ROTARIANS in Bacolod are being inspired to serve the community.
Quoting Rotary International president K. R. Ravindran, newly inducted Rotary Club of Bacolod-East (RCBE) president Doctor Benjamin Souribio told Rotarians in his induction speech, “We should share our talents and skills to the community we serve and be a gift to the world.”
Three presidents of Rotary Club of Bacolod were inducted by Immediate Past District Governor Joe Jay Doctora at the joint induction and turnover ceremonies at L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod last July 1.
Installed as presidents were Souribio, Luis Cuenca of Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara, and Gardenia de Erit of Rotary Club of Bacolod-Central for Rotary Year 2015-2016.
Souribio succeeded Immediate Past President (IPP) Sonya Verdeflor, Cuenca succeeded IPP Ivan Randy Ereñeta, and Irit succeeded IPP Rolem Basiya.
Other officers and new members of the three clubs were also inducted by Doctora and Past District Governor (PDG) Maria Victoria Garcia.
PDG Ildefonso Elegado was tasked to charge the new members, while District 3850 Governor Oliver Ong congratulated the new officers and members for accepting the responsibility in leading the club and ensuring the delivery of community service in the spirit of volunteerism.
Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the Health and Medical Programs of SM Foundation, Connie Angeles, was the guest of honor and speaker. She shared her experience of helping the community.
Bacolod Representative Evelio Leonardia and Mayor Monico Puentevella also graced the occasion and gave their respective congratulatory messages.
As for the RCBE, Verdeflor, in her valedictory address, said that the Rotary Year 2014-2015 was a very good and fulfilling year for their club.
“RCBE has experienced many firsts. It was awarded as most outstanding club of District 3850 and received eight awards and citations,” she shared.
“This gave us so much excitement and joy and has rekindled the passion that we have for community service through our club,” she added.
Verdeflor also expressed their club’s commitment to support Souribio as their new president.
In response, Souribio said that it is an honor to serve as president for the club.