PUBLIC relations manager of SM City Bacolod, May Castro, is the new president of the Rotary Club of Bacolod Central who also welcomed back entrepreneur Noel Iligan as their newest member during the club's 26th Induction and Handover Ceremony at Trystan's Place in Talisay City over the weekend.
Castro, in her acceptance speech, said she was happy that the members got to be with each other after months of meeting up virtually.
“I am glad that everyone got vaccinated and this shows support to the vaccination advocacy efforts of Rotary International in answer to the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
The whole-day event started with the strategic planning of the club's service activities with focus on literary, health, sanitation and environment.
Castro, on the other hand, proposed her legacy project of "Rotary Rolls" that aims to provide livelihood and empowering the marginalized.
Castro and this year's club officers were inducted by Immediate Past District Governor Louie Gonzaga while returning Rotarian, Noel Iligan was sworn in by Past District Governor, Jundad Legislador who has transferred his membership to Central this year as well.
Outgoing president Engr. Agnes Glia Mabag also thanked the club for its support. "Despite the pandemic, we showed our communities that we are not afraid to serve them and I am proud that Centralians put in all their effort to ensure we implemented our service programs."
RC Central was among the club in the districts that were cited for their efforts in both community programs and contributing to The Rotary Foundation. Mabag was hailed as an outstanding president during her term and Secretary Rose Depra was also awarded outstanding secretary last Rotary year.
Noel, who was also the guest speaker during the event, talked about his life-changing story. A former Centralian, Noel had to take a leave from Rotary but vowed that he will fully support and actively participate from hereon as he returns to the world of Rotary.
He left most Centralians teary-eyed and inspired by the challenges he surpassed. As Noel said, life-changing to him comes in four boxes -- Dream, Do, Learn, and Share.
"Success is one thing but sharing these with those who do not have much is even more fulfilling. It does not have to be material things that need sharing. A sense of empathy, a little smile or a warm hug, a small meal, and being mindful to the people around you -- all these matter a lot more than you think," Noel said.
"I've seen the good that Rotary has done and continues to do. I've seen the goodness Centralians have spread and will continue to do. And though I have not fully embraced it back then, I believe in the tenets of Rotary. And today, as I return to the Rotary world, I want to start my Rotary journey by taking that last step -- to share alongside all of you," he added.