My congratulations to those who served in this year’s Vocational Service Committees!

In order to encourage the promotion of the 4 way test, the declaration of Rotarians in businesses and professions, and other activities which emphasize high ethical standards in the exercise of profession or business, October for Rotarians is the month designated for Vocational Service.

Besides serving as consultant to clubs in developing short-term Vocational training/scholarship programs to provide livelihood skills for those who cannot afford commercial vocational training or academic studies. For those who have potential enterprising skills among the poor, we helped clubs in organizing enterprise development seminars or projects aimed at motivating them to be self-reliant.

As well as providing career guidance, clubs have been encouraged to undertake career development projects for high school students and other sectors. We have recommended resources speakers that can serve this very purpose.

We continue to encourage clubs and Rotarians to enlist as Rotary volunteers for worthwhile service projects, both in the district and international level. My personal thanks and commendation go to those who have dug deep in their pockets for the relief and rehabilitation of Ondoy and Pepeng typhoon victims. Our tangible help (in goods, cash and warm bodies) were coursed through ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya and have been shipped to the families directly hit by the calamity.

To enhance Employer-employee relations, Rotary assists and motivates clubs conducting projects that improve employee-employer relations and gives recognition to outstanding employers and employees. Notably, Rotary District 3850 has been instrumental in this year’s recognition of outstanding Bacolod City government workers called the Banwahanon Awards given at the 71st Charter Day celebrations. This is in keeping with its assistance in the projects undertaken by Rotary clubs promoting high ethical standards and moral values in the workplace.

I look forward to a continuing effort in raising ethical standards in our own workplaces, lest we forget that before we get the speck out of other people’s eyes, we have a log in our own.

DG Edgar Sy