31st Weekly Membership Meeting: A Recap

Program Moderator

The week’s Program Moderator, PD Issam Eldebs, efficiently navigated the sequence of the meeting, resulting in a flow that made the gathering both enjoyable and exciting. He began by inviting Manila Rotarians to be seated to allow the meeting to officially commence.

Call to Order

Pres. Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III called the 31st weekly membership meeting to order.

Invocation

With a beautifully written prayer, PDG Alexander “Alex” P. Cureg led the invocation which set the tone for the meeting.

Philippine National Anthem

Rotarians and guests took a position of respect as they sang the Philippine National Anthem.

Four-Way Test

Rotarians were again reminded of their commitment to live by the 4-Way Test, with the recitation of this mantra led by PD Issam Eldebs.

Rotary Hymn and Welcome Song

The singing of the Rotary Hymn and Welcome Song was again led by the “World Famous” RCM Chorale.

President’s Time

President Raffy Alunan briefly updated the members on the Board of Directors’ deliberation scheduled for next week. The discussion will center on whom to support in the upcoming District Governor election for Rotary Year 26-27. Additionally, he shared that through the initiative of Rotarian John Cutter, a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed a week ago with RC Manila South and RC South San Francisco (USA), respectively. This agreement, aimed at fostering collaboration in awareness building and future vaccination efforts for cervical cancer, is still pending coordination and approval from local authorities.

President Alunan expressed hope for the finalization of two additional MOAs involving Knowledge Channel, Abbott Laboratories, and the Parish volunteers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These agreements are focused on awareness building, addressing malnutrition, oral health, water sanitation, hygiene, and disease prevention. They also include interventions such as medical missions and feeding programs for the indigent population in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City. Furthermore, Rotaract members will play a significant role in many of these projects, under the leadership of Committee Chair Joshua Aragon, as part of a recently concluded MOA between RC Manila and the Red Cross. The first blood donation project from this agreement is scheduled for this month, with additional events planned for April and May. More details will be announced shortly.

Lastly, President Alunan mentioned efforts to hold more joint meetings with other Rotary Clubs under the leadership of Program Committee Chair DGE Jackie Rodriguez. This initiative aims to extend RCM’s spirit of goodwill, highlighting its status as the first Rotary Club in Asia. This effort is also part of the preparations for RCM’s 105th anniversary celebration on June 1 this year, led by VP Reggie Yu in collaboration with the Technical Working Group, comprising PDG Rudy Bediones, PE Jujut Enriquez, Director Mike Albana, and Treasurer PJ Garcia. President Alunan concluded his message by reflecting on the meaning and essence of the Four-Way Test, especially in the context of the upcoming Lenten season.

Introduction of the Guest of Honor and Speaker

Rtn. Victor “Vic” G. Garcia III introduced the guest of honor and speaker.

Guest Speaker

Captivating everyone in attendance with his talk, H.E., the Most Reverend Charles John Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, was indeed both an insightful and animated speaker.

Open Forum

H.E., the Most Reverend Charles John Brown, gamely answered the questions posed by (below photos, from left): PP Geoffrey Bernard William Little (visiting Rotarian from RC Sydney, Australia), Dir. Hans Palacios, Treas. PJ Garcia, VPE Joel Valdes, Rtn. Butch Alcantara, Rtn. Caloy Serapio, Rtn. Daniel Obradó, Rtn. D. Edgard Cabangon, PD Beda Fajardo, PP Archit Bartolome, Rtn. Vic Garcia, PD Abe Pascual, Pres. Raffy Alunan, and DGE Jackie Rodriguez. Not in photo is RCMFI Pres. Willy Peliño.

Token of Appreciation

H.E., the Most Reverend Charles John Brown was all smiles as he received RCM’s Plaque of Appreciation. This auspicious moment was witnessed by Rtn. Victor “Vic” G. Garcia III, PD Issam Eldebs, DGE Joaquin “Jackie” C. Rodriguez, Pres. Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III, and PDG Alex Cureg.

Adjournment

After thanking the guest speaker and all attendees, the meeting was adjourned by Pres. Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III.