President's Corner

Last week, we had the Hon. Alfonso Cusi, Secretary of the Department of Energy, and a Makati Central Rotarian, enlighten us on the functions and advocacies of his department and present situation as well as plans for the Philippine Energy Sector.

As for updates within our club, we are still in the process of gathering Manila Rotarians to attend the 60th Anniversary of our sister club, the Rotary Club of Osaka East this coming May 27, 2017. For more details, please coordinate with our Secretariat.

Likewise, our World Famous Chorale received an invitation from the district recently to sing the Philippine National Anthem and the National Anthem of the United States of America during the opening of the DISCON 2017 on March 31, 2017 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City. They are now practicing for this.

Likewise, I wish to send our condolences in behalf of our club to the family of the late Sen. Leticia Ramos-Shahani, sister of our club's Honorary Member and a long time active member of our club, His Excellency Fidel V. Ramos.

Last March 16, 2017, Manila Rotarians, including myself, supported RACoustic 7, a benefit concert to support the End Polio Now, of our Rotaract club, the Rotaract Club of De La Salle University Manila, at the Natividad Fajardo Auditorium, Andrew Bldg., De La Salle University Manila.

Updates from around the district include the attendance of PE/PD Jimmie Policarpio at the Presidents-Elect Training Seminar 2 (PETS 2) at the Widus Hotel and Casino in Clark, Pampanga last March 17-19, 2017. Likewise, CoS/IPSDG/PP Cesar Ubaldo and SDG/DCoS/Dir. Albert Alday are busy with preparations for the DISCON 2017 as the committee now meets every Thursday afternoon. On this note, I wish to exhort my fellow Manila Rotarians to register for the DISCON 2017 which will take place from March 31, 2017 to April 1, 2017.

Today, Duterte Youth for Change Head Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema gives us the perspective of the youth for change and his take on the creation of the Department of Youth Development.

I look forward to your cooperation as we endeavor to make our stars shine this Rotary Year 2016-2017 through meaningful projects and fellowships that will strengthen the bonds of Asia's First Rotary Club.