WORLD POLIO DAY

ROTARY AND POLIO Polio Poliomyelitis (polio) is a paralyzing and potentially fatal disease that still threatens children in some parts of the world. The poliovirus invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. It can strike at any age but mainly affects children under five. Polio is incurable, but completely vaccine-preventable.

PolioPlus In 1985, Rotary launched its PolioPlus program, the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication through the mass vaccination of children. Rotary has contributed more than $1.5 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. In addition, Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by donor governments to contribute more than $7.2 billion to the effort.

Global Polio Eradication Initiative The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, formed in 1988, is a public-private partnership that includes Rotary, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and governments of the world. Rotary’s focus is advocacy, fundraising, volunteer recruitment and awareness-building.

Polio Today Today, there are only two countries that have never stopped transmission of the wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Less than 75 polio cases were confirmed worldwide in 2015, which is a reduction of more than 99.9 percent since the 1980s, when the world saw about 1,000 cases per day.

Challenges The polio cases represented by the remaining one percent are the most difficult to prevent, due to factors including geographical isolation, poor public infrastructure, armed conflict and cultural barriers. Until polio is eradicated, all countries remain at risk of outbreaks.

Ensuring Success Every dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication will be matched two-to-one by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation up to $35 million a year through 2018. These funds help to provide much-needed operational support, medical personnel, laboratory equipment, and educational materials for health workers and parents. Governments, corporations and private individuals all play a crucial role in funding.

Pres. Jocelyn Mosquete (RY 16-17)
at Brgy. Baybay, Roxas City

Rotary in Action More than one million Rotary members have donated their time and personal resources to end polio. Every year, hundreds of Rotary members work side-by-side with health workers to vaccinate children in polio-affected countries. Rotary Members work with UNICEF and other partners to prepare and distribute mass communication tools to reach people in areas isolated by conflict, geography, or poverty. Rotary members also recruit fellow volunteers, assist with transporting the vaccine, and provide other logistical support.

‘This Close’ Campaign Rotary has a growing roster of public figures and celebrities participating in its “This Close” public awareness campaign, including Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; actresses Kristen Bell and Archie Panjabi; WWE superstar John Cena; supermodel Isabeli Fontana; Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu; action movie star Jackie Chan; boxing great Manny Pacquiao; pop star Psy; golf legend Jack Nicklaus; conservationist Jane Goodall; premier violinist Itzhak Perlman; Grammy Award winners A.R. Rahman; Angelique Kidjo and Ziggy Marley; and peace advocate Queen Noor of Jordan. These ambassadors help educate the public about polio through public service announcements, social media and public appearances.

https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/end-polio

END POLIO AT BRGY. BAYBAY, ROXAS CITY

(l to r) PP Mariz, Pres. Jo, Sec. Kathleen, Rtn. Edgar and Rtn. Helen

Photos by: PP Sanny Avella-Vito

WHAT IS PAUL HARRIS FELLOW?

Sept 4, 2016. New PHF of RC Roxas - PP Tony Ortiz
(l to r PP Pip Acepcion,Pres. Jo Mosquete, PP Tony Ortiz
and PDG Mark Ortiz) Photo by Rtn. Rey Alovera

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships. 

The first Paul Harris Fellows include 1937-38 RI Director Allison G. Brush and longtime RI Treasurer Rufus F. Chapin, both for donations made in 1946. Mrs. Adan Vargas was the first woman to receive the recognition, for a gift made in 1953. Mrs. Harry L. Jones was the second, and one of only five people recognized for contributions made in 1957. 

Early Paul Harris Fellows received a certificate of recognition. In 1969, the Foundation unveiled the first Paul Harris Fellow medallion at the RI Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Japanese metal artist Fiju Tsuda created the piece under the direction of then-past Foundation Trustee Kyozo Yuasa. Today, Paul Harris Fellows receive a certificate and pin. They are also eligible to purchase a Paul Harris Fellow medallion. 

You get this pin and more...... (left is for women
until 1997 while right pin is what we use now for
both men and women)

Rotarians have a tradition of supporting the Foundation by honoring others. Ida LeTulle Taylor became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1978 when her husband, then-District Governor Vann Taylor, made a donation in her name in honor of their 34th wedding anniversary. The gift also made her the 25,000th Paul Harris Fellow. 

At the International Assembly in 1979, then-RI President-elect James Bomar challenged each Rotary club to make one non-Rotarian a Paul Harris Fellow. The Rotary Club of Pikesville, Maryland, USA, responded by making a donation in the name of Mother Teresa in 1980. The entertainer Pearl Bailey also became a Paul Harris Fellow through a joint effort of the Rotary clubs in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  

Many other notable figures have been named as Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and Jonas Salk.  

The number of Paul Harris Fellows reached the one million mark in 2006.  

·         Learn more about the history of Rotary

·         Learn about Rotary’s archives

Source: www.rotary.org

B&G Reflections of The New Generations

Niel Justin with Councilor Matthy Viterbo

“Eye-Opener - is the word I will use to describe the five days I spent as part of the Rotary Club of Roxas Boys and Girls Week. It was an amazing experience to be able to see firsthand how the Government runs the city. Knowing the projects of the government and the duties of our respective counterparts has helped clear the misconception created by the public. It has shown me that there is much to learn and as the heirs of this world, this city, we the youth must read more about our history. We, as the future of the city must forsake ignorance and start being aware on how our city and country is run. Being part of the Boys and Girls Week has allowed me to developed myself as a leader, meet new friends, learn new things, hold an SP Session and create unforgettable memories that I will always treasure.” –  Niel Justin D. Fincale, Hercor College (4^th Girl Councilor/Counterpart - Coun. Matthew James Veterbo)

“Yes, at first I felt nervous because of the reason that, what if I fail? What if I make wrong decisions? But by the help of our Vice Mayor Erwin Sicad, it became easy. About the exams it gave me headaches and pressure. Then I was amazed when they said, we were all got qualified. But it made me more nervous again because of the panel interview. But after the result, I became the boy Vice Mayor. In the Leadership Seminar, we learned how to become a true leader and what a true leader is. Also, during the SP Session it was really amazing to sit as the boy Vice Mayor and doing the plenary session in parliamentary procedure. It was really an amazing experience.” - Louel Lee Agpalo, Hercor College  (Boy Vice Mayor of the Boys and Girls Week 2016)

Danica with Councilor Powell Del Rosario

“My Rotary Boys and Girls Week experience was the most unforgettable. I met new people and new friends.  I also learned how hard it is to be sitting in the Government office. It made me realized to carefully chose the career I would like to take. Sitting at the SP Session for a week inspired me to do good as a Filipino to my fellowmen. It inspired me to help contribute and make a difference. I also met people who played a significant role in our city. This experience will serve as a motivation for me to study well, strive harder and become successful, someday. The week long that we spent at the City Hall is something that I will always cherish in my life. All the knowledge and inputs that I gained will surely be put into good use.” – Ma. Sheena Danica D. Bonites, Hercor College (1^st Girl City Councilor/Atty. Powell Del Rosario)

Sem Rainard Distor as boy 6th City Councilor

“A week of blissful experience – 5 days in a councilor’s office. An Awesome experience I can tell. It was really thrilling and in the same way I was also edgy of what will happen next. Sitting at my counterpart’s chair is extremely relaxing and in the same instance it gave me chills. That same week, the city government gave us many perks and trained us not to be good in single thing but to be excellent in many terms of service, especially in leadership. This experience will be a bridge to our youth’s celebration for a bright future of Roxas City. Peace in Christ!” – Sem. Rainard Distor, St. Pius X Seminary/6^th City Councilor

ROTARY BOYS & GIRLS: WE DEVELOP INNOVATIVE LEADERS

B&G Boy Mayor - Rembrant James Dumangas

September in Rotary International’s calendar is New Generation’s Month. In the past, it’s called the ‘Youth Week’ and “Boy’s Week”. At present, it is “Boys and Girls Week.” It is in this week that clearly our young boys and girls are evidently working towards a better community and a better person.

Last September 22-28, 2016, once again the Rotary Club of Roxas highlighted the celebration of September New Generation’s Month with the active participation of the 25 young boys and girls from the different senior high schools in Roxas City, Capiz. They are the top students of their school who also passed panel interviews and rigid exams facilitated by the Rotarians led by its B&G chair PP Mark Renier Catahay (AG/Zone 4 D-3850) and the All-Star club president Jocelyn “Jo” Mosquera for RY 2016-2017.

VM Erwin Sicad with B&G VM counterpart

For many years now, The Rotary Club of Roxas is always in the forefront in helping and making our youths develop their full potential as young leaders who are innovative and always ready to take the exciting and vigorous path of life-changing programs of the Rotary International, such as the Boys and Girls Week.

The highlights of the B&G Week where: courtesy call to the Mayor’s office and formally took office as City Mayor, City Accountant, Councilors, City Health Officer, etc. The most significant in the event was when they took the actual/hands-on training as law-policy-makers and public servants of the city. Thru it, they were made to understand more about the duty and responsibilities of a government officials and gained better perspectives on leadership governance. The challenge of taking over during the session and suggesting an ordinance which eventually is approved by them is more than enough that our young boys and girls were overwhelmed by it.

The B&G all smiles at the SB Session Hall 

“It is a fortunate moments when a person finds a diamond in the sand. The only difference is that finding such an expensive mineral can be brought by luck, while service is brought by what you have within you or simply who you are,” said Rembrant James Dumangas, during his Privilege Speech at the SB Regular Session. He played the ‘Boy Mayor’ during the session at the Sangguniang Bayan of Roxas City.

The one week activities includes: Courtesy Call and Oath Taking with Mayor Alan Celino, a Leadership Development Program, Session Training and actual sessions, and Educational Trip, to name a few. To present, the Rotary Club of Roxas has its strong ties with the Roxas City government that provides them support in the young generation’s endeavors like the Boys and Girls Week.

The different Senior High Schools that the Boys and Girls are representing were from: St. John College, Hercor College, Tanque National High School, Cong. Ramon Arnaldo HS, St. Piux X Seminary, Dumulog National HS, Don Ynocencio Del Rosario National HS, Marcos Fuentes Integrated School, and Safronio A. Cordovero National HS.

Leadership Development Program with PP Megs Lunn

This year’s theme “Rotary Serving Humanity”, will not only teach our young people to honor thy commitment to be a servant leader even at a young age, but rather to put into practice Rotary’s Motto “Service Above Self”, of which is literally beneficial to self development and self-fulfillment of the highest purpose in life which is – SERVICE!

THE BOYS AND GIRLS IN ACTION

Qualifying exams

Panel Interviews

Orientation and Courtesy Call at the Mayor's Office (Roxas City)

Oathtaking as Boy Mayor, etc

Oath taking with VM Erwin Sicad

Revelyn Joy Cercado with City Councilor Cesar Yap (MD)

Rotarians at Work (PP Butch Biclar, PDG Mark Ortiz and PP Pip Aception)

The Boys and Girls Councilors and Head of Offices with their counterparts

Ma. Sheena Danica Bonites with Councilor Powell Del Rosario

Mayor Alan Celino with 'Boy Mayor' James Dumangas

Mary Antonette Caberoy with Councilor (Atty) Gary Potato

Awarding of Certificates by RC Roxas

The City Councilors with Vice Mayor Erwin Sicad and the RC Roxas

(l to r) PP Pip, Sec. Kathleen, PP Reuben, Pres. Jo, Mayor Alan Celino, PDG Mark and PP Butch.

Note: Photos courtesy of PP Butch Biclar and PP Sanny Abella-Vito

Wacky photo after the Leadership Development Program with PE Megs Lunn

The Graduates Boys & Girls 2016 with AG Mark Renier (Project Chair) and PE Megs Lunn (Speaker)

Rotary Boys and Girls Week 2016 Positions

Name	Position	School
Rembrandt James Dumangas	City Mayor	St. John College
Louel Lee Agpalo	City Vice Mayor	Hercor College
Ma. Sheena Danica Bonites	1st Councilor	Hercor College
Gerome Juda Fuentes	2nd Councilor	Tanque NHS
Pevelyn Joy Borja Cercado	3rd Councilor	Cong Ramon Arnaldo HS
Neil Justin Fincale	4th Councilor	Hercor College
John Ryan Isiderio	5th Councilor	Dumulog NHS
SemRainardDistor	6th Councilor	St. Piux X
Mary AntonetteCaberoy	7th Councilor	St. John College
Stephanie dela Cruz	8th Councilor	Tanque NHS
Sem. Robert Angelo Horneja	9th Councilor	St. Piux X
Mark Winder Agusan	10th Councilor	Don Ynocencio del Rosario NHS
CanskieGabucay	SP Secretary	Cong Ramon Arnaldo HS
Aljo Alvarez	City Administrator	Tanque NHS
Christian Louis Asis	Liga President	St. Piux X
Leslie Joy Magarso	City Engineer	Don Ynocencio del Rosario NHS
Lovely Grace Fernando	City Accountant	Cong Ramon Arnaldo HS
Sunshine Guzman	City Planning Officer	Dumulog NHS
Anne CollineLondite	City Tourism Officer	Don Ynocencio del Rosario NHS
Sara Mae Ayensa	City Social Welfare and Development Officer	Dumulog NHS
ShulammiteAulmo	City Veterinarian	Marcos Fuentes Integrated School
JenicaLugador	General Services Officer	Sofronio A Cordovero Integrated School
Angelica Belo	City Budget Officer	Marcos Fuentes Integrated School
Jerson Palacios	City Assessor	Marcos Fuentes Integrated School
Nelson Arrojado Jr.	CAAP AVSEGroup Officer	Sofronio A Cordovero Integrated School