DISCON 2008 – A Reminiscing
By Rtn. Bob Hecks – RC Makati North
It seemed such a short time since the stylish handover ceremonies on June 29 2007. Yet as the familiar catchy tune of the Rotary Theme Song 2007/08 “Rotary Shares” and District Governor Ato Magadia’s “Age of Aquarius” rang out we were reminded of how much the clubs of Rotary District 3830 have achieved and how much they have enjoyed the year of Rotary Shares.
Three major features of the 2-day program, Friday-Saturday 14-15 March 2008 at the new SMX Convention Center attracted the 977 pre-registered delegates and some late-registering Rotarians to what was the best-attended District Conference that D3830 has seen. These attractions were a star-studded line-up of guest speakers, an RI President’s Representative who is a senior Director of Rotary International, and a sense that our Governor would have something substantial to report. All three promises were fulfilled. Delegates also got a feeling for the upcoming Rotary year 2008/09 from the incoming District Governor-elect.
The guest speakers (Sen. Richard Gordon, Dr Josette Biyo, Fr. Rocky Evangelista, Mayor Edward Hagedorn, and Gov. Ed Panlilio) need no further introduction. The RI President’s Representative was RI Director Monty Audenart from RC Red Deer East, Alberta, Canada. A dental surgeon and sportsman, he has led and participated in Rotary humanitarian projects in many countries, including the Philippines. We were honored by his active participation in three Plenary Sessions and the breakfast with new Rotarians and new TRF contributors. DG Ato Magadia’s State of the District Report particularly emphasized the greater health of smaller clubs, generous contributions to TRF, a net increase in membership of 14 percent and the development of the District Website (www.rotary3830.org ).
From the very beginning, the Sharing Presidents were actively involved in the program of activities. Each plenary session had a team of two presidents at the podium acting as moderators and they certainly added life and glitter to the proceedings.
And if you are thinking that the DISCON was only all about listening to the speakers, then you have another think coming. Each day at the end of the long sessions, everyone spruced up for an evening of dining and wining and fun. Fun meant watching dance presentations by various groups – the Sharing Presidents, the District Officers and even RID Audenart and his lovely spouse Liz joining in the dancing. There was even a sentimental number presented by the Caring classmates of Gov. Ato of a well-rehearsed Filipino dance.
Gov. Ato thanked the many Rotarians who attended, particularly the Sharing Presidents, the Filipiniana Dance and Governor’s Gala Night participants, the Group Study Exchange inbound and outbound teams to Lyons, France and the outbound team to Connecticut, USA. He paid tribute to the many Past Presidents and District Officers who organized and presented the Discon program and the several Past District Governors whose presence ensured the impact of conference sessions. DG Ato praised RIPR Monty Audenart and his fellow Canadian Rotarians who came so far to be present at District 3830’s best District Conference yet.
The following is Gov. Ato’s message at the opening ceremonies of DISCON 2008
On behalf of Vicky and myself, I extend my warmest welcome to all the participants of DISCON 2008. This is an annual event that brings together the District 3830 community for learning, fellowship and fun and talk about the “business” of Rotary. The DISCON is also an occasion to celebrate our service achievements this Rotary Year.
Let us also welcome the RI President Representative, RI Director Monty Audenart and spouse Liz. We are extremely pleased to have them as our guests of honor.
Our focus this Rotary Year was on membership growth (up 9% as of January 31, 2008), higher TRF contributions, commitment to effective service projects , and promoting a positive Rotary image, as well as involving the family in Rotary activities. Service projects addressed concerns on clean water, health and hunger, literacy, youth empowerment, the environment, and shelter (through partnership with Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity). We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine National Red Cross for mutual cooperation and support.
In terms of organizational development, our most significant initiative was vigorously encouraging all Clubs to adopt the Club Leadership Plan as a “best practice” structure for effective club operations. With the CLP in place, we believe we have laid the foundation for sustainable growth and continuous improvement in club operations over the next three to five years.
We have also upgraded our communication network by harnessing available technology for more effective communication and coordination among the Sharing Presidents, the District Leadership Team, and the District Governor. The District website www.rotary3830.org serves as the District community bulletin board that chronicles District and Club activities. The Governor’s Monthly Letter (GML) is published in printed copies and electronic format (eGML) which is downloadable from the District website.
We promoted continuing Rotary education at Club level. The Rotary Academy was mandated to reach out to Clubs for their training needs. The biggest concern continuous to be on bringing each club to “best practice” standards in club operations and governance.
I encouraged and supported each Sharing President to do what they can do best to build a stronger and better Rotary Club.
It has been my privilege and honor as District Governor to work with very enthusiastic and committed Sharing Presidents and District Officers. I thank each one of them for their cooperation and support. I congratulate them as well for adhering to the norm of cooperation, not competition when undertaking Rotary activities and service projects in line with this year’s theme, “Rotary Shares.”
May I thank the DISCON Committee headed by seasoned Past Presidents of our Host Club RC Makati North – PP Chet Tan (Chair), and PP Pabling Calma (Vice Chair) for putting together an interesting and meaningful DISCON program.
Let us celebrate and enjoy DISCON 2008.
Renato “Ato” B. Magadia
District Governor
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