The Rotary Club of Bacolod, the fourth oldest humanitarian organization in the Philippines of the Rotary International, held its 85th Charter Anniversary and 83rd Induction Ceremony on July 17, at O’ Hotel, Bacolod City.
The event, opened by Lifechanging President RY 2021-2022 Pauline Cuaycong, was infused with energy and enthusiasm by a performance from the Bacolod Masskara Dancers.
It was attended by District 3850 Governor John Michael Ng who conducted the induction of officers, while Past District Governor Ronnie Gabalda of the Rotary Club of Iloilo inducted the 10 new members with the Charging of the Baby Rotarians presented by Past President Jesus Jonathan Avelino.
This ushered in the call of 2022-2023 President Franklin Andre Familiaran “85 for the 85th,” challenging his fellow officers and members to have a total of 85 members on its 85th year.
In his inaugural speech, Familiaran reiterated, “As we imagine more members to join comes the reality of having more projects to accomplish, more hearts and hands rendering selfless service…”
This was aptly commended by DG John Michael Ng as he relayed the call of International President, Jennifer Jones, in this year’s theme, “Imagine Rotary.”
Guest of honor and speaker during the event was retired Police Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, former Philippine National Police Deputy Chief of Operations, Joint Task Force COVID Shield Commander, and author of the devotional book, “44 Days of Faith and Valor”.
Binag in his dynamic experience in the police force, especially against insurgency, was able to build on one of Rotary’s Area of Focus on Peace and Order, sharing heartwarming stories of valor and of compassion. He further rendered a call for a hope for zero insurgency and ended on the relatable inspirational thought, “Imagine… Peace.”
This milestone was further made more memorable as the program transitioned into the celebration for the 85th Anniversary of Rotary Club of Bacolod, chartered in June 16, 1937.
Past President Jose Glenn de Guzman offered a toast and led into the community singing of the song “Imagine.” All past presidents and members then gathered around and lit the cake singing the birthday song.
Joining the event were the Past District Governors, Assistant Governors, and incumbent Presidents of Zones 5, 6, 7 of District 3850.
The officers inducted along with Familiaran were Bea Bern Gilbor – vice president, Gay Marie Tiu – secretary, Michelle Medrano – treasurer, Mae Eras – assistant treasurer, Edlyn Agraviador – director for special projects, Anne Binette Perez – director for club administration, Israel Salanga – director for membership, Emily Cuaycong – director for youth service, and Chelah June Corpus – director for public relations.
Also part of the officers’ line-up were the pillars of Rotary Club of Bacolod and the past presidents with their new designation, PP Jose Glenn de Guzman and PP Roderick Alba – sergeants-at-arms, PP Jesus Jonathan Avelino – protocol officer, PP Leilani Alba – club trainer, PP Nelson Lo – parliamentarian, PP El Cid Familiaran – club adviser, and PDG Edgar Sy – director for Rotary Foundation.
The celebration jumpstarts the RY 2022-2023 of the club, and the officers and members are expected to continue heeding the call of Familiaran to “be present and participate to create history… to realize possibilities as we imagine the best of our Rotary service”.*