2nd Presidents-elect and Secretaries-elect Training Seminar
June 20, 2009
By President-Elect Roy Bautista and Sec. Bernadette de la Cruz
Rotaract Club – Youth Media Network Philippines.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paranaque Metro.
Last Saturday, around seven o’clock in the morning, participants flocked to the Rotary Club of Makati Building in Guadalupe, Makati City to register for the 2nd Presidents-elect and Secretaries-elect Training Seminar or “PeSeTS” as they call it. By 9:00 a.m., the venue was jump packed with more than 50 Rotaractors and Interactors…some accompanied by their sponsoring Rotarians. Its theme is in line with this year’s Rotary theme, “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands”… and thus empowering the participating club leaders towards greatness for the upcoming Rotary year
As a sequel to last year’s PeSeTS, the District 3830 Rotaract committee was pleased to observe that the number of participating Rotary Clubs, Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors doubled. This is a remarkable sign meaning that more and more Rotary Clubs and especially the Youth are getting into the Rotaract and Interact phenomenon.
District Rotaract Representative (DRR) Cathy Gonzales called the meeting to order, acknowledged the presence of guests, and followed it with a cheerful welcome remarks. The moderator of the program was the ever “entertaining” President Mennen Gonzales of RAC Makati.
Incoming District Coordinating Chair (DCC) PP Lilibeth De La Cruz introduced the Guest Speaker of the day …the Incoming Senior Assistant Governor for Public Image, RC Makati’s PP Pepito Bengzon. He gave the participants a very inspirational message and clearly discussed the Rotary International Theme “The Future of the Rotary is in Your Hands” & the Rotary thrusts and Programs, its Functions, and how to improve the Club’s public image.
Participants were then asked to write down their expectations towards the event before proceeding to the next sessions. Most of their expectations were to gain more knowledge and insights to the world of Rotary, more friends, and the encouragement of joint projects, all of which were adequately achieved by the end of the day. An enlightening open forum was convened that answered many questions about Rotaract and Interact. This was very good especially because a great number of the participants were newbies to the program.
Session 1 was all about the Rotary Protocol. RC Makati Past President Dick Funk, who is the Incoming Deputy District Protocol Officer, addressed the issue with interesting facts and information. He talked about the etiquettes or practices that must be obeyed or followed in the Rotary Club. He shared a lot of things, from holding club meetings to proper arrangements during invocation and national anthem, which made the participants more aware and responsible in observing protocols in their respective clubs.
Session 2 centered on the topic “Rotaract & Interact in the Rotary Family” and was youthfully discussed by D3810’s Past DRR Chock Encabo, currently the MDIO Pilipinas Chair. He shared his experiences during his term as DRR and told the participants that they are part of Rotary now to make a difference.
Session 3 focused on “Roles and Responsibilities of Club Presidents and Secretaries” by another guest from D3830, PDRR Sen Villanueva who was the Organizing Committee Chair of APRRC Pilipinas in 2006. She carefully told in detail what it takes for future club presidents and secretaries to accomplish their goals, making them fully equipped in their roles and responsibilities as leaders of their Clubs.
Next was the explanation of the District Structure, Direction, and Systems for RY 2009-2010 by D3830’s very own DRR Cathy Gonzales. She further clarified the District committee’s intentions to focus more on the strengthening of the Clubs in the district, its structure of a new management system, and even revealed upcoming events of the year which proved most useful for inclusion to any club’s calendar of activities.
The Rotaract Clubs of PE Paragon, KAPWA, & Makati then led an informative and inspiring panel discussion about their past activities and their secrets to enrich their knowledge on running their clubs, overcoming difficult situations and becoming the best in doing “Fellowship through Service”, the Rotaract motto.
Awards were given to recognize Outstanding Rotaract Clubs for RY 2008-2009…Rotaract Club Makati, Rotaract Club-KAPWA and Rotaract East Paragon. DRR Cathy Gonzales surprised outgoing District Rotaract Chair Lilibeth De La Cruz with a beautiful personalized poem expressing deep gratitude for all her significant support towards her “children” in Rotaract. She also challenged the Rotaractors and Interactors to do their best so they, too, can be qualified for the next year’s awards.
The final part of the program was the presentation of the new District Rotaract Committee for 2009-2010. Incoming District Rotaract Chair PP Rose Acoba’s closing remarks capped the entire day affair and hoped that each participant learned a lot from the seminar.
As participants, we can assure you that the event was truly a successful one that helped prepare us, the new generation, become smiling visionary Club leaders of tomorrow.
This was an opportunity for Rotaractors and Interactors that taught us that the future of Rotary and our Club is indeed in OUR Hands!
Comment
Commenting is closed for this article.
