Ang Kumintang_March 1-15, 2023_21st Issue

7 DECADES OF GENUINE SERVICE

Seventy-three years ago, the club's charter members felt that Rotary's ideal of service to the community was worthy and credible. And for this reason, they laid the best foundation for a Rotary club in Batangas City; actually, the first in the whole provinces of Batangas and Mindoro. Today, the club continues to bring new ideas and fresh enthusiasm to a tradition of service that has spanned generations. This year as members reflect on past accomplishments, they continue to lead Rotary into the next century of service. The club will continue to focus on projects that provide impact on Rotary’s 7 areas of focus. As the members celebrate these important milestones in the club's history, imagine the responsibility for Rotary is yours. Take pride each day in the decisions made and the actions taken because these choices are determining the course of Rotary for all. They say to think of no better place in creating hope and to entrust the strength of this organization than to the current crop of members who were able sustain it to exist for seven decades

Rotary’s Visual Identity

What’s inside

What’s inside…

• 7 Decades of Genuine Service

• Bagong Umaga Resettlement

• ABC’s of Rotary: Exchange of Banners

• Participation to Rotary Homes Project

• Meet RI Director: Jessie Harman

• “Year of Service” Awardees

• Torch Excellence Award for PP Odette

• International Women’s Day for Rotary

• Brief History of RC Batangas

• Rotary Youth Space: RAC Batangas

• Directional Route Signage Installed

Editorial Staff: CICO

Jenny Untalan

Editor-in-Chief

Ross Evangelio

http://www.facebook.com/Rotary.Club.Of.Batangas

is an old name of Batangas Province during the Spanish era and denotes several distinct styles, techniques and forms in music and dance originating in the large areas used by early Spanish chronicles centering around what is known as Batangas

The Rotary Club of Batangas, under the imaginative leadership of Genuine Service President Arnel Pulla for RY 2022-2023, conducted “7-in-1 Community Outreach Project” to Bagong Umaga Resettlement located in Barangay Tingga Labac, Batangas City heldlast March 3,2023. The project is in consonance with the following:

(1) District DOORS Legacy Projects (SALTSustaining Alternative Lighting for a brighter Tomorrow), that involved the distribution of solar lamps set to select indigent families who needed it most;

(2) District DOORS Legacy Projects (Oral Health Care) that involved distribution of toothbrush and toothpaste to 25 schoolchildren of Bagong Umaga Child Day Care and demonstration of proper tooth brushing; and

(3) Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention area of focus that involved the peace & conflict resolution talk of Rtn Eva Pascua, a retired police officer, to about 10 familieswithsocialissuesbetween them.

GSP Arnel was accompaniedby Rtn Eva Pascua and Rtn Hans Serrano while the noble project was coordinated with Ma’am SusanDela Roca.

ABC’s of Rotary

Exchange of Club Bannerette

Rotarian’s Words of Wisdom

One of the colorful traditions of many Rotary clubs is the exchange of small banners, flags, or pennants. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at make-up meetings as a token of friendship. Many clubs use the decorative banners they have received for attractive displays at club meetings and district events. The Rotary International Board recognized the growing popularity of the banner exchange back in 1959 and encouraged participating clubs to ensure that the design of their banners is distinctive and expressive of the club’s community and country. It is recommended that banners include pictures, slogans, or designs portraying the territorial area of the club. The Board was also mindful of the financial burden such exchanges may impose upon some clubs, especially in popular areas where many visitors make up and request to exchange banners. In all instances, clubs are cautioned to exercise discretion and moderation in the exchange of banner so that the financial obligations do not interfere with the basic service activity of the club.

Participation to Rotary Homes

CLUB MEETING Schedule:

Frequency: Weekly Regular Meeting

Day / Time: Friday / 7:00 PM

Venue: (no permanent venue)

Hybrid F2F and Virtual Zoom Meeting

MEET RI DIRECTOR (202 JESSIE HARMAN

The Rotary Club of Batangas, under the imaginative leadership of Genuine Service President Arnel Pulla for RY 2022-2023, joined, participated, and attended the Handover Ceremony of the District Initiated - Rotary Homes Project held last February 28, 2023 in Brgy Bulacnin, Lipa City. The club donated “financial assistance to build one (1) housing unit” to comprise the 22 Rotary Homes as District Legacy Project. The mid-cost housing project, led by RI District 3820 with DG Gina Sy at the helm, was in global grant partnership with RI District 3590 from South Korea and Lipa City LGU. The project theme was “Imagine it is your home and believe it is your own.”

JESSIE HARMAN

RI Director (RY 2021-2023)

RC Wendouree Breakfast (Victoria, Australia)

Jessie Harman holds a master’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in social entrepreneurship. She enjoyed two decades in higher education, beginning as a lecturer in marketing and ending as pro vice-chancellor (international and partnerships) at Federation University Australia. Harman first experienced Rotary in 1988 as a participant in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kings Meadows in Tasmania. Since joining Rotary in 1999, she has served in roles that include RI Membership Committee chair and governors-elect training seminar trainer. She also served as a member of the 2020 Honolulu Convention Committee; Rotary coordinator for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands; training leader at the International Assembly; and RI president’s representative. A resident of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, she has been recognized as one of “Ballarat’s 100 most influentialwomen”byZontaInternational.

IN PERSPECTIVE : Batangueño Rotarians in Action

Since 1950, the Rotary Club of Batangas (RI District 3820) has dedicated itself to supporting destitute families, community organizations, and service projects in and around the city proper of Batangas. With partnerships to Batangas City LGU and other stakeholders, we have worked tirelessly to uphold Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self;” while guided by Rotary’s principles of “The 4-Way Test”.Afterseventy-threeyearsoffellowshipsandserviceactiontobuildbetterlocal communities,wecelebratedour 73rd Charter Anniversary viaa“fundraising masquerade gala” heldlastMarch11,2023atAquamarineRecreationalCenterinBarangayBanay-Banay,LipaCity.

Thestubticketusedduringthe 73rd Anniversary Masquerade Gala featuringthe 8-Track Band

IN PERSPECTIVE : Batangueño Rotarians in Action

Club’s 73rd Charter Anniversary via Fundraising Masquerade Gala

Aquamarine Recreational Center, Brgy Banay-Banay, Lipa City / March 11, 2023

Rtn Dindo Fernandez singsthedoxologyprayerwhilePresidentElect Kenneth Suarez delivershisclosing remarksduringthe 73rd Charter Anniv Masquerade Gala inAquamarineRecreationalCenterinLipaCity

GSP Arnel Pulla delivershiswelcomeaddressandopeningremarkswhileHonorableViceMayorofMataas naKahoy Jay Ilagan delivershisinspirationalmessageduringthe 73rd Charter Anniversary Masquerade Gala

District Ambassador PP Boy Mercado chargesinductee Maripaz “Moppy” Calero;thenGSP Arnel inducts Rtn Moppy intoRotary;thensponsorPP Jenny Untalan putsthelapelpinonher;whileGSS Pheng lookson

IN PERSPECTIVE : Batangueño Rotarians in Action

Club’s 73rd Charter Anniversary via Fundraising Masquerade Gala

Aquamarine Recreational Center, Brgy Banay-Banay, Lipa City / March 11, 2023

IN PERSPECTIVE : Batangueño Rotarians in Action

Club’s 73rd Charter Anniversary via Fundraising Masquerade Gala

Aquamarine Recreational Center, Brgy Banay-Banay, Lipa City / March 11, 2023

GSP Arnel Pulla leadsthemembersofthe Rotary Club of Batangas inhonoringthegala’sguestspeaker, HonorableViceMayor Jay Ilagan,whileVP Jo Cantre readsthe Certificate of Appreciation giventohim

Thestandeeportraitofthefuture Rotary Outreach Center locatedattheentranceoftheballroom (topphoto) GSS Pheng poseswithherspouse,Rtn Gboy;withemcee,Ms. Celeste;andwithRACBatsPE Cyril Malaga Jr

“Year of Service” Awardees

Rotary Club of Batangas / RY 2022-2023

Rotary’s Service Awards are special recognition given annually to Active Rotarians who are regular club members, meaning those paying their annual dues and attending regular meetings and projects implementation,whohave served the club on a particular length, called “year of service” milestone. The typical presentation ofthisawardwillincludeatokenor a plaque of recognition showing appreciation for their loyal service totheclubandtoRotaryingeneral.

“Year of Service” Awardees

Rotary Club of Batangas / RY 2022-2023

IN PERSPECTIVE : Batangueño Rotarians in Action

District Turn-over of Rotary Homes

Barangay Bulacnin, Lipa City / February 28, 2023

To my fellow Genuine Service member Rotarians, As a true-blooded Rotarian, it is my distinct honor to serve our beloved club and Rotary in general; especially in my perennial position as the Club’s Administration Chair and as Editor-in-Chief of our club bulletin, Ang Kumintang. Thanks for your support and hope you continue reading our publication for club updates and relevant information.

And to our outgoing GSP Arnel Pulla, I salute him for his “genuine service” that he has accomplished during his term; especially for several “firsts” in our club that he has planned, initiated, and completed. He has also led us to achieve “imaginative dream” into fruition; and that is to finally have a “Rotary Outreach Center.” And thus, our succeeding club leaders could continue to execute it by creating hope to become reality.

YiRS, PP Ross

Torch Excellence Award for PP Claudette Ambida

Torch Excellence Awardee

“Most Outstanding and Inspiring

Public Servant of the Year 2023”

Honorable Board Member

Maria Claudette U. Ambida-Alday

Past President, RC Batangas, RY 2014-2015

List of her priority projects:

(1) Project Aalalay Year 6 - for Seniors & Persons with Disability (PWD)

(2) Support Local Advocacy (supporting SMEs and MSMEs)

(3) Boss Babes Project (Tulong Puhunan at mga Proyektong PangKababaihan at Pangkabuhayan at PangKooperatiba)

(4) Makabagong Panunula or Spoken Poetry Contest Year 5

(5) Mga Programang PangKabataan kagaya ng Educational Assistance)

(6) AMBIDAng Liham

(7) Indak Kababaihan

(8) Alay Gupit (Tulong PangKababaihan at LGBT)

International Women’s Day for Rotary

International Women's Day is celebrated each year on March 8 to recognizewomen’s achievements, to raise awareness, and to reflect on gender equality worldwide. The celebration of this day began in New York City on March 8, 1857, by textile workers who called for shorter workdays and improved wages. In 1975, the United Nations General Assembly began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day, and it has since become a movement to honor women across the globe.

As Rotary people of action, there is no better way for us to celebrate than by empowering the next generation of women. This is why club projects to empower women are so important. Self-defense classes for girls in the Philippines, training in sewing and using washable menstrual pads for girls in Nigeria, and gender-specific toilet blocks for schools inIndia areexamples of Rotary’s support for women as they strive for equity and self-determination. The most valuable gifts we can offer to girls is a voice in their own futures, the opportunity to choose for themselves and the ability to become agents of positive change in their families and communities.

Honor the girls of our world and International Women’s Day in your Rotary club or Rotaract club with an “Empowering Girls” project.

MARCH is WATER, SANITATION & HYGIENE Month

Promote World Water Day

World Water Day on 22 March is an opportunity to learn about Rotary’s commitment to provide clean water and sanitation.

Clean water is a basic human right that many are often denied. There are 2.5 billion people in the world that lack access to improved sanitation and 748 million people that don’t have clean drinking water. Nearly 1400 children die each day from diseases caused by lack of sanitation and unsafe water. When people have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives.

In 2015, the United Nations introduced their new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty and promote prosperity while protecting the environment and addressing climate change. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on water and sanitation encourages us to address universal access to drinking water and sanitation along with improved water management to protect ecosystems and build resiliency. *

Rotary members are committed to reaching the water and sanitation SDG through projects like building wells, installing rainwater harvesting systems, and teaching community members how to maintain new infrastructure.

During March, Rotary Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Month, we’re celebrating our commitment to create healthier communities by supplying clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Here are just a few examples of club service projects that are creating a lasting impact:

The Rotary Club of Bangalore Metro in India installed a water purification plant in the village of Ramanahalli. Due to extensive mining, the ground water in this rural community is completely contaminated with fluorides and other contaminants. The new water purification plant provides reliable access to potable water.

In the rural community of Bharat Pokhari in Nepal, villagers walk 25 km to fetch buckets of water every day. Often, girls spend two hours a day bringing home water before and after school. In partnership with the Rotary Club of Williamson (USA), the Rotary Club of Pokhara installed a water tank in the village giving more than 500 families access to safe drinking water closer to home.

The Rotary Club of Suna Migori in Kenya provided a source of clean rainwater to students at four schools and a clinic. At each location, Rotarians provided new latrines and hand washing stations. The project has impacted more than 1500 students and their families, hundreds of patients at the clinic, and increased school attendance especially among girls.

Brief History of the ROTARY CLUB OF BATANGAS 1950-2023

The Rotary Club of Batangas came into being under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Manila, the pride of Filipino Rotarians as the first Rotary club in Asia. The men behind its formation were PP Marciano “Anong” Evangelista, by vocation a minister (later Bishop Emeritus) of United Church of Christ in the Philippines in Batangas City, and the District Governor’s Special Representative of the sponsoring club, the late PDG Marianito Lichauco, while the governor of the district at that time was PDG Emilio “Emy” Javier. The whole of the Philippines then was named District 91 created in 1938. Later during RY 1951-1952, this was changed to District 48 and again to District 385 during RY 1957-1958. Later again, the district was partitioned into two, one in the south which retained the original district number, and the other in the north comprising the whole of Luzon, including the islands of Mindoro, Palawan and Marinduque, which became District 380, later as District 3820 which is now composed of Rotary clubs from Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental and the Bicol provinces.

When the club was finally organized, it has 25 members at the approval of its charter on March 17, 1950. However, the charter presentation was not held until April 23, 1950 at the Manila Hotel. All charter members came for the occasion in high spirits and in high anticipation of a memorable ceremony for the baptism of their club. Obviously, they were filled with enthusiasm and determination to band together, so they may carry out Rotary mission of service in their community and other places abroad through the four Avenues of Service. It was evident that they had a very good orientation during their preparation for club membership. Among those in conspicuous attendance and exuding great pleasure and enjoyment during the charter presentation were members of sponsoring club, the Rotary Club of Manila. Since then, the Rotary Club of Batangas has helped the community at one time or another with many noble projects all for the community service. The club has also acted many times as host to Rotex students and Group Study Exchange teams from Rotary clubs of different districts abroad.

The club membership fluctuates from as low as 25 members to as high as 48 during the years of existence. The fledging club has been in danger of disintegrating many times particularly in the early 70’s mainly because of poor attendance and consequent loss of interest by members. Fortunately, however, there was its doughty organizer and charter member, PP Marciano “Anong” Evangelista, who was always on the guard to prevent its collapse. “Ka Anong” rightly and deservingly merited being as the “Father of RC Batangas” when he was still alert and around. Because of him, the club survived many crises in its more than 50 years of existence and has increased its prestige and regard by other clubs in the district because of continued notable achievements, better attendance, and strong fellowship among members. As it gained momentum in its recovery from lackluster and precarious existence it had gone through, it has gotten its obsession, aside from doing other beneficial projects, of organizing other Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs.

The Governor That Never Sleeps

A ubiquitously used nickname for District Governor Gina Sy who tirelessly devotes time, treasure, and talent in order to genuinely serve the district in imagining Rotary to the fullest.

Rotaract Club of Batangas (Community Based)

RAC Year 2022-2023 / Organized: July 2009

Club Officers:

President: GSP Mark Angelo “CK” Lumanglas

President Elect: PE Cyril Malaga Jr.

Vice President: PP Benjamin Pedro “DaBoy” Cello

Secretary: John Emmanuel Rom

Assistant Secretary / Treasurer: Gerald De Chavez

Auditor: Sophia De Chavez

Public Image Director: Christian De Leon

International Service Director: IPP John Paul “Jap” Velasco

Charter President: CP Maria Aisa Dimacuha

Together, We SERVE THROUGH FELLOWSHIPS

Did you know March 11 to March 19 is Rotary International’s WorldRotaractWeek?

“Every year, Rotaractors and Rotarians around the world celebrate World Rotaract Week during the week of 13th March to commemorate the founding of thefirstclubin1968.

“World Rotaract Week” is a time for celebrating the success and importance of the Rotaract program.Thisis alsoanexcellent opportunity to inform members of your family and community about the amazing work that Rotaract clubs do, and give them anopportunitytogetinvolved.”

For those Rotary clubs not yet sponsoring a Rotaract club, you are missing a great opportunity to mentor and mold the leaders of tomorrow. The enthusiasm of Rotaractors can bring new energy to a Rotary club, assist with projects, and inspire fresh ideas for service. Rotaractors of todaywillbethefutureRotarians oftheworld. Go Go

Go ROTARACT CLUB of BATANGAS !

Bloodletting Joint Project

SM City Batangas (Event Center) / February 19, 2023

The Rotaract Club of Batangas, headed by President Mark “CK” Lumanglas, joined and cosponsored a Bloodletting Project held last February 19, 2023 at the Event Center of SM City Batangas. The Philippine Dental Association (PDA)-Batangas City Chapter, headed by Dr. Ruth Luneta-Alolod, was the main sponsor of the said worthwhile endeavor; along with the Philippine Blood Center (PBC), SM City Batangas, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), the Rotary Club of Batangas, the Interact Club of Batangas and the RotaKids of Batangas.

Joint Medical Mission

Barangay Tingga Labac / March 23, 2023

The Rotaract Club of Batangas, as represented by President Mark “CK” Lumanglas and President Elect Cyril Malaga Jr., co-sponsored a Joint Medical Mission with the University of Batangas, Lions Club of Batangas, Philippine National Police, and Soroptimist International Batangas Downtown held last March 23, 2023 at the hall of Barangay Tingga Labac in Batangas City.

New Handwash Station

President Mark “CK” Lumanglas of the Rotaract Club of Batangas co-sponsored the installation of a “new handwash station” inside the New Public Market in Brgy Cuta Central, Batangas City. The turn-over of this worthwhile project was done last March 17, 2023. Pres. CK and PE Cyril Malaga Jr. of RAC Batangas visited the station.

THANK you! President MARK “CK” LUMANGLAS for spearheading the ROTARACT CLUB of BATANGAS (RAC Batangas) to greater heights of community service this Rotary Year 2022-2023… Goodluck in your future endeavor as Rotaract district officer….. FELLOWSHIPS Through SERVICE!

RAC Batangas leadership helm from President Mark to PE Cyril

President Mark and PE Cyril of RAC Batangas visited the new handwash station at the New Public Market

The House of Representatives led by SpeakerFerdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday unanimously approved on Third and Final Reading House Bill(HB)7206,anAct which would declare February23 of every year as a “special working holiday” nationwide, to be known as the "National Rotary Day."Thebillgarnered 248affirmativevotes. HB7206seeks to give due recognition to the invaluable contribution of the Rotary Club of the Philippines to humanitarian and community service in theentirecountry.

DIRECTIONAL ROUTE SIGNAGE INSTALLED

TheRotaryClubofBatangas,under the imaginative leadership of Genuine Service President Arnel Pulla, installed a Directional Route Marker along and near the corner of the newly-opened TinggaSampaga Bypass Road and Gov. Antonio Carpio Road in Brgy SampagaCentro,BatangasCity.

The road signage project (with Rotary club logo & name of club president), in consonance with Rotary’s Enhancement of Public Image & Public Relations, was erected in this strategic location in order to give ease and convenience for the motoring public when visiting places of interestinBatangasCity.

(APublicImage&PublicRelationsProject)

BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS for MARCH 2023

1. PP Ross Evangelio – March 1

2. Rtn Alyssa Atienza – March 5

Partners-in-Service of the Rotary Club of Batangas

Rotary clubs and service partners play a vital role in doing a successful community service. Many of the Rotarians have taken the initiative to lead, involve in community service, do skills-based volunteerism projects. This is what the Rotarians do… the work of the club will only become vital as your community seeks out for more collaborative endeavors to address their needs. Rotary club have connected with several partners; thus, Rotarians have given much pride in bringingRotary brand far and wide-reached.

The Rotary Club of Batangas is THANKING all the MAJOR SOLICITATION SPONSORs (be it as an Individual or as a Company) and all TICKET DONORs who have fully SUPPORTED the FUNDRAISING-for-aCAUSE of the club; for the construction of Rotary Outreach Center. The said center will house the “meeting venue” of the club, as well as, the “venue for outreach programs” for the less-fortunate brethren of our community. Godspeed