My fellow Rotarians:

There are many service organizations in the world today, but none so old or so successful as Rotary. There are many reasons for that, and Vocational Service is one of them. This year, I wish you to place a special emphasis on Vocational Service, which is sometimes the forgotten Avenue of Service in Rotary.

High ethical standards in business and personal life are still as important today as they were in 1905. Indeed, many of the problems our world is facing today have been caused by the failure to observe such standards in business affairs.

Vocational Service, in Rotary, means that we are committed to honest business and unassailable ethics, and that we are equally committed to using our vocational skills and advantages to help others. The idea is simple enough – but it is unique to Rotary.

Many service organizations are open to anyone who wishes to join. That has never been the case in Rotary. Rotarians only seek out as members those who are qualified – those who have the character, the ability, and the resolve to make a real contribution to their club.

I have long believed that the bedrock of Rotary is our commitment to ethical behavior. It has been putting what’s right above what’s convenient – and Service Above Self – that has made Rotary different from the rest. That is why we must always remember that whatever we do, we are each the public face of Rotary. We are each the standard-bearers of our organization. What one member does, for good or for ill, reflects on all of us.

So much of what we’ve achieved as an organization has come about because of the trust the world has in Rotary and in Rotarians. That trust has been a major part of our success in polio eradication – the fact that we are known in every community, and known to be people of goodwill and good hearts.

If we wish to see our organization grow and prosper, we must keep Vocational Service front and center in our minds and actions. We must seek out skilled and determined men and women of character. We must do what is right, even when it is inconvenient. And we must always, always, put Service Above Self.

John Kenny
President, Rotary International

RC Basilan conducts "Lapiz Y Papel" project

The Rotary Club of Basilan conducted the "Lapiz Y Papel" project through the distribution of schools supplies to 116 pupils of the Obsequio Elementary School in Isabela City, Basilan. Mr. Victor Oliveros, Principal together with the teachers welcome the Rotary Club of Basilan and extended their deep appreciation and thanks to the club. President Ray Lintag led the distribution of the school supplies in the form of notebooks, papers, pencils, ballpens, plastic bags and some goodies and acknowledge the donor of the project in the person of Mrs. Leticia Barandino and Vicente Barandino. Club members present were PP Dan Cariaga, PP Agnes Yu, Rtn. Danet Manigos, Rtn Bobong Dans and Rtn Tony Lojera.

RC Basilan Gift-Giving to City Inmates

The Rotary Club of Basilan as part of its Christmas Celebration together with BJMP personnel have distributed toiletries and three chessboards to 59 inmates at the Isabela City Jail last December 16, 2008. Past President Dick Brown personally donated the chessboards while the toiletries came from members contributions. Past President Laura Alano, chairman of gift-giving, have initiated the purchase and the packing of the goods.

After the gift-giving activities, the Rotarians proceeded with its weekly meeting at Twin's Ice Cream House and Restaurant.

RI president's message: Focus on families in December

December 2008

Dear fellow Rotarians,

As a father of four and grandfather of five, I have been fortunate to have spent many years in the company of children. When raising our own children, my wife, Young, and I worked hard to give them what all children need most: a loving, safe, and stable home. Our children were our first priority, and we made sure that they always had nutritious food, appropriate clothing, quality medical care, and a good education. We knew very well how fortunate we were to be able to do this. We were grateful that we never had to say to our children, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing to eat tonight,” or “I’m sorry, but we can’t pay your school fees.”

When I was a child, Korea was a poor country, and there were many children who went to bed hungry at night and had no school to go to in the morning. As a Rotarian, I know only too well that there are still far too many children in the world without the absolute essentials: food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and education. And as a Rotarian who is also a father, I consider all of the world’s children to be my responsibility.

When I see my own grandchildren – happy, healthy, and enrolled in good schools – I cannot help but think of the millions of children who do not have so many advantages. I think of the children who have too little to eat and only dirty water to drink. I think of the children who are sick with diseases that could have been prevented and those who will have nowhere safe to sleep tonight. And I think of the children, millions of them every year, who won’t live to see their fifth birthday.

December is Family Month. It is a time to focus on our families, to involve them in our Rotary service, and to challenge ourselves to do even more for those in need. Because there are so many families and so many children waiting for our help, we, as Rotarians, cannot look away. We cannot and will not rest until all children, everywhere, have the chance for a long and healthy life. We will not rest until we Make Dreams Real for every child in every home where there is hunger, sickness, and want. As Rotarians, we can do no less.

Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee
President, Rotary International

DGN James Makasiar: Guest of Honor at the Rotary Club of Basilan

The Rotary Club of Basilan celebrated The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Month by inviting DGN James “Mcgyver” Makasiar as Guest of Honor to its regular weekly meeting held last November 25, 2008 at the JJ Twins Pavillion, Isabela City. The Programme was highlighted with the presentation of Paul Harris Fellow Certificate and Medal to PP Danilo “Dan” Bucoy and pinning of the PHF Sustaining Members to President Ray Lintag, Rtn. James Buckly, PP Dodie Bucoy, PP Dave Pamaran and Rtn Bobong Yu. Induction ceremonies were also conducted to two new members in the persons of Arnulfo Dans and Antonio Lojera. Total numbers of Rotatians has now reached 24.

Masters of Ceremony PP Dave Pamaran

Rtn James Buckly introducing our Guest of Honor

DGN James "Mcgyver" Makasiar giving his Message

DGN James Makasiar presenting the PHF Certificate to PP Danilo Bucoy

Pinning of PHF Sustaining Members

Induction of New Members by President Ray Lintag

Antonio Lojera-GS Agriculture

Arnulfo Dans - GS Public Service

President Ray Lintag giving his response and closing remarks

RC Basilan conducts Dental Mission Project

The Rotary Club of Basilan has conducted a Dental Mission Project at the Basilan National High School, Isabela City last November 18-19, 2008 in connection with the celebration of The Rotary Foundation Month. A total of 118 students has availed of the free dental tooth extraction. Two government dentist in the persons of Dr. Jojo Porras of the Isabela City Government and Dr. Sitti Aisa Alpha, Regional Dentist Supervisor of the DepEd Regional Office 9 has assisted the activity. Mrs. Fe Paras, school nurse of the school, had expected a huge number of students as these were one of the primary health concerns of students reported in her clinic. Main benefactor of this project is Mr. and Mrs. Peter Behringer. This project was also made possible through the generous assistance of Mrs. Marilyn Ceniza-Estur, The BNHS Interact Club, The BNHS Batch ’79, City Government of Isabela, through the Hon. Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar, and the 1st Marine Brigade. President Ray Lintag has expressed his elation over the successful conduct of the dental mission and extended his heartfelt gratitude to Mr Isa Ibrahim, Principal of the BHNS for his support, the members of the Rotary Club of Basilan, and all those who made this project possible.From left: Pres. Ray Lintag, Isa Ibrahim, BNHS Prtincipal, Rtn. Bobong Dans,

Rtn. Eduardo Tan and Rtn. James Buckly

Districy Governor's Message

District Governor's Message

Emma M. Nava

District 3850 Governor

RY 2008-2009

October 2008

Vocational Service

One of the ideals of Vocational Service is the recognition of the worthiness to society of all useful occupation, not just one's own or those pursued by Rotarians.

UNSUNG HEROES

A day in a life of a Day Care Center teacher starts with her own family. She does her household chores, tends to her school-aged children and gives time to her other children, and perhaps too—to her spouse.

The teacher then proceeds to her other wards in the Brgy. Day Care Center where for 2 hours in the morning and another 2 hours in theafternoon, holds classes for children left by their parents. Sometimes, the teacher would fetch those children who are frequently absent from their homes.

In spite of the measly salary of P3,000.00 a month the teacher stays on, truly dedicated in her calling, in her vocation.

WASTE PICKERS & RECYCLERS

Waste reclaiming is a source of income especially for those who live at dumpsites. Everywhere, especially in the cities, dumpsites abound. Unmindful of filth and diseases the waste pickers trudge on, picking and sorting recyclable materials. As an alternative livelihood these waste pickers also help our environment. Non-biodegradable materials are cleaned and sold to recyclers. One such recycling organization is the Calajunan-So-oc-Navais Association (CSN). A short profile of CSN is included in this issue.

For this year, the District is recognizing the vocation of Day Care teachers, the waste pickers and the recyclers (our Discon 2009 kit comes with an all-purpose pouch made of recycled materials – doypacks of juice, tomato and spaghetti sauces – sourced from CSN). These are the people for whom many of us take for granted. But without their care and dedication, our world would indeed be a poorer place.

DG Emma M. Nava