other medical-related projects. Shown at the feeding program are President Celso Bereña Dr. Min Calangi, Dr. Aldrin Cuasay, and Dr. Vincent Flores.

The Rotary Club of San Juan’s kick-off projects for RY 2009-10 focused on the installation of two steel Four Way Test signages, one along the highway in Laiya Aplaya, and another in front of the Village Plaza Resort and Restaurant where the club meets every Friday. The club also hosted a forum on peace and order and other related community development issues being addressed by the Philippine National Police during the club’s meeting on July 3. Police Superintendent Manuel Javier Abrugena served as the resource speaker on environmental concerns.

9

Raincoats, bags, and school supplies

Signage installation, peace and order forum

Three to six months monitoring or more

Heaps of praise for DG Nogi

Rotarians of District 3820 praised District Governor

Nogi Noguera no end after the District Recognition and Awarding Ceremonies (DRAC) held on June 6, 2009 at the National Arts Center at Mount Makiling in Los Baños, Laguna. “The picture that you just posted is a testament to your indefatigable character and the love that overflows in every Rotarian’s cup of District 3820 for RY 2008-2009. Mabuhay ka Gov. Nogi,” Deputy District Governor Dennis Sunio said. “Nothing could be sweeter than people standing 10 feet tall and all club presidents were equal in the eyes of DG Nogi Noguera,” Rtn. Boyet Zabella of RC Lucena South said. “Believe ako sa inyong sense of fairness,” said President Orie of the Rotary Club of Silangang San Pablo, apparently referring to the numerous district awards given during the event.

UnprecedentedClub presidents take their oath of office en masse during the District Turnover Ceremonies at the Pacita Astrodome in San Pedro City, Laguna on June 13, 2009. Rotarians hailed the event as unprecedented in the history of RI District 3820.

acronym FAMES – F for Foundation, The Rotary Foundation, where a “little creativity” in fund raising is necessary; A for Attendance, with Rotarians present in each district activity designed to provide either increased Rotary knowledge or fellowship, or both; M for Membership to bring clubs to charter strength in three years so that District 3820 could hold the record of being the biggest of the 10 districts in the Philippines; E for Extension like the formation of the Rotary Community Corps, Rotaract, Interact, and Probus; and the highest point for S for Service, which is the reason why Rotary exists. She concluded her speech saying, “We face this year with the future of Rotary in our district constantly on our mind. For the strength and growth of our district, what we will build today must all the more be strengthened tomorrow, and what we could see as a need tomorrow can already be attended to today. This is the spirit of continuity that we celebrate in Rotary. The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands! The Future of Rotary is in OUR Hands!” DG Chit thanked the visionary presidents, secretaries, District officers and Rotarians of D3820 for participating in the first separate handover and the first combined handover and mass induction in the district. She singled out San Pedro City Mayor Calixto Cataquiz for letting the district use the new San Pedro Astrodome, PP Fil sibulo, AG Norvic Solidum, PP Cherry Reolva, Aubrey Caraan, the DVDs of RC Batangas, President Zeny Dictado, PP Bing Lijauco,

DG vows for continuity...

PP Arnel V. Rodelas RC Gumaca added: “Sa kabila ng hirap bilang pagiging ama ng Distrito 3820, hindi naging hadlang sa kanya ang kahit na anong balakid upang ipagpatuloy ang pagpapaunlad at pagtulong sa mga nangagailangan. Mabuhay ka, Gov. Nogi. Ang taong katulad mo na may pusong mapagmahal ay laging pagpapalain ng Maykapal.”

PP Nonia Tiongco, Fr. Nono Acompanado, RC Santa Rosa Centro, RC Santa Rosa, Nonong Gregorio, Norie Sayo, District Secretary PP Precy dela Cruz, Past District Governors, DGE Tato Dimayuga and DGN Rey Castillo. DG Chit said, “The handover ceremony from DG Nogi to us truly exemplified the theme of the occasion: A Celebration of Continuity!”

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From page 1...

Born and raised in Santa Rosa, Laguna, RY2009-10 District Governor Chit Lijauco spent her grade school and high

school at Canossa School, at the time an all-girls school run by Italian nuns. Throughout her years at Canossa, she was a consistent honour student—either fi rst or second placer, until she graduated valedictorian in high school. She then proceeded to enrol in a pre-med course at the University of the Philippines Diliman, but had to transfer to Maryknoll College when she realized that a doctor’s profession was not for her. At Maryknoll, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication arts. Marriage in the United States prevented her from starting a career after college; but as soon as her two children—Mark Joseph and Cynthia Clare—were of grade school age, she pursued her love for communication and ended up as a neophyte journalist with the now-defunct Times Journal. Her life in the media now counts more than 28 years. She rose from staff writer to desk person to section editor. She was also editor-in-chief of a couple of magazines and produced several books. Presently, she is the managing editor of the Philippine Tatler, the premier glossy magazine of Manila’s high society. Rotary found her in this stage in her journalistic career. In 2001, she chartered the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Centro, an all-female club in her hometown. Since then, she had enjoyed the fellowship of Rotary as well as admired and exemplifi ed its ideals. She formerly served her parish community as chairperson of the Santa Rosa de Lima Parish Finance Community and her grade school and high school alma mater as member of the alumni board. Last June 17, 2006, 9/10 DG Chit scored a milestone in her life by becoming a grandmother to the cute and lovable Clarissa Emily Covey, fi rst child of Cynthia married to Dr. William Covey of New York. Franco Mateo, so handsome and well-behaved, followed on March 10, 2008, courtesy of Mark who married Patricia Jocson of Biñan, Laguna. And last May 22, 2009, she received her third bundle of joy, Emma Michaela, baby sister of sweet Clarissa. This year, she embarks on a new adventure, as Rotary International District Governor of her beloved District 3820. She takes on the task with the full support of her partner, PDG Geoff McLennan of District 9830 Tasmania, the guidance of the governors who served before her, and the able assistance of her strong District Team. It’s a whole new page in her life that is waiting to be fi lled with exciting experiences and the joys of service. To everything that is unfolding, 9/10 DG Chit borrows the title of director Roberto Benigni’s movie: “Life is beautiful!”

Getting to know Chit LijaucoDistrict GovernorRotary International District 3820RY 2009-10

Feature

Joseph and Cynthia Clare—were of grade school age, she pursued her love for communication and ended up as a neophyte journalist

Her life in the media now counts more than 28 years. She

also editor-in-chief of a couple of magazines and produced several

11

Fulfi llment and happiness in Rotary

Priesthood is providing service to humanity.

The service it provides helps unpack the challenges of change that confront our nation. A priest’s presence in Rotary all the more makes Rotarians more responsible in shaping our nation’s future. In Area 4, Group 3 of RI District 3820, a young priest joined the Rotary Club of Goa Partido. He is the Rev. Fr. Baltazar “Fr. Nono” Acompañado, Jr., the Rector of the Holy Rosary Preparatory

Seminary in San Jose, Camarines Sur. “I joined Rotary to be counted among the many service-oriented men in the world, to develop friendship with key persons in the community, and to promote joy in giving without expecting anything in return,” Dr. Nono said. Fr. Nono joined the Holy Rosary Preparatory Seminary in 1995 after fi nishing his Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from the University of Santo Tomas in 1995. To further his studies in preparation for the priesthood, he studied philosophy at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga City from 1995 to 1996 and fi nished his bachelor’s degree in Sacred Theology from the Holy Rosary Major Seminary in 2002. He was ordained as a priest on March 11, 2003. In 2006, he obtained his MBA-SPE from the Ateneo de Naga University in 2006. At present, he is pursuing his Master of Arts (Counseling Psychology degree) from the same university. Prior to becoming Rector of the Holy Rosary Preparatory Seminary in November 2006, Fr. Nono served as Assistant Director of the Caceres Social Action Foundation (CASAFI) in Naga City, Assistant Director of the Stewardship Program of the Archdiocese of Caceres (SPARC), Counselor of the “Gaudeum Sacerdotale” Renewal Program for Priests, and Vocation Director (current) of the Commission on Vocations (COMVOCAT) in the Archdiocese of Caceres, among others. Fr. Nono is well remembered for celebrating the Holy Mass and for his steering homily during the District Turnover and Mass Induction ceremonies at the Pacita Astrodome in San Pedro City, Laguna on June 13, 2009. “After more than a year of service in Rotary, I still fi nd fulfi llment and happiness,” Fr. Nono said.

Feature

Editor PP Johnny F. GoloyugoAssistant Editor Rtn Jose JacobAssistant Editor PP Antonio OrcenaEditorial Adviser DG Chit LijaucoPublisher RI District 3820

The Vision is published monthly by Rotary International District 3820. The Vision welcomes suggestions, comments, and editorial/photo contributions.

Contact Editorial:Phone: (02) 580-5600 Local 2821Mobile: 0919-3022000/0927-2164803Emails: j.goloyugo@cgiar.org/ jgoloyugo1106@yahoo.com

Editor PP Johnny F. Goloyugo

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Fr. B. Acompañado, Jr.