Rotary President's Valedictory Message: 'To lead our lives as example'
The Rotary Club of Dumangas, adjudged for the first time in its 12-year history as one of the multi-awarded clubs during the Rotary district conference early this year, held its turning-over ceremonies Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the Social Hall of PD Monfort College in Dumangas, Iloilo.
Outgoing president Pablo R. Nava III exhorted the members and incoming officers headed by President Jerry Brondial to "remember that it's not only about how to achieve our dreams but about how to lead our lives as example to others that matters."
In his speech Nava recalled the commitment of members of the Rotary Club of Dumangas particularly during his incumbency as club president for the year 2007-2008. On this period, the Rotary Club of Dumangas received from Rotary International President Wildrid J. Wilkinson a Presidential Citation, Membership Development and Extension Award, and Recognition of Membership Development Initiatives.
From R.I. District 3850 the Rotary Club of Dumangas also won: 1) the Highest Membership Growth Award (Category B), 2) the Highest Number of New Members Award, 3) the Governor's Special Award for Commendable Performance in Increasing Membership from 15 to 37; and 4) the Outstanding Club President' Award (Category B).
"We must continue to work as a team conscious that we are all heirs of that fine tradition established under the able leadership of our Past Presidents – Evelio "Bags" Ilangga, Rudy Golez, Manny Benedicto, Clem Doyo, George Acepcion, Harry Dolendo, Saul De Asis, Botsoy Conadera, Onal Golez and Nelson Deles," Nava said.
He also summarized the significant projects of the Rotary Club of Dumangas last year: 1) the more than 90 day care pupils who were beneficiaries of the deworming and vitamins-giving project in Barangays Sapao, Paloc Sool and PD Monfort North;
2) The wheelchair-giving project which helped 35 disabled townmates gain mobility for possible reintegration in their respective communities; 3) the giving of Day Care education facilities worth P100,000 for each three barangays of PD Monfort South, Nanding Lopez and Ilaya 3;
4) Skills training project with TSKI and the Municipality of Dumangas on September 29, 2007 which was participated by no less than 300 micro-entrepreneurs; and 5) the ongoing project with TSKI assisting the Dumangas Agrarian Beneficiaries Development Cooperative which to date received already P1.2 million production loans and soon to enjoy post harvest facilities.
The turn-over ceremonies were attended by Rotary District Governor Emma Nava who inducted the incoming officers, and Past President Harry Dolendo as guest speaker.