Rotary Community Corps Reaches Out To Shape The Future

by MEGS LUNN

Rotarians embrace the challenges of humanitarian service efforts with compassion and a commitment to provide long-term, sustainable solutions. With this, about 300 Rotarians from District 3850 (Zamboanga and Negros, Panay Island), District 3860 (Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, Bohol and Leyte) gathered to celebrate the 25th Silver Anniversary of the Rotary Community Corp (RCC) in the Philippines last month at Hotel Del Rio. The Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo led by Past District Governor Ramon "Toto" Cua Locsin hosted the affair. The celebration was in cooperation with Philippine College of Rotary Governors and Rotary Village Corps Foundation, Inc.

RCC was founded by then Rotary International President Mat Caparas of District 3830 when it was then Rotary Village Corp 25 years ago. Caparas is the first and only Filipino to be elected president of Rotary International. RCC literally was born in the Philippines. It was introduced around the world by Caparas to shape lives of the peoples in the community.

Rotary International President-Elect Sakuji Tanaka and Spouse Kyoko from Japan were the guests of honor. "When Rotary is strong, the community benefits," Tanaka declared in his speech.

The current District 3850 Governor Melvin Dela Serna summarized Tanaka speech in his response into three words – RCC is about empowerment, generosity and respect. "All Rotary clubs around the Philippines develops projects through RCC aimed to unite and empower the community at the grassroots level, and improve their quality of life as a whole, " Dela Serna reiterated.

The topics the speakers discussed during the meeting are: Topic 1 – Club Leadership Administrative Support Program for RCC by PP Boy Salanatin, District 3860 RCC Chair; Topic 2 – Volunteer-Initiatives for Talent Development (Vital Development) by PP Marge Lamberte, Deputy Exec. Dir., Rotary Academy D3830; Topic 3 – Partnership in Development Through Entrepreneurship by PP Dominic Abad, Regional Director, Department of Trade Industry; Topic 4 – Community Trans-formation Through RCC by CP Luz Pacifico, Asst. Gov., and Topic 5 – Effective Service Projects with RCC by PP Jorge Caparas, Trustee, RVC Foundation, D3830. /MP