President’s Corner

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Today is a very special day. After many attempts, we were able to finally get the most hardworking Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to come and speak to us about his plans and programs. General Cimatu is not only the leading reformer of our previously bad handled ecology and environment program, but, has performed beyond any anticipated expectations. I have personally seen this gentleman in action and he is truly made of heroic material. Today, the Rotary Club of Manila proudly welcomes him and, finally, break bread with us.

We join him in the effort, together with Raffy Alunan and Bobby Joseph, in cleaning our waters and greening our land. With nine hundred (900) clubs nationwide, working towards the same goal, we have a great chance to do this successfully. Lead the way, Secretary Cimatu! We are one with you.

Tomorrow is a great day for Rotary, as we begin THE ROTARY NATIONAL FOREST PARK Program with the first one going up in General Tinio. This is a project under the T.R.E.E.S. Program that will help build parks in municipalities nationwide. And towards this end, we are working with Secretary Cimatu and DENR, the LGU’s in the area as well as other Rotary clubs.

Next week, we have a Town Hall Meeting. Everybody is looking forward to discussing the club directions, activities, attendance, forthcoming speakers and more. Please don’t miss this opportunity to get together with all your fellow Rotarians. A Fellowship blast will follow at the same venue, the Manila Elks Club.

Don’t forget the fireside chat with Rtn. Tito Ortiz at the Union Bank Board Room. This is the first in many years, thanks to Archit for reviving this.

Tickets are now on sale for the Battle of the Singing Legends of the Rotary Club of Manila versus the Singing Legends of the Manila Elks Club. Our team has Hermie, Dante, Thad, Oscar, Teddy and whoever can win for us. Our singers are raring to go with the full support from fellow Rotarians. Let us all be present to cheer them to victory. Our cheerleaders, Butch Marking and Jun Follosco have been practicing and will be ready to scalp the invaders.

We are looking for advertisers for the BALITA. We need just a few guys to help defray the high cost of our newsletter. Please help.

Best to all, Jackie