President's Corner

Dear Colleagues in RCM,

May the blessings of our Almighty God shine upon all of us, our family, and friends worldwide. Many things happen every week but allow me to focus on some vital concerns to get us going for the coming weeks ahead of us.

A suggestion came a few weeks ago by PSAA Gunther Matchuck for us to donate a sum of money to defray the costs of social outreach to make us sustainable until the end of our term on June 30, 2021. I agree with the suggestion and propose therefore, a total amount of Php 9,000 to be donated, allocating Php1,000 per month over a 9-month period. This will be used to feed the street children housed in different centers in Metro Manila.

Since we expect the pandemic to be with us until next year, Rotarians will be stuck with Zoom until the end of our term! This means we shall be saving a lot on weekly meals and transportation. Let us take this into a vote asap.

I would like to include in this report that I conducted my second webinar in Rotary International District 3810 on “Skills as a Good Public Speaker, the Toastmaster Way” last September 12, 2020. Based on my research and experience in conducting seminars and team building programs in universities and tourism forums, I am able to share a wealth of knowledge and techniques. A good public speaker should know how to address the audience, make them feel comfortable by engaging with them while remaining focused on the topic, and be open to receiving feedback. During the webinar, we impressed the importance of being sincere and morally principled, being persistent and patient when practicing, having a positive attitude, doing regular research, upgrading skills, and having the passion to be the best!

This was a great opportunity for RCM to engage with the Presidents and Officials of Rotary International District 3810. We received a resounding high approval and they are looking forward to the third webinar. The two-part video is available for interested members.

This Saturday, September 19, 2020, your Board will be attending the opening of the Sandy Beach Project to show support of RCM in the leadership of DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu on the Clean up, Restoration, and Improvement of Manila Bay. Under his leadership, DENR installed a Sewage Treatment Plant with plans to install three more. Moreover, they have a 43-billion informal settlers relocation budget earmarked by President Duterte for a 6-year project to Save Manila Bay and bring it to its past glory. An awarding will follow organized by Former Manila Rotarian Tony Oposa at the Manila Yacht Club. Proper distancing and health safety measures will be strictly enforced.

Today, we shall focus on the application of online voting for next week's election. I would like to thank the members of the hardworking Board and officers of various committees, with special mention to IPVP and Programs Committee Chairman Hermie Esguerra, for introducing a better online voting system.

As your servant President, it is more about YOU and less about me.