The Rotary Balita no. 741 (March 11, 1954)

I would be remiss to the most elementary dictates of the office and unkind to myself unless I convey to you all my profound appreciation for the very best Rotary spirit displayed in connection with our 11th District Conference in Baguio City from February 5 to 7, inclusive. The months of intensive club preparations and the contributory efforts you have exerted as individual Rotarians have blended into a shining example of Rotary in action and crystallized into the 3-day occasion that certainly bubbled over with fellowship, entertainment, information and inspiration. From such splendid manifestations of kindred spirit, I derive the confidence to carry on our Rotary Year with renewed delight and unswerving resolve.

GRATITUDE DEPARTMENT

Priority in the citation deservedly goes to the Host Club. For the third time since liberation, the Rotary Club of Baguio has been our gracious host and I think it an understatement of fact when I say aloud that the Club has again done a very wonderful job. Luz and I lead all grateful Rotarians and Anns in extending our warmest appreciation. Personally what I considered to be a duty turned out to be a delight. It is simply too bad that not all Rotarians and Anns of District 48 were able to attend because without trying to rub it in their presence would have been studded with never-to-be-forgotten memories to crowd the many prized mementos of our checkered Rotary lives.

The chairmen and individual members of all the District Conference committees and groups are entitled to more than a fair share of the "roaring" success that the occasion turned out to be. Each committee functioned like a well-oiled machine — the best index of thoroughness and seriousness that animated each group activity. We appreciate the good work and we are grateful.

And a pair that really merits more than 3 rah-rah-rah's is the team of Ned Hall and Prof. Marcelino O. V. Carluen who spiritedly led and accompanied in the group singing. Ned, an oldtimer and formerly a Manila Rotarian who recently returned here for a visit from his Rotary Club of Palisades, California, honored our invitation to attend the Conference and furnished much of the color and sound which abounded in the Conference. Prof. Carluen, in case you have not heard, is the Club Pianist of the Rotary Club of Manila.

All the Conferees join me in extending to Ed "E.A." Perkins, senior active member of the Rotary Club of Manila, our thanks for the sumptuous merienda to which he treated us on Saturday, February 6. This was an impromptu affair and not listed in the official Conference schedule which makes us all the more appreciative for this voluntary gesture of hospitality plus.

CHEERING SECTION

It is both my privilege and pleasure to announce and cheer lustily the following recipients of the District's coveted awards, namely:

1. The "PUYAT MEDAL" for the highest percentage of attendance won by "Tinong" David of the Rotary Club of San Fernando with 321.66% rating;

2. The "TED HALL ATTENDANCE CUP" for the Club with the highest percentage of attendance won by the Rotary Club of San Pablo with 321.66% rating;

3. The "MANALO ATTENDANCE CUP" award. ed to the Club with the most number of 100 percenters won by the Rotary Club of San Pablo with 24 members registered as 100%ers;

4. The "BEN LEGARDA FELLOWSHIP CUP" for the Club with best fellowship won by the Rotary Club of Cavite;

5. Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro awarded the CLUB SERVICE Certificate;

6. Rotary Club of Baguio received the VOCATIONAL SERVICE Certificate;

7. Rotary Club of Tacloban copped the COMMUNITY SERVICE Certificate;

8. Rotary Club of Manila earned the INTERNATIONAL SERVICE Certificate;

9. The "JAVIER CUP" awarded to the Club which has advanced the 4 avenues of service most goes to the Rotary Club of Manila.

10. The "FAELNAR EXTENSION CUP" awarded to the Club which has sponsored the organization of the greatest number of clubs is won by the Rotary Club of Calapan;

11. The "BEN GASTON FOUNDATION CUP" awarded to the Club which has helped our Rotary Foundation the most is given to the Rotary Club of Cotabato with 22 members registered as 100%ers; and

12. The "LICHAUCO SILVER PLAQUE" awarded to the Rotarian with the most outstanding Rotary Service in the District is won by Pedro "Perico" Guiang of the Rotary Club of Cebu.

WORTHY REPRESENTATIVE

For the record, I want to reiterate here all that I have repeatedly said during the District Conference in the belated but nonetheless salutary recognition by RI of our own Ted Hall as a Rotarian who really dares to be. President Joaquin Serratosa Cibils did right in entrusting upon his capable shoulders the merited trust of being his official representative at the 11th District Conference. Incidentally our Gil Puyat has earned similar distinction when he was delegated by President Joaquin to represent him in Singapore. Both assignments are fraught with significance: that Rotary in our District has arrived and that Rotarians with the caliber and integrity to represent the RI President are plenty and available.

ENCORE

The 11th District Conference confirmed my established belief in the wealth of scholarly speakers we treasure within the District. For the benefit of those who have missed the pleasure of listening to them, we are passing on to you excerpts from their erudite pieces. Remember that the speakers were meticulously chosen and are intimately acquainted with the particular avenue of service discussed. Hereunder are the salient extracts from the pieces delivered on the various avenues of service:

On SERVICE TO YOUTH by Gabino "Gab" Tabuñar, president, Rotary Club of Iloilo — "As Rotarians fathers of children it is prudent and wise for us to interest ourselves in those activities that channel the energy, initiative and imagination of our youth toward spheres of constructive action and thinking. Rotary clubs should establish or help establish desirable centers to provide youth with an atmosphere and an environment that build their character and which will give full play to their youthful instinctive tendencies. But the most effective source of service to youth is through the example that they see of us, the life that we live in the community, including our dealings with our fellowmen in society."

On VOCATIONAL SERVICE by Dr. Eduardo Z. "Danding" Romualdez, president, Rotary Club of Manila "Vocational service in Rotary derives its inspiration from the dynamic principle that success comes to us only as we help others to be successful. Hence, each Rotarian is under obligation. to share Rotary with those non-Rotarians who are associated in any way with his business or profession The genius of Rotary is individual action. Vocational Service consists not in grandiose decisions but in the accumulation of small acts and the slow creation of habits. Small acts do not exist alone and apart. Like the ripples from a stone flung into a pool, the influence of Rotary through Vocational Service can stir the stagnant waters found in the indifference of many in the profession. Man could aim to seek perfection only as his success finds wider areas to light and as these are happily reflected in the lives and purpose of his fellowmen."

On CLUB SERVICE by Dr. Archimedes P. "Archie" Brion, president, Rotary Club of San Pablo Archie had as title for his piece: "WHY ARE WE HERE?" and himself answered the query thus — "... because we want to get inspiration for applying techniques so that we can contribute to the realization of Rotary ideals. I know that the success of Rotary is my personal obligation, not just something I can leave to a committee, I will do my full part to promote all the activities in which my club is engaged. I myself am Rotary. I cannot neglect it without missing its benefits. That is why I am here!"

On INTERNATIONAL SERVICE by Juan T. "Johnny" de Castro, president, Rotary Club of Lucena "Rotary can certainly play an important role towards achieving a working harmony among nations. The important part that we Rotarians could take in this responsibility cannot just be ignored. To spread the idea of international under. standing, goodwill and peace, it is necessary that we should devote a part of our busy hours to writing. International Service may also be achieved by contact through travels. Another way by which International Service is achieved is the holding of regular town hall forums."

On COMMUNITY SERVICE by Salvador E. "Ba. dong" Sala, president, Rotary Club of Cebu — "The average community is teeming with opportunities for club members as individuals and by the club corporately. A survey will enable the Rotary club, first, to establish what the needs are and to evaluate them, and second, on the basis of definite needs of the community, to plan its program more intelligently. Rare indeed, is the challenge that the Rotary club cannot accept. Let us appraise ourselves and our clubs."

ABOVE PAR

The first day Conference speeches were not less noteworthy. The piece on ROTARY'S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY by Leocadio "Delfs" Santiago, Pres. ident, Rotary Club of Tarlac, traced the early beginning and phenomenal growth of Rotary since 1905. Now spread in 88 countries and regional groups with a membership of 379,000 distributed among 8,000 clubs, Rotary is still a growing force in the community. Reason for this was given as: "It is our desire not only to imbibe the full and true spirit of Rotary and make it live and glow in our inmost recesses, but also to make its golden radiance penetrate the skeptical uninitiated and make him receptive and willing to join in the great crusade that Rotary strives to foster in order to bring lasting peace to mankind."

Reginaldo "Ding" Pascual, past president, Rotary Club of Tacloban, elucidated on ROTARY FOUNDA TION FELLOWSHIP and said: "The essence of the Rotary Foundation Program is to train leaders for the future who have a worldwide outlook and whose knowledge and understanding transcend national bounds. The more young people of promise that get the experience and dedicate their lives to international understanding, the greater the hope for future peace in the world."

A very capable substitute for his club president, Ignacio "Asiong" Nabong, secretary of the Rotary Club of Cabanatuan, discussed on "The ROTARIAN" and paid glowing tribute to this organ of RI which depicts in graphic form the plans and accomplishments of Rotary everywhere. He said: "It is the only organ outside the sphere of the United Nations, which can claim both the respect and support of all the people because it purports to serve all equally and without distinction or prejudice based on sex, color, race, religion; or political affiliation "

SOUVENIR

To commemorate the 11th District Conference and as a humble contribution to the accumulating knowledge of Rotary, the speeches delivered during the Conference will be printed in phamplet form for distribution to delegates of the clubs in the District Conference.

ROTARY FOUNDATION FELLOW

It may interest you to know as I am extremely happy to announce that the District has in Miss Matilde Montilla a truly worthy Foundation Fellow. Her maiden speech before the District Conference was enlightening and clubs desiring to pro-fit from her treasure of information and scintillate. ing anecdotes will do well to program in advance their tentative schedule for her speaking engagement. Miss Montilla offers the strongest argument for our stronger support for and continued endorsement of the Rotary Foundation Fellowship Program.

GOVERNOR NOMINEE

The crowning achievement of the District Conference, to me, is the designation of Ramon Ponce "PONS" de Leon of the Rotary Club of Dumaguete as 1954 Governor Nominee of District 48. In him we look up to and are assured of a sterling steward. ship of our District for the ensuing Rotary Year—the Golden Anniversary of Rotary International. With his background so rich in Rotary experience and an outlook of sober dedication to Rotary, Pons will certainly be the guiding light in our District march to Rotary advancement.

TAYO NA SA DUMAGUETE (ON TO DUMAGUETE)

All newly elected Presidents and Secretaries will profit immeasurably from this forthcoming District Assembly in Dumaguete booked for the first week of April. It is my personal experience and I humbly pass it on to you that a perfect combination of an energetic President and Secretary is a power to reckon with in Rotary. And when we consider that Rotary grows from the individual contributions of every Rotarian and every club, it becomes highly imperative to join the Dumaguete Assembly if we must have to enrich our opportunities for service to Rotary.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

In connection with the Golden Anniversary celebration of RI which becomes the signal opportunity of the newly elected club presidents to observe, it is hereby recommended that all presidents-elect appoint their Club chairman for the Golden Anniversary Committee and all such appointed chairmen. should be enjoined to attend the District Assembly.

LAST CALL

This is our last reminder for all clubs concerned to submit on or before the first week of March
the history of the club. Likewise, all clubs concerned are hereby enjoined to cooperate in the payment of the contributions to the District Funds.

Also give prior considerations to setting up the dates for the Inter-City Forums. These group visitations are wellsprings of fellowship, camaraderie and Rotary spirit and have been very effective media in fostering Rotary growth and advancement in our District.

HONGKONG CALLING

Please make advance arrangements for your club participation in the Hongkong and Kowloon trip on April 12-17, under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Manila. For reservations and particulars, kindly contact the Club Secretary.

49TH ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS

In order to focus increased interest in and understanding of Rotary among Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike, it is recommended that every Club exploit to the limit the rich resources that the 49th RI Anniversary on February 23 offers. The degree of fervor and appropriateness with which your Club commemorates this significant milestone in Rotary may spark the flame to increased membership and further Rotary extension activity. Will you please consider the inclusion of the following in your Club programs commemorating this treasured event in Rotary:

a) Every Rotarian be requested to deliver his own capsule biography within 3 minutes to make way for greater understanding and fellowship;
b) The salient contributions of the club to the community and brief historical anecdotes associated with each, if any, should be read; and
c) The most outstanding Rotarians of the Club in point of longevity in membership should be cited and their singular contributions to Rotary advancement enumerated.

ROTARY INFORMATION

This year, The ROTARIAN marks its 43rd year of unselfish service to Rotary as its vehicle of information. If you are not yet a subscriber, please make it a point to subscribe now. Regular subscribers should not be selfish enough to appropriate unto themselves only the rich, informative materials they get from the magazine. Please pass it around to non-Rotarians. Better still, take an extra subscription as gift for a friend. Rotary being a lofty goal should find a natural dwelling in every human heart. Every Rotarian must impart to his neigh- bor the fact that Rotary wields such a tremendous power for good for all peoples everywhere.

EXTENSION WORK

Now that the District Conference is over, we can, I am sure, begin with renewed determination our Rotary extension activities. We have two babies in the District and we certainly are proud of them and welcome 'em warmly into our fold. There are very bright indications that we can please President Joaquin's request for five new clubs in every District this year because we have underway survey work on the following proposed clubs in Ozamis, Bataan, Zambales, Bayombong, Tuguegarao, Roxas City, Catbalogan, Tagbilaran, Pasig or Pasay, Boac and Iligan. Tentatively added with their provisional organization are the Rotary Club of Puerto Princesa and the Rotary Club of Lipa. We honestly believe there is no tangible deterrent to propagation and growth of so noble a movement as Rotary.

SWA MEMO

For the information and guidance of all concerned, there is quoted hereunder a letter received too late for inclusion in our last month's LETTER but which is of pertinence to our District affairs. It is from Mrs. Pacita M. Warns, Social Welfare Administrator. The memo reads in part: "Please be informed that the period December 1 to December 31 has been designated for your (Rotary) organization to hold its annual fund drive to avoid an overlapping of fund campaign periods with other national organizations. No other period will be authorized for your organization or any of your chapters to undertake a fund campaign within the year."

RESOLUTIONS

The following resolutions were adopted in the 11th District Conference:

1. Resolution to President Joaquin Serratosa Cibils of RI for designating Past District Governor Ted Hall as his personal representative during the District Conference extending the District's appreciation for such gesture of his abiding faith and confidence in the capabilities of Rotarians in District 48.

2. Resolution authorizing Ned Hall to undertake the preparation and printing of a new songbook with emphasis on the choice of songs suitable for the District. District Funds will advance the initial cost of printing and the project expense will be covered up by the subsequent sale of the songbooks to the clubs.

3. Resolution empowering Governor ART Ilagan to create a committee of one chairman with four members to undertake an exhaustive study relative to the existing tenancy problems in the country with a view of recommending corrective measures and suggesting solutions therefor.

4. Resolution requesting the Rotary Foundation Fellowship Committee to allow selection of a Research Fellowship on Cancer from District 18.