District Activities for the Week

On Saturday evening, June 27, 2015, the Philippine International Convention Center filled with 1,400 faithful Rotarians from throughout our region. One hundred Rotary club presidents and over 200 new leaders of Rotary International District 3810 took their oaths of office in the Handover and Induction Ceremonies. 2015-16 District Governor Roberto "Obet" M. Pagdanganan formally accepted the mantle of leadership and authority from Outgoing District Governor Edmond "Mond" T. Aguilar and his officers.

Kick off projects began on the first day of the new Rotary year, July 1, 2015. First off was a vision project conducted in nine schools throughout the area. It was a joint project of D3810 with the international organization, "Physicians for Peace", organized by PDG Lyn Abanilla. The lead Club was RC Intramuros, led by their World Class President, Cosette Chua. Nine World Class Presidents were involved. They did the project simultaneously in their respective chosen schools and beneficiaries.

July first marked the launching of our district's initiatives for the Governor's special concern, Road Safety. It began with a "PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY MOTORCADE." This was a joint project of the "Manila Area" President's, with RC Manila South as the lead club, headed by their World Class President Janina Valdes. Clubs from all four district areas were invited to join the parade. The lead vehicles in the procession were twenty-five various emergency response vehicles provided by the Philippine Red Cross courtesy of the PRC Secretary General, who is WC President Gwen Pang of RC Bonifacio Drive. These attention-getting vehicles were joined by more fire trucks and ambulances, provided by RC Raja Sulayman. Rotary clubs assembled near the Manila Hotel around 9:00 a.m. to promote and to create greater road safety awareness. The motorcade made its route along Roxas Blvd and ended at Universidad de Manila.

The afternoon was filled with a ROAD SAFETY FORUM & WORKSHOP. Beginning at 1:00p.m. and concluding at 5:00p.m., the Universidad de Manila accommodated almost 500 participants. The event was hosted by RC Manila Midtown, led by their World Class President Teodulo Hidalgo, with Chairman Rolley So, District Committee Chair for Road Safety. The forum included representatives from forty-four co-hosting Rotary Clubs from throughout the district, plus Rotaractors and numerous non-government organizations, and some U. Manila students.

Resource speakers were DOTC Asec Dante Lantin; Mr. Jason Salvador, Spokesperson for the Land Transportation Office; Engr. Alberto Suansing, Executive Director for the Philippines of W. H. O. 's Global Road Safety Partnership; P/Supt. Conrado Villanueva, Chief of Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group; WCP Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary General, Philippine Red Cross; Dr. John Go, World Health Organization Project Officer for Road Safety; Ms. Elvira Medina, National Center for Commuter Safety and Protection; Mr. Tony Paula Yan, MMDA representative; and Ms. Cynthia Reyes, Automobile Association of the Philippines. An open forum was conducted following the presentations.

On July 5, 2015, LAKAD - HANDOG SA Mundo, a walk for road safety awareness led by World Class President Abee Dizon of RC Pasay Centro. By 5:45 a.m., Rotary clubs from Manila, Pasay, Cavite and Mindoro, plus Rotaractors, Non government organizations, and Pasay fire trucks were gathered in front of Cuneta Astrodome for walk that stretched to an hour along Roxas Blvd then back to Cuneta Astrodome. The successful Lakad-Handog sa Mundo activity created greater public awareness for Road Safety. Highly visible signs, flags and banners conveyed simple messages to the public on how to prevent road accidents.