ROTARY International District 3850, Rotary Club of Bacolod-Central in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cheongju-Wawoo, District 3740 of South Korea, the Batch 1985 of the Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) and the Province of Negros Occidental, worked together on the establishment and equipping of the computer and speech laboratory recognized as the Rotary Cyberspace.
This worthwhile undertaking was officially launched on Friday, February 28 at NOHS in the presence of NOHS principal Mario Amaca, Board member Agustin Ernesto “Tinto” Bascon, RCB Central President Meliton “Mhel” Sillador and his fellow officials, past District Governor Enigardo “Jundad” Legislador and members, NOHS Batch '85 President Noel Iligan and his batchmates, NOHS students and other guests.
The 40-unit computer laboratory project was made possible through a global grant project dubbed as: “3C's: Computer Training, Computer Donation and Connectivity to the WorldWideWeb which gained the approval of the Rotary Foundation of the Rotary International with funding worth US$40,000.
This was likewise granted through the District Designated Funds of Past District Governors Lyndon See Diet of RC Dipolog and PDG Oliver Ong of RI 3850 of Zamboanga.
District Governor Raphy Tayco in his message conveyed by Assistant Governor Mate Espina said, “It is hoped that the students will gain knowledge and skills in language and technology, in a conducive environment at par with some of the best computer and speech labs in private institutions.”
Sillador said, “Rotary’s theme for this year- ‘Rotary Connects the World’, couldn't be more perfect to epitomize how an international friendship and collaboration is possible to create an impactful project locally. Sadly though, our partner rotary organizations West Cheongju, Wawoo, Duson, Cheongnam, Dream, Companion Rotary clubs could not join us today, but I am sure they are celebrating with us the outcome of their contribution and the meaningful effect it provides to the students of NOHS.”
Sillador led in flashing a Korean heart as their kind gesture of love and gratitude to their Korean partners.
Board member Bascon also conveyed the gratitude of Governor Jose Eugenio Lacson for this worthwhile endeavor that could truly help the students be more educated with the use of these computers.
“We are in the midst of globalization and it is exigent upon us and our educational system to keep up with the global context of learning so that our students will have a better chance to withstand the demands of a highly competitive world that awaits them.”
Principal Amaca also expressed his gratitude saying that their prayers were audible that it reached the hearts of the Rotarians and their Korean fellows.
“Our heartfelt gratitude to them,” Amaca said.
Noel Iligan said, “this is just a beginning of a new journey for our students. I hope that our students will have a smoother road in their journey of becoming responsible adults in our community.”