DT Ricky C. Ongchan
Rotary Club of Quirino Manila Central
Four billion dollars have been used to fund The Rotary Foundation (TRF) projects since it was launched more than 100 years ago. These projects encompass the seven Areas of Focus, namely: preventing diseases, providing clean water, supporting education, stimulating local economies, saving mothers and children, promoting peace, and preserving the environment. Truly, no other service organization has been more successful and trusted in accountable transparency, even garnering 4- star highest level status awarded by Charity Navigator.
To continue the tradition of excellence, District 3810 enjoins all relevant participants to actively engage in the yearly “The Rotary Foundation Grant Management & Stewardship Seminar” right before we step into each new Rotary Year. Obligated to attend are the following: current President, Club President-Elect, Club Secretary, Club TRF Chair, and Club Steward. The latest event recorded 316 attendees broken down as follows: Pasay – 13 clubs; Cavite – 19 clubs; Occidental Mindoro – 5 clubs; and Manila – 56 clubs. Ninety-three clubs out of 117 total clubs of District 3810 attended for a 79 percent penetration rate.
This year, RY 2021-2022, under the direction and guidance of Life-Changing District Governor-Elect Robert Koa, PDG/District Trainer Ernie Choa, and PDG/District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC) Connie Beltran De Venecia, the Rotary Club of Quirino Manila Central was honored with the task of facilitating the seminar. The virtual seminar was held last April 17, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Chairman and Co-Chairman from the host club were PP Ricky Siy and PP Kirk Chua, respectively.
Our grateful appreciation to SDG for Public Image Michelle Casio and her team for their invaluable technical support leading to a successful event. Speakers were warmly received and listened to. Among the expert facilitators were PDG/DRFC Connie Beltran De Venecia, SDG for TRF Fund Development Zeni Yao, District Grant Chair Henry Ongchan, and District Stewardship Sub-committee Chair Cora dela Rosa.
Looking around us, we see the sufferings and hardships of our brother Filipinos amidst the current pandemic. We need to offer our love, our resources, our talents, and our compassion to flicker in them some hope, enabling them to rise up and live again.
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. “ – John Holmes