ROTARY Club of Bacolod-East 38th President Belinda C. Siason aims at turning opportunities into stories of success and triumph as she steers the club for Rotary year 2020 to 2021.
District 3850 Governor Louis Mariano "Louie" G. Gonzaga administered the oath of office of the club officers in a simple rite held at O Hotel, San Sebastian, Bacolod City on July 24.
The governor likewise aspires to make this Rotary year, a banner year.
"This is not President Bel's (Belinda's) term or my term. This is our term because together, we are going to make this a banner year. We will work together to achieve our goal. Let us take advantage of the opportunities that are ready before us, " he said.
He considered District 3850 as a heroic district despite the coronavirus pandemic. Rotary clubs continue to deliver services using their clubs' and members' resources.
Rotary has made ripples in fighting polio and he is confident that Rotary will also continue to help minimize the impact of Covid-19.
"We don't know our enemy. But, we need to continue to fight and when the Covid vaccine comes out. We will help vaccinate the way we did for polio," he said.
"But one reality that we need to face is that we have communities that are suffering. These communities suffer hardships and I don't think it would be easy to rise. We need the help of the Rotary Foundation. We need to make it a charity of our choice. As when we give to Rotary Foundation, we get back more than five times through global grants. The last grant that got approved only took 48 hours, thus, I encourage you to support the Rotary Foundation," he added.
Moreover, President Siason looks forward to a more driven, responsive and resilient Rotary year.
"Let me thank you all my fellow Rotarians for giving me the chance to lead as your club president for this Rotary year. I considered this privilege as an ultimate honor for me and my family, thus, I proudly accept, affirm and commit myself to perform the tasks and responsibilities of this presidency and the challenges that go with it," she said.
However, she firmly believes that a single head achieves less or nothing at all insofar as reaching goals of serving humanity.
"I am counting on your full support and cooperation for us to fulfill and push further the growth of our club that will redound to the fulfillment of the very purpose of Rotary service," she said.
Rotarians are here to help open opportunities for those who have less in life.
"We can offer our time, effort, and resources to help others improve their lives. This is the difference and impact of Rotarians to others. We indeed make sense and difference in the lives of others and the community we serve here and the world," Siason said.
"Genuine service to others is what defines true Rotarians. What we do reveals our hearts and reflects our true nature. I toss this challenge to every Rotarian to let us start showing our sincere contribution to make Rotary as an engine of hope to help others. Let us anchor our direction to Rotary International's theme for the New Rotary Year--Rotary Opens Opportunities," she added.
"Fellow Rotarians, as we have been serving others for so many years, it is my dream and fervent prayer that we will truly help transform these possibilities and opportunities into stories of triumph and success. To God be the glory," Siason added.