International Relations

July 24, 2020

IPP Jackie Rodriguez, Rotary Club of Manila

Dear IPP Jackie,

Please note below the accomplishments of the International Relations Committee for RY 2019-2020. The undersigned was the Chairman of the committee with VP Thad Liamzon as Vice-Chairman. The IRC was composed of all international ambassadors appointed by your administration.

1) As a prelude, the centennial celebration with the participation (attendance) of seven sister-clubs was the culmination of nearly two years of an initiative to bring our international brothers to this special occasion. We sent out emails a few months before the event. But, as it turned out I had done sufficient groundwork to attract 70+ international rotarians and wives. It was gratifying to hear from many of our visitors that they enjoyed their visit to Manila. We closely interacted and bonded with our brothers.

2) During the year, we paid visits to RC Singapore (attended their 89th anniversary), RC Kowloon East (attended their 50th anniversary), RC Osaka East, RC Tokyo and RC Bangkok (twice).

3) Additionally, we attended the centennial celebrations of RC Shanghai and RC Calcutta.

4) The visit to Shanghai led to the formation of the Circle of Centennial Rotary Clubs (CCRC). The CCRC further expanded our reach into the international network of Rotary Clubs. At the CCRC, we have reconnected with our mother club, RC Seattle 4 and RC Tokyo (the upcoming Centennial club in Asia). The CCRC is also in discussions with several clubs in the UK for them to participate in our efforts even prior to their 100th anniversary.

5) Our interaction with our sister clubs lays the foundation for a stronger friendship and cooperation wth them. This year we have commenced discussions on doing a Global Grant project with RC Singapore. There is an opportunity to do other projects with RC Kowloon East and RC Bangkok. We are continuously supported by RC Osaka East, our partner in the Global Grant of the Hospicio de San Jose project.

6) The CCRC will provide us a greater opportunity to connect with faraway clubs. The current CCRC triumvirate of RCM, RC Calcutta and RC Shanghai have agreed in principle to put up a booth in the next Rotary International Convention expected to be held in Taiwan in 2021. The CCRC, while currently formulating its operating policies, is already in talks with at least six other international clubs for worldwide cooperation.

My only major concern is that the IRC needs the support and participation of more members. As of the end of RY 2019-2020, we had seven international ambassadors (including myself) working with 8 sister clubs, our mother club and the CCRC. Considering that we continue to intensify and strengthen our ties with our sister clubs, we will, this year, be initiating cooperative projects and that we will expand our network. It is obvious that we need more support from our members. Last year (and up to this moment), the IRC members are Rtn. Steve “Momo” Mommaerts, Rtn. Warren So, Rtn. Mike Ozaeta, VP Thad Liamzon, Rtn. Jae Jung, Rtn. John Michael Cutter and myself. More communication, more travel/online meetings and new relationships will require more people if the IRC were to expand based on our motto of “Rotary Connects the World”.

On the Ambassadors Committee, I was there to support Chairman Vince. An active chairman for this year will be a key factor to continue working with your vision. After making connections, we have to move forward and work on cooperative projects. I just read that we have twenty daughter clubs and we have not connected with at least half of this twenty. I committed to President Bobby to continue work for the IRC and the CCRC. For the Ambassador of Goodwill Committee, I will be happy to play a supporting role.

Thank you for giving me and the other IRC members the privilege of participating in RCM’s efforts to connect the world.

Yours in Rotary,