It has only been 2 years since my induction as a member of RC Makati Bel-Air (courtesy of Ninang IPP Sonie Zamora and PP Harold Dacumos), that now I am faced with the task of leading this prestigious club. I am deeply humbled by the trust that the members have placed in me (or is it walang gusto maging PE), and it is in this light that gives me the confidence to bring this club forward.

Our beloved Governor Ato has always reiterated that there is no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to service projects. Past Governors and Past Presidents I have talked to have echoed the same sentiments and have even commented: “Bakit ka pa naghahanap ng mga projects, eh ang dami dami diyan na naumpisahan na at itutuloy n’yo na lang.”

So, as I ponder on the many projects the past presidents of this club have accomplished, I cannot but stand in awe of what they have achieved and this encourages me to continue what they have started. This will be our club’s thrust during my term: to focus on literacy, health and hunger, especially among the youth; as well as housing and water, primarily in our adopted Gawad Kalinga (GK) sites, as well as other sites where our club has had existing projects.

Just to show our commitment to these areas, we will be inducting tonight no less than the GK Coordinator of one of our Gawad Kalinga adopted sites in Mandaluyong, Mr. Norbert Alunan, and he is not a newcomer to the ways of Rotary as he was a former Rotarac himself.

We, sharing presidents, have also started the groundworks for joint projects, which is what our Governor has emphasized…. “not to compete with each other, but rather to compliment and help one another.”

Thus, we will have projects such as:

• The Anti-TB Medical Project for the children  as supported by our sister club RC Bukit Bintang;

• The feeding project between RC Makati North under Pres. Joe Reaño and our club that will benefit the children in Welfareville;

• The  literacy projects of our club for GK-Sibol as supported by RC Makati under Pres. Pepito Bengzon and DGN Sid through their “Books Across the Seas” for the  children of Barangka, Mandaluyong;

• The “Adopt A Sibol Class” Project as supported by our sister club RC Cerritos of  Los Angeles, USA;

• The “Continued Parents Training and Empowerment Program” as supported by RC Makati through the PSP funds;

• The fund raising projects among the sharing presidents as conceptualized by Pres. Jun Puno of RC Makati Legaspi;

And, of course, the never ending fellowship night projects among the Sharing Presidents (Sharing Angels and Cebu 12) with 100% support coming from the likes of, just to name a few: Pres. Joe Reaño, Jules Nidea, Jun Puno, Liza Magtoto, Edith Carpio, Uly Sevilla, Cyn Espiritu, Martin Mañalac, Fafa Tony Cristobal, Dondi Sanz, and the rest of the gang.

Just like other clubs in the District, projects can only be accomplished if there are active and enthusiastic members to carry them out. Thus, my priority for the first few months is to focus on membership development, recruitment and retention.

No less than our Governor Ato has put this in his priority list in the district, for clubs to achieve a net gain of 1 and, if possible, even more for the bigger clubs. He has also emphasized the need to recruit young bloods who can energize the clubs with their high level of enthusiasm in service and be geared to become future leaders in the district. At, para naman hindi sabihing pang “matanda” lang ang Rotary.

Well, as a support to the Governor’s priority, our club will be inducting later a young professional in the banking industry who will initially be part of the young recruits of our club within the year, Mr. Judd Eugenio.

We will have to emphasize, that all activities that will be undertaken by our club will be S.A.F.E. .... Simple, Affordable, Fun and Effective.

I then appeal to all the members of this club to be one with me in pursuing the plans and objectives set forth for the year amidst the many challenges that lies ahead. And truly, I will count on your continued support.

I also draw my strength from the love and support of my family, PP Rachel, Rizzie, Reggie and Ria, (Gov Ato, it seems that hindi lang ikaw ang may puros “R” sa pamilya) my parents, and the whole Ocampo clan; of course, the whole Sharing Team led by Gov Ato and spouse Vicky. Naroon din si DGE Boyet Limon, na boss din ni spouse PP Rachel; my mentor, my friend and my boss, DGN Sid; the “WALANG IWANAN” attitude of the Sharing Presidents, lalo na ang CB12++; the patience and support I get from my club, directors and officers, lalung-lalo na kay Ninang IPP & CP Sonie Zamora. And most importantly, the spiritual strength that I get from God Almighty, for whom I truly serve for His greater glory.

When my term ends next year and I will be asked again how I feel, I will just close my eyes and picture the smiles of the little children whose lives have been uplifted, one way or another, through the projects our club has undertaken. And I will just smile and say, “Lord, thank you for giving me this opportunity to be of service to THE ROTARY CLUB OF MAKATI BEL AIR, DISTRICT 3830.

YES, YES, YES!