Time flies so fast. My term as District Rotaract Representative of Rotary International District 3810 has finally come to an end but my commitment to Rotaract and Rotary will never do.Nine years ago, in my 3rd year in College, a friend of mine and our professor invited me to join the Rotaract club. At first, I hesitated because I had no idea of what this club was all about. After meeting its officers, I then realized how nice and friendly they were. So I decided to give it a shot. After all, I thought, I had a lot to gain and nothing to lose.
I was immersed in dozens of activities, projects and fellowships where friendships were built. And those tight friendships we had was the key ingredient for our Rotaract team to win awards.
This was the experience I truly missed when I graduated and started to work.
Two years later, I found my way back to the Rotaract—this time in a community-based club. Thanks to an accidental meeting in a Church with an old friend. I believe that meeting was God’s calling for me to serve the community again, to be someone who’s worth a while. This was a spiritual opportunity I would never pass up.
A year later, I was elected as Club President. It was a truckload of responsibilities and I was a bit excited, and at the same time, nervous. My friends chose me to be their leader, and somehow I’m honored that they did. I thought it was a way I could create a difference in my life.
When I was elected as District Rotaract Representative Nominee there were many issues. I wasn’t happy when I realized how I won and it really made me sad. There were many instances when I liked to resign. But I didn’t want to fail those people who believed in me, especially my home club.
Before I took the responsibilities of a DRR, I used a maxim written by a classical writer, Fitzugh. This motivated and inspired me to accept whatever challenges that would come my way.
"God’s choice of a leader is always the best,
For He knows just what people need;
So when a transition is soon to take place,
Trust God and He’ll show who should lead."
When I assumed the position, my guiding principle was a quotation from Lao Tzu:
“To lead the people, Walk behind them”
Another is by EJM Esites:
“Leadership is the courage to admit mistakes,
The vision to welcome change,
The enthusiasm to motivate others &
The confidence to stay out of the step
When everyone else is marching to the wrong tune.”
I hope I carried with me these principles throughout my term.
I always hoped that I had stood by Rotary’s motto: “Service above Self”. Throughout my term, I carried a clear definition what a leader should be: Someone who was willing to be a servant, someone who relates well to people, open to new ideas & responsibilities.
As I look back, I’m proud to say that despite the difficulties we encountered, our district survived. Proof of this is the successful hosting of Asia-Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference 2006 or the APRRC Pilipinas held last August 31 – Sept. 3, 2006 at Tagaytay International Convention Center , Tagaytay City . Hosting that event made us realized that challenges should not hinder us to attain our goal, that nothing is impossible as long as there is teamwork and commitment. It also made our friendships flourish. I am truly proud to be a Rotaractor. I became a better person because of Rotaract and Rotary.
I would like to thank and congratulate my district officers, all club presidents and Rotaractors who have helped me in one way or another throughout my term, our Senior active Rotaractors PP Noel Gonzales, PP Heidy Elizan especially our councils of Past District Rotaract Representatives namely, PDRR Xy Vasquez, PDRR Obet Sunga, PDRR Andy Abuso, PDRR Berly Magdayao, PDRR Oliver Alvarez, PDRR Garry de Castro, our beloved PDRR Ricky Uy and my fellow DRRs. I would also like to thank our Sponsoring Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Manila Metro for their support (morally and financially) especially Pres. Manuel “Manny” Wong. Also, the Rotary New Generations Team, IPDRC Romy Macatangay, IPDCC Dan Tenorio, the super supportive IPDCC Magic Ong, IPDistrict Governor Lyne Abanilla, PP Linda Josol, DCC Emmanuel “Loi” Cosico, DRC Gilbert Yupangco and all Rotary Presidents who supported us in our projects, my FAMILY and our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you very much.
To DRR Melchor Encabo, his officers and presidents I wish you all success. Pursue your dreams, excel, become the person you were created to be and accomplish all that you were put on this earth to do. Leadership will help you do that. Learn to lead – not just for yourself, but for the people who will follow behind you. And as you reach your peak of achievement, don’t forget to take others with you to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Before I end my speech, let me share with you a story about geese that inspired me and guided me on how to become a leader that I am now today.
As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift” for the bird following
it. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds immediately in front. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position. The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow their fellow member down to help and provide protection. They stay with this member of the flock until he or she either is able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another formation, or to catch up with their own flock.
My fellow Rotaractors, the story tells us that people who share a common direction and sense of community can get to where they’re going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. If we have as much sense as a flock of geese, we will join in formations with those who are headed where we want to go. It pays to take turns doing the hard task and sharing leadership – with people, interdependent with one another. We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging not something less helpful or harming. I hope like a flock we’ll stand by one another. Again, thank you, I love you all and God bless!
