The Rotary Balita no. 699 (July 3, 1952).

Fellow Rotarians, the Press, and Friends: I shall not address you to any length. I however do wish to grasp this opportunity to thank you for the high honor bestowed on my humble person. I am grateful and most appreciative. You have chosen me to be your President for the ensuing Rotary year. I shall serve best I can and am very certain that wish combined effort the year ahead of us should be a fruitful one. It would be the height of conceit and folly to assume that the reason for success falls on singular shoulders. It is the results of combined efforts. Alone, I shall fail; combined we shall march ahead. Kindly extend to me that support. I will need it from all of you. Permit me to introduce to you today your new officers and who form the pivot point of our activities for the coming year. Vice-President Danding Romualdez-far-sighted methodical, a deep thinker, and determined President of the Philippine Trust Company; President of the Fidelity & Surety Company of the Philippines, Vice-President and director, Philippine Realty Company; Director, Philippine-American Life; and other exalted positions. He is one of the greatest assets to our Club. Director Tony Anton-General Manager of Lebran, Inc. One of the best known figures in our Club. A man with a heart of gold; an outstanding Rotarian, and a truly sincere friend. Director Doc Ayesa-a Manila doctor of enviable reputation. A Rotarian of the highest degree. Profound, sincere and kind. Director Jonby Carlos-President and General Manager, United Construction Company; Director, State Bonding and Insurance Company; Director, Peoples Homesite and Housing Corporation; Member, Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers; Proclaimed "Builder of the Year 1948". One of our younger members and for whom Rotary has become his second life. Director Dinny Gunn-President and General Manager, H. E. Heacock Co. A Rotarian since 1924 and mighty good one at that. Well liked and loved. Director Vince Bunuan-Your President for the Rotary year 1951-52. We have all learned to like Vince. He is a grand fellow. Let's give him a hand. Secretary Art Tanco-one of my most loyal supporters in the International Service Committee. Hard-working, conscientious, thorough, and a man of strong conviction. To him, I owe much for the results of the International Service Committee. I am grateful, Art. Treasurer Wash Sycip-Son of Albino Sycip, President of the China Banking Corporation, a very dear friend of mine. A self-made man who, in his profession, has reached enviable heights. You are to be congratulated on your well-earned success. Sergeant-At-Arms Ralph Rebullida-President, R. Rebullida, Inc. He has won the hearts of all. Kind, pleasing, and a very good Rotarian. Asst. Secretary-Treasurer Raf Defal-without [illegible text] would find difficulty in operation [illegible text] is a grand person. Prof. [Illegible text]-quiet, reserved and kind. His music means so much to us. We are all grateful to you, Prof. Peace or uncertainty is the crucial question of our day and on its answer may depend the very existence of each of us. Rotary must do its part and play its role well. Let us, Rotarians, weld ourselves and offer humanity the best of us. If the will is strong enough to rise above petty motives or selfish prejudices, then the outcome need not be in doubt. And now, I have a few words for my countrymen. Mga Kababayan: Buong kababaang loob na tinatanggap ko ang inyong atas. Gayon pa man, ay hinihingi ko ang inyong kusa at buong-pusong tulong. Ang mga Pilipinong kasapi sa ating samahan ay yumayabong, bagay na nagpapahiwatig na marami sa ating mga Pilipino ngayon ang nangunguna sa ating mga hanap-buhay. Malaki ang inaasahan sa atin. Pagbuklurin natin ng buog tatag ang ating mga sarili, sapagkat sa pamamagitan lamang ng pagkakaisa, lakip ang kabayanihang Pilipinon, tayo mangunguna at maisasagawa ang ating mga gawain. Salamat sa inyong lahat. Humbly, I accept your dictates. Yet I ask you for your free, full-hearted support. The Filipino membership of our Club has grown, which is indicative that many a Filipino is today the leader of his profession in our community. Much is expected from us. Let us weld ourselves firmly as only united and with the Filipino patriotism shall we march and complete our tasks. Thanks to all of you.