RC West CDO turns 42; plants trees, donates piglets

THE Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro, one of the best clubs among the 34 Clubs in District 3870, recently celebrated its 42nd Founding Anniversary at VIP Hotel in Cagayan de Oro.

Highlighting the club’s strong foundation of leadership includes the honoring of the founders – Mr. Plutarco “Cocoy” Velez, founding president; and Mr. Aldrico “Al” Mañus, founding secretary – and Mr. Faeling Floirendo.

Mr. Velez and Mr. Mañus became past district governors, two of the seven the club has produced, the most in the district spanning Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Cotabato and Maguindanao Provinces.

Incumbent President Rogelio “Roger” Uy spearheaded the exclusive affair that includes guests only from Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines, West and West Rotaractors.

Mr. Uy unveiled the official club marker made of polished and carved wood, which indicates the club’s regular meeting date and venue and all the names of the Past Presidents etched under the official club emblem.
Past President Almarco “Al” Brito then spearheaded a project two days after the anniversary party by donating initially 14 piglets for the community in New Paglaum Villages, Taguanao Bridge, Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City.

Such project, dubbed “Operation Pangkabuhayan,” was supported by Inner Wheel Club (IWC) headed by its president, Dr. Gilda Brito, and in partnership with Emerald Headway Corporation.

The project includes the ceremonial planting of 42 bamboo trees along the river banks and distribution of Arroz Caldo meals to the community.

Mr. Ben Arellano, the chair of the community, expressed his admiration to the Rotary Club and Inner Wheel Club and its members and family for sharing its resources, effort and even the Sunday family time.

“We sincerely thank Rotary and Inner Wheel Club for all the help. We promise to take care of the plants and further improve the livelihood given to us,” Arellano said.

The entire delegation then proceeded to the Xavier Chapel for a thanksgiving mass and a lively afternoon for the family members commenced at the Xavier Estate Club House for a hearty lunch where they had the opportunity once again to plan for future projects.

Among the club officers who joined the anniversary were Past Presidents Boy Du, Mandy Tarayao, Adi Co, Noel Nalzaro, Arsenio “Bobby” Sebastian, Melo Borja, Edu Alaba, Cesar Cabualan, Justice Romy Borja, President-Elect Lito Busgano and immediate Past President Ferdinand “Edong” Espiritu.

Nalzaro was joined by Rotarian Jill Cua as the program’s hosts.
The night’s activity went from festive to even more surprising as Mr. Uy rendered a love song and Rotarian Erna Maagad made an interpretative dance.

Ces Magkilat of MayBank was charged and inducted as new member while Mon Arada of Steag State Power and this writer were re-inducted as member returnees.

Ms. Josephine Laid and Ms. Mai Arada, the better half of Mon, were inducted also as a new member of the IWC.

Active club members in attendance include Rotarians Moshe Amir, Levy Belmonte, Janet Magracia, Del Gaylo, Glory Tan, Elena Orpilla, Liza Minoza and Tina Hidalgo.

IWC officers and members who were present include Past District Chair Kelly Villanueva, Past President Remy Espiritu, Rosie Mañus, Malyn Mercado, Nene Cabualan, Tai Jean Roa and Michelle Busgano.