Discernment

Today, September 7, the Rotary Club of Manila will choose a set of directors who will serve in Rotary year 2024-2025. Remarkably, it is also the year when a Manila Rotarian, DGE Jackie Rodriguez, will take the helm as District Governor. It is thus hoped that 2024-25 will be a hallmark year for Asia’s first Rotary Club. With this, it behooves all members to discern, and have the Club’s interest at heart when voting for the next set of Board members.

There are a dozen candidates for the 8 directors who will be elected by the membership. These nominees said “yes” to the challenge; and by their acceptance and by allowing themselves to be voted upon, it is assumed that all these candidates have truly thought hard and have determined that, for at least a year, they can and will fully commit to dedicate their time, talent and treasure to dutifully serve the Club as members of its highest governing body.

Being voted upon to serve the club as a Director must not be taken lightly. One’s inclusion in a ballot and eventually being chosen by the membership as a Board member constitutes a sacred pact that the duly elected director, having said ‘yes’ to the nomination, must serve with utmost dedication, honor, and integrity. Therefore, if, for any reason, there arises a doubt on the mind of a nominee about his ability to faithfully serve as a Director and according to what is expected, then the nominee must reconsider and perhaps withdraw.

Indeed, if a nominee foresees a difficulty on his part, because of other current or upcoming commitments, to perform his duty of overseeing and constantly following up the planning and implementation of all committee activities placed under his supervision, he must remove himself from the list and spare the Club from one non-performing or sub-par officer.

In the same vein, if a nominee, because of varying factors, foresees his inability to attend most, if not all, Board, Club and committee meetings, District Conference, and District Assembly, then he must think again and discern whether he can indeed offer himself as an effective and responsible Director. In fine, a candidate must have no doubts, ifs, and buts about his availability and ability to discharge his duties as an elected Club director, for doing so would constitute a huge disservice.

Once elected, the President, Vice-President, six directors, (and the Immediate Past President) are expected to work together as a collegial body, and with one mind and heart, jointly steer the Club to new heights. Nothing less is expected from them.

Today, may all members be discerning as they choose eight Manila Rotarians who will succeed our current directors and compose the next Board. May the Club choose rightly and wisely. And to the eight who will be elected today, Godspeed! May the force be with you, and may the odds be forever in your favor!