New Faces at Okada Manila

The Rotaract Clubs of Rotary International District 3780, headed by District Rotaract Representative Hasem Baladjay, held the District Conference (DISCON) 2021 last June 5, 2021, at Okada Manila.

It was the first time to have the Rotarians and Rotaractors of Rotary International District 3780 to be in one place, partying and enjoying the culmination of a year-long struggle. With the country still on guard of the COVID pandemic, many events such as meetings and projects happened online.

After a long wait, the District Conference commenced. Though the venue can hold many attendees, organizers limited the number of attendees to 100 Rotaractors. However, the organizers of the event led by District Secretary Christy Joyce Damasen were able to make this year's conference a 'hybrid' event. Those who were unable to attend witnessed the happenings through live video conferencing via Zoom.

Many new faces were present on the day. Some of the delegates were new members of various Rotaract clubs in the district eager to know more about the organization. As Rotaract is a youth organization, many young people who graced the conference were previous attendees and project participants launched by the Rotaract Clubs of Rotary International District 3780.

Some of the new members are students who took time off their courses to grace the conference. They even had excused themselves from the program to participate in their online class.

Besides the attendees, the invited speakers were also new to the scene. The first speaker, DRR Alilie "Aly" Francisco of Rotary International District 3800, inspired the audience by sharing her Rotaract story. She mentioned that heroes are not just the ones we see on TV wearing capes. They can also be ordinary people, such as frontliners who respond to emergencies and situations where aid and assistance are needed. Part of these frontliners are Rotaractors who actively help their respective communities, whatever the circumstance.

Another new face at DISCON 2021 was Past District Governor Rolando "Oyan" Villanueva of Rotary International District 3790. He shared how the future of Rotary lies on the Rotaractors. Clubs should listen to and collaborate with their communities to create sustainable and suiting projects. As the times change, Rotary needs to keep up to date through the use of innovations and to develop its own strategies. PDG Oyan ’ s dynamic, heart-warming message undoubtedly hyped up the participants and instilled lessons to keep for the upcoming term.

At dinner time, the District leaders discussed and proposed the ratification of the Constitution and ByLaws. It moved at a later date to give Transforming Presidents time to cascade information to their respective clubs.

The night ended with the announcement of nominated clubs for the District Youth Awards, which will happen on June 20.

Though the District Conference ended in haste, it was still a fun affair. There were several activities, such as raffles and games for teams.

The food was excellent, and all attendees participated in getting to know each other. Once again, the District Conference succeeded in fostering relationships with different clubs in Rotary International District 3780.

WRITTEN BY MARIANICK VILLEGAS AND MARIAN ABIO

Rotaract Club of San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers Rotaract Club of Mega Edsa