LCP Merla Ramirez
Rotary Club of Imus East
Yes, I attended the Pre-PETS in September 2020, Halloween Zoom Party in November 2020, Christmas Party in December 2020, and every fellowship for Presidents-Elect. But honestly, at those points, I felt as if I were in limbo. My being President-Elect was not yet sinking in my head. I had so much hesitancy that I was just going through the motions of being a President-Elect. The duties and responsibilities my position entails were beyond me. And that worried me a lot. Yet, I remember that I technically accepted this position for our Club. I had to keep on convincing myself that I agreed to this, and I must follow through.
And follow through, I did. I attended the PETS and TRF Grant Management Seminar in April 2021 and DISTAS 2021 in May 2021. I believe that this President position is somehow finally sinking in, though there are still lingering doubts. It’s a good thing our Transformational President Myrna Dacanay kept on urging me and guiding me through all these, giving me the courage to push through with this leadership role.
When we had our initial meeting with our new Club Administration Director, I felt overwhelmed at my being such a novice in all things Rotary. Yet, I have to forge ahead. We had the first part of our Club Strategic Planning last June 5, 2021, during our virtual 25th Charter Anniversary, where I sought the assistance of all officers and members to accomplish the matter at hand with me.
This June 12, 2021, we had our leadership turnover at Dacanay’s Farm in Indang, Cavite. In front of all our officers and members, I know there is no turning back or doubting my acceptance of this role. On the same day, we proceeded with the second part of our Club Strategic Planning. Here I saw the cooperation of our officers and members, and I vowed that I will try my best to make my term something we can all be proud of because I have their full support. Our past presidents gave me enough encouragement making me believe that we are all in this together.
Yes, finally, I have accepted the leadership role. I even had a surprise with the arrival of SDG Sonny Mercado, who is gracious enough to support my new role as the President of the Rotary Club of Imus East. May God help me through this!