Triumph & Adversity
After their induction program, the Rotary Club of Kalibo distributed relief goods to typhoon victims of Kalibo, Brgys. Fatima and Pinamuk-an, New Washington. Picture shows packs of relief goods with (l to r) Pres. Megs Lunn, Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, R.I. 3850 District Gov. Emma Nava, District Gov-Elect Edgar Sy, PP Nonoy Macahilig, VP Pete Ruiz, President Elect Joel Mercurio & Jr. Rotarian Clouds Lunn.
New Rotarians: Ms. Joana Tay and Philip Sage are the newest members of RC Kalibo. They are shown above with their respective sponsors PP Vady Marin for Joana & VP Pete Ruiz for Philip.
Ms. Melrose “Megs” S. Lunn assumed the presidency of the Rotary Club of Kalibo in a simple induction ceremonies held for Rotary Year 2008-09 which started on July 1, 2008. The induction program was held at the RC Kalibo Livelihood and Training Center, Andagao, Kalibo in the morning of Saturday July 19, 2008.
Ms. Lunn is the first ever lady president of RC Kalibo since it was chartered 41 years ago. The committee on program prepared a grand induction program, but due to the destruction typhoon Frank brought to Aklan, the execution was made too simple. It begun with the club assembly at 9:30 in the morning presided by Rtn. Bing Santamaria, lady dean of ceremonies, with the call to order by 2007–08 president, Morris Morier; invocation by Pres. Nominee Joel Mercurio. PP Panski Rebuelta led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and Rtn. Efren Abayon the Rotary Hymn.
Vice Pres. Pepito Ruiz gave the welcome address. Sec. Leny Alcedo introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians from other Rotary Clubs. District Governor Emma Nava of R.I. District 3850 administed the oath of office to the officers. Installation of officers, turn over of the club followed. 2007-08 president More Morier delivered his valedictory address and Pres. Megs Lunn her inaugural address.
Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez administered the oath of office to the officers of the Rotary Spouses of RC Kalibo.
The induction program ended with the awarding of plaques of appreciation by Pres. Megs Lunn and Sec. Leny Alcedo to friends of Rotary and the awarding of Certificates of Honorary Membership by PP Vady Marin and PP Botoy Villorente.
The relief packages giving followed in the afternoon after the induction program. Three teams distributed simultaneously relief goods to typhoon victims in Barangays Fatima and Pinamuk-an, New Washington and Andagao, Kalibo.
In the words of Megs, it is a privileged to be a Rotarian. It is much more privileged to be the first lady president in the history of Rotary Club of Kalibo’s 41 years in existence.
I have never dreamt to be in the history. However, last June 21, 2008, another history for our club took place when typhoon Frank ravaged our area of responsibility – the towns of Kalibo and Numancia. No one was spared but everybody. However, as Rotarian by heart, it is in my heart that no matter how devastated we are, we still have the willingness to serve and reach out to our fellow victims. Though what happened was overwhelming to each one of us, we still managed to open our homes to some refugees who have lost their roof earlier before the mudflow.
June 22-23 was our own clean-up drive at home and in the neighborhood. June 24, as soon as I heard there was some generators in the corner street, I immediately ran to charge my cellphone for a short while and right away sent S.O.S. to all our fellow Rotarians in District 3850 to help my fellow victims in the town of Numancia. God is good that He uses other people as instruments to answer our prayers. As human beings and not just a Rotarian, I believed we have to respond timely. It was only when I felt so emotionally stressed when I went around our town assessing the damage of the calamity that I felt the need of my fellow Rotarians. Lo and behold! It was much more of a total disarray when I saw that even my fellow Rotarians were totally wrecked by typhoon Frank. I must be on top of everything.
In a capsule, my family shelled out some resources first in order to respond immediately. Then, Rotary Club of Bacolod North and their Spouses was the first ever to respond from my S.O.S. thru my ever reliable good friends PP Biboy and Sps. Emily Jocson who sent cash personally delivered to me by their able Sec. Rebie. Then came classmate-Pres. Pip who was asking for me the day after the typhoon, but nowhere to be found, still thanks for the concern, they sent the first truck of potable water. The second time they came back, they brought relief goods, extra medicines and candles/matches; here comes a good couple who offered extra cash to help me out in our cause; Rotary Club of RC Metro Roxas Central led by my fellow Toastmaster and Pres. Chit—with her were the full force of women power of her club, the Capiz Medical Society and its volunteers, came to rescue with loads of medicines, water and relief goods, too; RC of Roxas, our mother club led by Pres. Nonoy came with a complete attendance & loaded with hundreds of relief goods, boxes of medicines and biscuits.
Kodus to our most outstanding RCC, Seals (Recsue) Aklan led by VP Pete Ruiz for leading the group to St. Joseph Parish of Numancia clean-up drive, as well as the “sagibin” for PP Panski’s house covered with mud up to knee-high for weeks. Thank to our parish team moderator Fr. Jessie Pandongon for allowing the use of Parish Formation Center as our venue for relief operation and medical mission a few times. The St. Nino Seminary Fathers gave us two boxes of balikbayan clothes; RC Iloilo Central headed by Pres. Richard sent boxes of medicines; PP Fred Chua of RC Iloilo South sent his personal contribution, too. Our daughter club, led by Pres. Rod, were non-stop coordinating with our club who likewise, worked with mighty strength to accommodate even non-Rotary organizations into their home.
The council of Presidents of Negros and Dipolog (PDG Prince, PP Lindon, RC Bacolod North, RC Bacolod West, RC Marapara, RC Bacolod Central, RC Bacolod, RC Silay, RC Bacolod East), thru the initiative of the charming District Governor Elect Edgar “Diotay” Sy (RY 2009-2010) turned over a big amount for 30 sacks of rice; Rtn. Ward Brainard of RC Kalibo – cash and Ms. Menchu Sarmiento of PAL Foundation thru Rtn. Boy Bermejo – 8 boxes of blankets, clothes and pillow cases. Our provincial governor – honorary member – Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, thru PP Lino delivered sacks of rice and boxes of bottled water, Judge Maceda sent 30 kilos nylon for tying materials, and Mr. Anthony Ching—boxes of medicines and TT vials to augment the needs of Numancia Municipal Health center. Madalag Hospital shared with the medicine .
Hand in hand with LGU Numancia, we were forefront during the biggest Relief Operation of Buddhist Philan-trophical Association with over 1,260 packages of relief goods with 13 items each bag; Operation Blessing (an arm of 700asia club from Manila) in the interior Barangays of Numancia held a very compassionate way of medical mission to include bible stories and teaching for children and counseling for the victims, respectively. Likewise, our club is working with different religious organizations like Operation Blessing, Operation Compassion, Cataract and Dios Mabalos Po Foundation to facilitate all their logistic needs and manpower, even room accommodation. Our partner in service—Aklan Provincial Office led by (Col.) Rtn. Bong Durana, Jr. augmented security to serve as peacemaker whenever Rotary is on the road to MAKE DREAMS REAL for RY 2008-09.
These and many more blessings came for RC Kalibo. What a way to start our Rotary Year 2008-09. However, we thanked the Lord, for it is in this purpose that we know “real friends are friends in deed.” We are very fortunate that no matter how big or small we received and shared, it was all done with great love. In the words of Mother Teresa, “In this life, we cannot do great things, we can only do small things with great love.”
In between our busy schedules of left and right relief operations and medical missions, I thanked God that He sustained me with strength and presence of mind to ask aide for our victims. I don’t want to make history, yet, God has purpose in all our dealings. Our plan is not His plan. And so for whatever comes our way now and the next tomorrows, I endorsed it to His Will. /MP
New Rotarians: Ms. Joana Tay and Philip Sage are the newest members of RC Kalibo. They are shown above with their respective sponsors PP Vady Marin for Joana & VP Pete Ruiz for Philip.
Ms. Melrose “Megs” S. Lunn assumed the presidency of the Rotary Club of Kalibo in a simple induction ceremonies held for Rotary Year 2008-09 which started on July 1, 2008. The induction program was held at the RC Kalibo Livelihood and Training Center, Andagao, Kalibo in the morning of Saturday July 19, 2008.
Ms. Lunn is the first ever lady president of RC Kalibo since it was chartered 41 years ago. The committee on program prepared a grand induction program, but due to the destruction typhoon Frank brought to Aklan, the execution was made too simple. It begun with the club assembly at 9:30 in the morning presided by Rtn. Bing Santamaria, lady dean of ceremonies, with the call to order by 2007–08 president, Morris Morier; invocation by Pres. Nominee Joel Mercurio. PP Panski Rebuelta led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and Rtn. Efren Abayon the Rotary Hymn.
Vice Pres. Pepito Ruiz gave the welcome address. Sec. Leny Alcedo introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians from other Rotary Clubs. District Governor Emma Nava of R.I. District 3850 administed the oath of office to the officers. Installation of officers, turn over of the club followed. 2007-08 president More Morier delivered his valedictory address and Pres. Megs Lunn her inaugural address.
Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez administered the oath of office to the officers of the Rotary Spouses of RC Kalibo.
The induction program ended with the awarding of plaques of appreciation by Pres. Megs Lunn and Sec. Leny Alcedo to friends of Rotary and the awarding of Certificates of Honorary Membership by PP Vady Marin and PP Botoy Villorente.
The relief packages giving followed in the afternoon after the induction program. Three teams distributed simultaneously relief goods to typhoon victims in Barangays Fatima and Pinamuk-an, New Washington and Andagao, Kalibo.
In the words of Megs, it is a privileged to be a Rotarian. It is much more privileged to be the first lady president in the history of Rotary Club of Kalibo’s 41 years in existence.
I have never dreamt to be in the history. However, last June 21, 2008, another history for our club took place when typhoon Frank ravaged our area of responsibility – the towns of Kalibo and Numancia. No one was spared but everybody. However, as Rotarian by heart, it is in my heart that no matter how devastated we are, we still have the willingness to serve and reach out to our fellow victims. Though what happened was overwhelming to each one of us, we still managed to open our homes to some refugees who have lost their roof earlier before the mudflow.
June 22-23 was our own clean-up drive at home and in the neighborhood. June 24, as soon as I heard there was some generators in the corner street, I immediately ran to charge my cellphone for a short while and right away sent S.O.S. to all our fellow Rotarians in District 3850 to help my fellow victims in the town of Numancia. God is good that He uses other people as instruments to answer our prayers. As human beings and not just a Rotarian, I believed we have to respond timely. It was only when I felt so emotionally stressed when I went around our town assessing the damage of the calamity that I felt the need of my fellow Rotarians. Lo and behold! It was much more of a total disarray when I saw that even my fellow Rotarians were totally wrecked by typhoon Frank. I must be on top of everything.
In a capsule, my family shelled out some resources first in order to respond immediately. Then, Rotary Club of Bacolod North and their Spouses was the first ever to respond from my S.O.S. thru my ever reliable good friends PP Biboy and Sps. Emily Jocson who sent cash personally delivered to me by their able Sec. Rebie. Then came classmate-Pres. Pip who was asking for me the day after the typhoon, but nowhere to be found, still thanks for the concern, they sent the first truck of potable water. The second time they came back, they brought relief goods, extra medicines and candles/matches; here comes a good couple who offered extra cash to help me out in our cause; Rotary Club of RC Metro Roxas Central led by my fellow Toastmaster and Pres. Chit—with her were the full force of women power of her club, the Capiz Medical Society and its volunteers, came to rescue with loads of medicines, water and relief goods, too; RC of Roxas, our mother club led by Pres. Nonoy came with a complete attendance & loaded with hundreds of relief goods, boxes of medicines and biscuits.
Kodus to our most outstanding RCC, Seals (Recsue) Aklan led by VP Pete Ruiz for leading the group to St. Joseph Parish of Numancia clean-up drive, as well as the “sagibin” for PP Panski’s house covered with mud up to knee-high for weeks. Thank to our parish team moderator Fr. Jessie Pandongon for allowing the use of Parish Formation Center as our venue for relief operation and medical mission a few times. The St. Nino Seminary Fathers gave us two boxes of balikbayan clothes; RC Iloilo Central headed by Pres. Richard sent boxes of medicines; PP Fred Chua of RC Iloilo South sent his personal contribution, too. Our daughter club, led by Pres. Rod, were non-stop coordinating with our club who likewise, worked with mighty strength to accommodate even non-Rotary organizations into their home.
The council of Presidents of Negros and Dipolog (PDG Prince, PP Lindon, RC Bacolod North, RC Bacolod West, RC Marapara, RC Bacolod Central, RC Bacolod, RC Silay, RC Bacolod East), thru the initiative of the charming District Governor Elect Edgar “Diotay” Sy (RY 2009-2010) turned over a big amount for 30 sacks of rice; Rtn. Ward Brainard of RC Kalibo – cash and Ms. Menchu Sarmiento of PAL Foundation thru Rtn. Boy Bermejo – 8 boxes of blankets, clothes and pillow cases. Our provincial governor – honorary member – Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, thru PP Lino delivered sacks of rice and boxes of bottled water, Judge Maceda sent 30 kilos nylon for tying materials, and Mr. Anthony Ching—boxes of medicines and TT vials to augment the needs of Numancia Municipal Health center. Madalag Hospital shared with the medicine .
Hand in hand with LGU Numancia, we were forefront during the biggest Relief Operation of Buddhist Philan-trophical Association with over 1,260 packages of relief goods with 13 items each bag; Operation Blessing (an arm of 700asia club from Manila) in the interior Barangays of Numancia held a very compassionate way of medical mission to include bible stories and teaching for children and counseling for the victims, respectively. Likewise, our club is working with different religious organizations like Operation Blessing, Operation Compassion, Cataract and Dios Mabalos Po Foundation to facilitate all their logistic needs and manpower, even room accommodation. Our partner in service—Aklan Provincial Office led by (Col.) Rtn. Bong Durana, Jr. augmented security to serve as peacemaker whenever Rotary is on the road to MAKE DREAMS REAL for RY 2008-09.
These and many more blessings came for RC Kalibo. What a way to start our Rotary Year 2008-09. However, we thanked the Lord, for it is in this purpose that we know “real friends are friends in deed.” We are very fortunate that no matter how big or small we received and shared, it was all done with great love. In the words of Mother Teresa, “In this life, we cannot do great things, we can only do small things with great love.”
In between our busy schedules of left and right relief operations and medical missions, I thanked God that He sustained me with strength and presence of mind to ask aide for our victims. I don’t want to make history, yet, God has purpose in all our dealings. Our plan is not His plan. And so for whatever comes our way now and the next tomorrows, I endorsed it to His Will. /MP
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