ROTARY COMMUNITY CORP

REACHING OUT, SHAPING THE FUTURE
by: PP Megs Lunn

Rotarians embrace the challenges of humanitarian service efforts with compassion and a commitment in providing long-term, sustainable solutions. With this, about more than 300 Rotarians from District 3850 (Zamboanga, Negros, Panay Island, Guimaras and Antique) and District 3860 (Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, Bohol and Leyte) have gathered during the celebration of 25th Silver Anniversary of the Rotary Community Corp (RCC) in the Philippines last August 24, 2011 at Hotel Del Rio, hosted by the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo led by Past District 3850 Governor, Ramon “Toto” Cua Locsin. The seminar is in cooperation with Philippine College of Rotary Governors (PCRG) and Rotary Village Corps Foundation, Inc. (RVC).

RCC was founded by then Rotary International Past President Mat Caparas of District 3830 when it was then Rotary Village Corp twenty-five years ago. Caparas is the first and only Filipino to be president of the Rotary International. RCC literally was born in the Philippines and 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 was the guest of honor. “When Rotary is strong, the community benefits,” Tanaka said in his speech.

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

The topics and speakers were the following: 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 Transformation through RCC by CP Luz Pacifico, Asst. Gov. D3830 and Topic 5 – Effective Service Projects with RCC by PP Jorge Caparas, Trustee, RVC Foundation, D3830.

Pres, Salvador “Boy” Espartero, RCC Convener PP Michael “Kano” Ng and PDG Toto Cua Locsin of RC Metro Iloilo and with the active men and women of Rotarians in Iloilo City hosted a very successful fellowship of service in Rotary by reaching out and embracing humanity through Service Above Self.