District Governor's Message

Going the distance

There was once a car builder in my hometown who approached me one day, and told me he wants to see me drive a car. Being a person with a handicap, never in my wildest dreams did I see myself driving. Despite his business motive or otherwise, I will always be grateful to him for letting me go places. The vehicle he customized for me had an automatic transmission and it changed my perception that our shortcomings will forever be barriers. The capability gave me the confidence and the accessibility every PWD has long been advocating. I would leave Rotarians in awe that I drove alone sometimes, around Panay, to Guimaras and Negros Island.

In this month of February, let’s all go the distance as we celebrate World Understanding Month. Let’s get out of our box and reach the world through the many programs of Rotary in the Avenue of International Service. This month is particularly very important because this is when Rotary was born–on February 23. The founding of the biggest organization was started by a lonely lawyer, Paul P. Harris, who unfolded a dream of service to humanity.

This brings to mind the very commendable deed of our fellow Rotarians and Anns from our District, especially those from Zamboanga City. They selflessly reached out and braved the many miles just to distribute relief good to the victims of Typhoon Sendong, which seriously hit the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. It is but deserving to give a space (page 12) for the heartwarming gesture which made the forgotten and the desolate believe that there’s hope somewhere. I also would like to extend my thanks, in behalf of the district, to other clubs and zones that extended financial support and sent relief goods. District Gov. Sam Fontanilla of D3870 can’t contain his gratitude to all those who took time to help.

It is but fitting also to congratulate PP Vady Marin for the Club Builder Award from Rotary International. He is also our District Legal Officer, and he will be awarded during our DISCON. It is such a deserving recognition from a pillar of RC Kalibo, who went the distance by devoting his time, and making RC Kalibo into one of the strongest clubs in the district today.

I have always been disturbed by the low turnout of contribution to The Rotary Foundation. Every Governor aims to elevate his District’s ranking and be competitive with others. But when the news came out of the devastation brought by the recent typhoon, almost every club was quick to respond. I had a busy time referring and facilitating donations. The gesture made me so proud of our District. For me, no amount of Annual Giving can equal the sincere assistance you showed to our fellow Filipinos in the typhoon-ravaged areas. This is a true example of pushing things to the limits, of going the road less tread, of going the distance.

DG Melvin