"THE private sector, non-government organizations and civic organizations are playing a more active, well-defined defined role not only to complement the government's effort to eradicate poverty, but also in conflict situations such as what we have witnessed in Mindanao recently."

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Thus said Governor Rhia Rita Abalos of the Rotary International District 3870, as she addressed 18 of the 41 Rotary clubs under her district over the weekend, reminding officers and members of their "inherent obligation to be always at the forefront of humanitarian services."

Abalos led a joint address of club and zone officials Saturday, wherein Rotarians honored the district's first elected lady governor. District officials also kept their members abreast of the achievements and programs for this year.

One of noted projects for 2008 is RC Centerpoint's P1.2-million initiative to train barangay officials on Information Technology-related skills.

Done in partnership with the Mindanao Polytechnic State College (MPSC), the project aims to boost the capability of barangay officials for them to serve their constituents more, RC Centerpoint President Colbert Rabaya said.

Free clinics, tree-planting and other major projects and advocacies are also being lined-up in the different clubs within district, whose jurisdiction includes Iligan City and Cotabato areas.

But beyond making significant inroads through livelihood programs and other grassroots undertaking, Abalos said Rotarians are looking beyond the organization's traditional focus.

"Not only we are addressing the needs of the marginalized sectors, but we also took an active role in helping communities torn apart by conflict," she said, referring to the August attacks in Lanao del Norte towns and the armed skirmishes in the Cotabato areas.

Abalos said the Rotary, through its Disaster Coordinating Council, has mobilized hundreds of volunteers and donated goods to help the evacuees.

She also appealed to fellow Rotarians to help provide safe drinking water to evacuees -- most of whom have remained in government-run temporary shelters.

For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Bacolod.

(November 19, 2008 issue)
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