President's Corner

Dear Fellow Manila Rotarians,

Last week, Former Tourism and Former DILG Secretary Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan, III, who served during the latter part of President Corazon Aquino term and during the administration of Honorary Manila Rotarian, President Fidel V. Ramos, discussed with us his views on how our government should act to improve the economic and political situation in our country. He is known for his “hands on” style of management, whether serving in government or in the private sector (including serving as CEO of Maynilad Water Services, Inc.) He gamely engaged many of our members in a lively discussion during the open forum and described his advocacies and platform of government, as he is running for a seat in the Senate during the national elections in May.

On news within our Club, it is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of a dear friend and former Manila Rotarian, Dir. Ceferino “Cef” L. Follosco, on 14 March 2016, Former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology during the administration of Honorary Manila Rotarian, President Fidel V. Ramos, and father of our PT Jun Follosco. Cef was a Manila Rotarian from 1974 to 2010. His remains lie in state in Chapel 6 of the Heritage Park in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Our Club’s necrological services will be held on 16 March 2016 at 7:00pm. Cef will surely be missed. Let us all pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

On news within our Club, the DISCON 2016 Committee is now putting the final touches on the arrangements for the necessary accommodations, function room venues, exhibition booths, and the relevant souvenir program for DISCON 2016, as 1 April 2016 is fast approaching. Again, I urge all Manila Rotarians to register for, attend, and actively participate in DISCON 2016 in order to show our full support for PP/DG Obet Pagdanganan and our Club, which is the official host for the event. I thank all those who have already donated and/or obtained sponsorships for the event and urge those who have not yet done so, to please help out in this regard.

Last Monday, 14 March 2016, I together with IPP/AG Frank Evaristo, PP Ed Reyes, and Rtn. Ave Cruz attended the 50th Charter Anniversary gala black tie dinner of the Rotary Club of Makati at the Grand Ballroom of the new Shangrila Hotel at The Fort in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, which was highlighted by a Vienna Spring Concert. It was a grand affair and I look forward to our own celebration of our Club’s centennial in a few years, which I am sure will be an even grander affair.

On news from around the District, last 10 March 2016, DG/PP Obet Pagdanganan and DGND/CoS/PP Rudy Bediones attended the DISCON 2016 Dance Practice at The Aristocrat Restaurant along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. Thereafter, last 11-13 March 2016, DG/PP Obet Pagdanganan, ICoS/SDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo, and IDCoS/ISDG/DE/IPS Albert Alday were on hand at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo City to lend moral support to PE/VP Teddy Ocampo who underwent the Presidents-Elect Training Seminar 2 (PETS 2), which is meant to prepare him for his coming presidency during the All Star Rotary Year 2016-2017.

Today, we have as our Guest of Honor and Speaker, Mr. Freddie Webb, former Senator of the Republic of the Philippines, Former Representative of the then Lone District of Parañaque, and a former professional and amateur basketball star, who will share with us his insights and his views on the political situation in our country, including the developments in the campaign leading to the election of a new set of our political leaders in May. Please engage Freddie in a lively discussion during the open forum.

Also, please continue to actively participate in and support all our Club’s plans, programs, and activities during the remainder of this Rotary Year. Most importantly, please recommend at least one good recruit to beef up our Club’s membership. Mabuhay ang Rotary Club of Manila!