President's Corner

Dear Fellow Manila Rotarians,

Last week, our club, the Rotary Club of Manila, the First in Asia, was treated to a very educational and enlightening exposition on the state of our economy by our very own Economist Par Excellence, UP Professor, Former Budget Secretary, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Chairman of the Board of Regents, PVP Dr. Ben Diokno. His insights on the true state of our nation’s affairs were really a big eye opener for all of us, as he shared his fearless opinions on what could have been done towards achieving a better life for all Filipinos. There was a very lively Question and Answer session which followed PVP Ben’s speech.

On news on our Club’s activities, AG/IPP Frank Evaristo and I embarked on a trip to Sapian, Capiz, last Friday, 17 July 2015, together with Anna Toledo of our Club’s Secretariat, for the formal turnover of motorized boats donated by Governor Kai of Japan, through our Club, the Rotary Club of Manila. The fisherfolk who received the motorized boats were truly grateful for the gift, as it would certainly enable them to earn a decent living after Typhoon Yolanda caused so much destruction to their community.

On news from around the District, last July 16, 2015, DG/PP Obet Pagdanganan, CoS Rudy Bediones, and AG/IPP Frank Evaristo attended the 23rd Induction and Handover Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Chinatown Manila at the Century Park Seafood Restaurant, where WCP Susana de Jesus was inducted as club president.

Last 18 July 2015, DG/PP Obet Pagdanganan and CoS Rudy Bediones were on hand to attend the 38th Charter Anniversary and Induction of Officers and Members of the Rotary Club of Panday Pira at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, where WCP Galileo “Galie” Santana was inducted as club president.

The day after, on 19 July 2015, our very own DG/PP Obet Pagdanganan celebrated his birthday in his hometown of Calumpit, Bulacan, which started with a mass at the Sto. Niño Quasi Parish Church, followed by a tree planting activity at the school named after DG/PP Obet’s father, and brunch at DG/PP Obet’s formerly home. Manila Rotarians in attendance, aside from the birthday celebrant, were CoS/PP Rudy Bediones and spouse Sharon, VP Teddy Ocampo, Dir. Oca del Rosario, Dir. Susing Pineda, PD Beda Fajardo, PD Nick Locsin, PS Gus Fajardo, and yours truly. District officers, WCP’s, and members from the different clubs in the District likewise made the birthday celebration a truly memorable one.

During the evening of that same day, the Peace Builder Presidents (PBP), to which DG/PP Obet Pagdanganan belongs and which is headed by Peace Builder Governor Ismael “Maeng” Mercado, hosted a dinner/fellowship for the birthday celebrant at the Hongkong Master Chef Seafood Restaurant.

On 22 July 2015, the Induction and Handover Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Manila Midtown were held at New World Hotel Manila, where WCP Teodulo “Teody” Hidalgo was inducted as club president.

Today, we shall have the Honorable Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, Senator of the Republic of the Philippines, and son of our very own Rtn. Ed Angara, as our Special Guest and Speaker, who will talk on the various advocacies he is involved in. Let us all participate by attending our luncheon meeting and by making our presence felt during the open forum which will follow the talk. I encourage each and every Manila Rotarian to take an active part in all the activities of our Club this Rotary Year.