CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Rotary Club of San Fernando (Pampanga) on Thursday renewed its sisterhood agreement with the Rotary Club of Dong Suncheon (District 3610).
This is the second time the two districts inked an international sisterhood agreement to strengthen the mutual understanding and promote goodwill and friendship between the members and officers of both clubs together with their respective communities.
Several Korean delegations, led by its president Gyun-Won Nam, joined Kapampangan Rotarians in the said ceremonial rites held at the Heroes Hall in this city.
Rotary Club of San Fernando President Fer Caylao, in his message, noted that the pact is a significant step which will result in greater understanding of international projects that give life and meaning to Rotary service.
He shared that their agreement kicked off in earnest when Rotary Club of Dong Suncheon members brought their families to visit the province.
Caylao added that to immerse the Korean fellows with Pampanga’s heritage and culture, the Kapampangan Rotarians toured them around historical sites and attractions like the Clark Museum, Pampanga High School, San Fernando Heritage District, and San Guillermo Church.
“They have also tasted our Kapampangan specialties and even street food, and joined our Rotary River Walk. Could you believe that this is just their first day here, and we have done so much,” he said.
Caylao furthered that the district has slated several activities to make sure that Rotary Club of Dong Suncheon members’ stay in the province will be memorable and fulfilling.
“Tomorrow, I believe, will be an exciting yet meaningful challenge. We’ll be going to the mountains to visit the Aetas, and give them good tidings: clothes, shoes, and school supplies, courtesy of our generous mayor, Mayor Edwin Santiago,” he relayed.
For his part, Rotary Club of Dong Suncheon President Gyun-Won Nam expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of San Fernando for the warm welcome.
“We are all very glad to visit the City of San Fernando, which is just as colorful as our city in Dong Suncheon. We look forward to learn more about the community, and of course, bond with our brothers from the Rotary Club of San Fernando,” he noted.
“Our agreement with our sister city is very special to us, as we are both committed to contribute growth and development to each of our respective communities,” he added.
Some of the projects the two clubs have agreed to support include the construction of five toilet blocks and handwashing facilities in several public schools in the City of San Fernando. The Pampanga High School, Calulut Intergrated School, and Sindalan Elementary School, among others, were chosen as the beneficiaries.
Mayor Edwin Santiago, who is also a proud member of the Rotary Club of San Fernando, said he is thankful for the Rotary Club of Dong Suncheon’s valuable contribution which will help provide clean, improved, and sanitized toilet facilities in high-density public schools in the city.
“We thank our brothers from the Rotary Club of Dong Suncheon for their donation, which is not only beneficial to our Fernandino students, but also promote and expose the good works of the Rotary to the youth,” he concluded.