April is the Angel of months, perhaps it is because it is so full of dazzling sunlight that summer brings.
In Rotary International District 3850, April became the happiest month for our fun, united and generous district. The District Conference we had last April 22-23, 2022 added luster to this dazzling month. About 514 Rotarians and guests, radiant, full of life and experience, gathered and created shining moments. They are not only life changers but also dazzling performers.
Together we can, Together we will, Together Again.
I was happy to hear comments that the district conference Visita Otra Vez na Zamboanga was unforgettable, spectacular, and inspiring. PDG Mark Ortiz calls it the best way to do a come-back District Conference. GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE Page 5 GML Issue No. 11 | VISITA OTRAVEZ ZAMBOANGA.
For those who won the district awards, honored as exemplary rotarians, those who got their pins for being Major Donors, MPHF and PHF, on stage with the Governor, those who participated in production numbers, Rotarians Got Talent and those who were praised for being best in Las Vegas costumes, indeed the convention was unforgettable. Not in my wildest dreams that I can be a showman and magician! I was also extremely happy and grateful that Lady Mary Ann participated. The firsts in our lives, indeed we all do a lot of first for love of Rotary.
What made it spectacular and magical was the ambiance, the glamourous production numbers, and the costumes and gowns worn by Rotarians who dressed up to the nights. The opening salvo was tantalizing! The production number of Rotary Club of Zamboanga City West also mesmerized us.
Who was not inspired by the speeches of Rotary International President’s Representative Liza Elorde, the revelation of his humble beginnings and programs on sustainable marine environment by Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, and the excitement and bright prospects in the tourism industry as shared by DOT undersecretary Myra Paz Valderoza-Abubakar?
The generous giving of Major Donors also inspired other Rotarians to step up and be like them. Special commendation and gratitude go to the Rotary Club of Zamboanga City West which was given a big plaque for being the first club in District 3850 to donate US$100,000.00 to The Rotary Foundation within one Rotary Year.
The most dazzling were really the outstanding and stellar achievements of the clubs. Their diverse projects, done out of love, changed lives and inspired people, and these matter the most. The House of Togetherness displayed photographs of rotarians in action and who served above self.
As your governor, my heart was filled with joy and fulfillment, by your presence and active participation during the convention. What great talents Rotarians have! The RIPR Liza Elorde will happily report to RI President Shekhar Mehta about the successful and wonderful convention we had. She shared with me that she rated our Discon Zamboanga 2022 an “excellent” on all counts. I share the excellent rating with the Discon team and attendees. I cherish the champion gloves received from the RIPR. It was a rare and unique gift. In life, we will be punched so many times by hardships, difficulties, and challenges. But we will survive and emerge as winners.
Thank you to the District Conference Chair, Past President Eric M. Harina, Chief of Staff Past President Sixto “Jun” Kwan, Jr, and all hard working committees. Your hard work paid off. You did a great job!!! You made it worth the trip for all attendees near and far. Page 6 GML Issue No. 11 | VISITA OTRAVEZ ZAMBOANGA.
As of this writing, the records of Rotary International show that the TRF annual giving reached an unprecedented high of $ 230,511.00. Rotarians made the impossible possible! We are breaking records and barriers. Ain’t no mountain high. We now have 16 major donors as of April 28, 2022 and 4 more are coming. So far we have 275 new Paul Harris Fellows and Multiple Paul Harris Fellows. I am overwhelmed with jubilation and triumph of the generous Rotarians’ spirits. They are the Angels illuminating the present path and the future of Rotary.
Congratulations to all the District awardees and thank you to all rotarians who graced this momentous event.
In another note, April is the Maternal and Child Care month. Through the TRF giving, we make high-quality health care available to vulnerable and health challenged mothers and children. For instance, one article in Rotary website touched on concerns about the menstrual health of women and girls. While this is a natural monthly thing that happens to them, it becomes a problem if they are not given access to proper nutrition, hygiene, and water. Again, the areas of focus are intertwined. I continue to encourage rotarians to constantly help our women and children so they can live longer and grow stronger. “An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented … Rotary provides education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics. Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breastfeed, and how to protect themselves and their children from disease.”
Thank you to all clubs that embarked on projects addressing maternal and health care for women and children. You are doing good for the world.
I shall always cherish the events in April 2022. The convention was beyond magic. The groundworks did it. To God be the Glory.
“As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them”- John F. Kennedy
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