FNL FEBRUARY FIRES UP, P. 6 CLUB KICKS OFF VALUES, P. 8 ini socials are fun, but those that he first of a four-part values bid you to let your hair down are formation seminar for members of the most fun. the Club’s Rotary Community Corps MFriday Night Lights—FNL for short— Tat Rotary Homes in La Huerta, Paranaque continues to be a social function to look City took place last Saturday, 11 February KAUNLARAN The Official Bulletin of the Rotary Club of RI District 3830 FEB 21 FEB 2017 29

FROM MY DESK

am delighted to welcome our guest Ispeaker, the honorable Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources, Gina Lopez, who has BY: PRES. David been making ACKERMAN front page news in recent weeks. We are eager to hear her side on a burning issue that has been catching national attention—her order to close down 28 mining sites amid rising protest from the mining community. Club reaches out to earthquake- We are eager to listen to her articulate her plans on striking a happy balance torn Surigao between two critical concerns—how to protect the environment and preserve he day after a magnitude our natural resources, on the one hand; 6.7 earthquake shook and how to develop a sustainable and Surigao in the evening responsible mining industry that violates Tof Friday, the 10th of neither the laws of the land nor those February, the Club’s diligent of nature, on the other. It’s a tightrope Community Service team that is not easy to navigate, but one that went to work. The Rotary Secretary Lopez seems ready to take on. network was put to good use ***** once again, as it always is in Our move to help the victims of the times of calamity, to bring 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Surigao clubs and Rotarians together for the task of getting much continues to move forward. After the needed help to people in dire need. Community Service , Club sent 1,000 bottles of drinking water Dir. Chris Ferareza Tapping Rotary connections tapping into the Club’s disaster relief fund, to the place—having been advised that nurtured through years as BATS immediately set aside P50,000 for the potable water was the biggest basic need coordinator, COS Ron Dotaro got in purchase of drinking water. that had to be met—we set off a fund touch with D3620’s PDG Toto Cupin By a providential turn, Ron found campaign that has yielded P168,000 as of of RC Cebu West, who connected out that the president of RC Surigao City- press time. We are considering using it for him to AG Ted Amores, who in turn -Pres. Richie Fortus—is in the business . . . to page 4 informed him that the most urgent of bottled water distribution, so the task of the needs that cried out to be met of sourcing the precious commodity was was potable water. instantly solved. On top of that, Pres. Pres. David Ackerman and . . . to page 5

Tel. Nos. 899-7863 to 65 • Fax No. 899-0739 E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] • www.makatirotary.org FLASH ACK:B FEBRUARY 14, 2017 • ESCOLTA, PENINSULA MANILA

nvocator Manny Javelosa asked God to grant us a spirit of dialogue, bring us to the height of Truth, and Iinfuse strength to our fraternal spirit, that we may always seek and do Your will. He also thanked Him for bringing us together in the meeting, to share dreams and doubts, projects and difficulties, and asked Him to “make us always respond efficaciously to our vision and our mission in the world.” Our member count moved upward Dr. Reynaldo Echavez yet again, if only by one, with the Guest Speaker induction of Patrick Maxwell, a recruit of PP Carlo Rufino. Inducted by Pres. David Ackerman, Patrick was charged by PP Felix Amparo, who offered him tips on “how you can become effective as a club member within the shortest possible time”: 1) Know the members of the club, their names, faces, and what they do (check the members’ directory). Sit at a different David Ackerman President table every week, introduce yourself. 2) Know the work of the committees Charging session by PP Felix Amparo and join the one/s you’re interested in. 3) Volunteer in special committees where your area/s of expertise would be useful. 4) Join fellowship activities— socials, sports, outings—to develop and eventually expand your circle of friends. PP Felix summed it up this: “The sooner you involve yourself in the life Dir. Philip Soliven of the club, the sooner you will gain a Moderator feeling of belonging and of being a part of the team. What await you from your membership are warm fellowship and the opportunity to serve and provide assistance and comfort to those who Pres. David (right) inducts Peter Maxwell (center) as his proposer, have little.” PP Carlo Rufino, looks on Pres. David had a number of things to take up in his “time.” He renewed his earlier Gindap and new member Glenn Gatuslao acknowledgment of the Gift of Boats Project in Leyte as sending bottles of wine to spice things up. one well worth all the time and effort put into it, first, by He also made an account of our Manny Javelosa who conceived the idea and applied donation of 1,000 bottles of drinking water Invocator PP Reggie Nolido for global grant funding, and the others who helped to families affected by the earthquake bring it about—PP Roland Young and PP Frank Yih of in Surigao, and how Dir. Chris Ferareza RC Shanghai, and IPP Eddie Yap during whose term the coordinated things with Rotary Clubs in project was brought to fruition with the turnover of the Surigao. He thanked the 33 Rotarians and boats to the fishermen. couples who made cash donations (now He reported on the February FNL where 20 Rotarians totaling P168K) and disclosed that a rehab and Anns gathered at the RCM Clubhouse lounge for project is being considered. another of the once-a-month Friday night socials, with He then issued invites to three February birthday celebrators George Barcelon, PP Cesar upcoming activities—one, the turnover of PP Cesar Campos Campos, and PP Rene Limjoco bringing the food and Ric . . . to page 4 Introducer

02 Kaunlaran-FEBRUARY 21, 2017 TODAY’S SPEAKER PROGRAM: LADIES’ DAY Tuesday, 21 February 2017 REGINA PAZ Rigodon I, The Peninsula Manila LOPEZ Starts at 12:00PM Adjourns at 2:00PM Secretary, The Environment and . Call to Order …………………… Pres. David Ackerman Natural Resources . Invocation ………………. Dir. Chris Ferareza . Philippine National Anthem …… RCM Chorale An Environment and Natural Resources Secretary like none . RC Makati Hymn before her, a true rara avis. That, in a nutshell, is Regina Paz . Introduction of L. Lopez, the new head of the DENR. Visiting Rotarians & Guests . Welcome Song / AVP Even before she was appointed as chief steward of the . Greetings to Birthday and environment and natural resources of the Philippines, her Wedding Anniversary Celebrators hardline views have been cheered by environmentalists and . Club Functions & challenged by giants of the mining industry. She was not Committee Announcements known to flinch or waver when a heavyweight blocked her . Short Presentation on AQMS …… IPP Eddie Yap path, for she could, like a typhoon, swirl around obstacles. . President’s Time ……………… David Ackerman Yet there was no violence behind her toughness; it was the . Introduction of inner peace born of meditation that steels her, rather than the Guest Speaker ……………….. Dir. Jun Palafox brute force or the threat thereof. And though born to an . Speech: affluent family, and could have led a luxurious and carefree life, she chose to blaze her own trail the hard way, in the dirt, HON. REGINA PAZ LOPEZ serving the poor as an activist and crusader. Secretary Department of the Environment and Natural Resources Jee Y. Geronimo recalled in a profile in Rappler.com: “At 18 years old, she left home, renounced her life of privilege, and . Open Forum became a full-fledged yoga missionary in Portugal, India, . Response ……………………… Pres. David Ackerman and Africa. There, she had to constantly look for money for . Adjournment her own survival, and for the needs of underprivileged kids she served.” And because she cared so deeply for the poor, Dir. Louie Aseoche she had to care for the environment that is key to improving Moderator their lives.

Back in the Philippines, she later came to lead the encounter with her, she already said she will support all the rank- reforestation of La Mesa Watershed and La Mesa Ecopark, and-file employees and think of programs that would benefit the and in 2010 was named chairperson of the Pasig River employees of the DENR, and for that I appreciate her.” Rehabilitation Commission, which led efforts to resurrect the historic river. For her work with Bantay Kalikasan, she Gina has many plans for making the DENR more public service- received the 1997 International Public Relations Award for oriented. To be able to pursue those plans efficiently, she plans Excellence for the Environment and the 2009 Outstanding to upgrade the quality of the workforce, from the ground up, “to Manilan Award for the Environment. In 2011, as managing make it fit what I want to do.” director of the ABS-CBN Foundation, and working with partner organizations, she also launched the Save Palawan The leadership she brings to the DENR has been honed by decades Movement, a signature campaign to mobilize protection for of first-hand experience working among the poor as well as in the key biodiversity areas against mining. wilderness. Those are already formidable credentials, but she has more, academically: she studied at Assumption College and the Such is the person – Gina – now at the helm of the DENR. Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Boston, earned a master’s degree in development management from the Asian Institute Fierce as she is in her advocacies, Gina has a soft spot for of Management, and was bestowed an honorary doctorate in the rank and file. Just ask Atty. Alvin Joseph G. Constantino, humanities by the Ateneo de Naga University. president of the Kalipunan ng mga Kawani sa Kagawaran ng Kalikasan (K4), the umbrella organization for DENR employee Her physique might look frail, but make no mistake: Gina is unions across the archipelago. Recalling his introductory lean and mean, tenacious as visionaries come, yet sensitive and meeting with her, he said: “She’s really approachable, easy profound. She is a champion, and means to make the DENR one to get along with, ’di ka matatakot.” He added: “From my first too.

Kaunlaran-FEBRUARY 21, 2017 03 Peace and Conflict Resolution FEB 21 FEB 23 FEB 26 FEB 28 FEB Guest speaker: 112th RI Post Valentine Medical Final Leg of Hon. Regina Paz Lopez Anniversary Fellowship Outing Mission in Governor’s Cup 2017 Secretary, Department of Celebration Lunch at Marbella Malabon Villamor Golf & Environment and Natural Sofitel Hotel, Room, Golf Club, 9AM Country Club Resources 6PM Tagaytay Highlands

From My Desk...... from page 1 led to the rekindling of our friendship with SALUTATIONS Fukui Ajisai ***** BIRTHDAYS a rehab project. Damage to roads, bridges, ROTARIANS This is my last chance to remind you public structures, private buildings and George Siy, 22 February homes is extensive—estimated at P700 of our outing in Tagaytay on Sunday, 26 Arthur Antonino, 24 February million as of 15 February, and it is clear February. This, as I said last week, will be Marcy Marcelo, 24 February that outside help is needed to rebuild in lieu of the 28 February meeting which the quake-ravaged city. The amount we has been cancelled. We have booked ROTARY ANNS have so far raised came from 33 of our lunch at Tagaytay Highlands—please take Marilyn Gan, 21 February members, so to those who were not here note: charge to the Club, although I will Delia Peña, 21 February the past week or so, please know that be underwriting whatever is in excess of Bonnie Santos, 21 February donations are still welcome. Please call the allocated budget—and we expect to Marlyn Oba, 24 February our secretariat at 8997863-65 to make a spend about four hours there, from 11 pledge or send a check. AM to 3PM. The time designations are not WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES ***** meant to restrict, of course, as you can John & Angel Palanca, 21 February Last Saturday, we were at the always choose to be there early and leave Andy & Siony Gatmaitan, 23 February F. Benitez Elementary School in Brgy. late, if you so wish, or drive around the city, Singkamas, Makati to turn over books aimlessly or on purpose, to breathe in the ATTENDANCE REPORT cool air, smell the flowers, or stop for fruits to the school principal to beef up their 31 January 2017 library. It was a joint donation from our and veggies, buko pie or yam jam to take Club and our sister club, RC Fukui Ajisai of home. Regular Non-Exempt 36 Japan and the books were sourced from May I remind our members that Members in Attendance our Books Across the Seas (BATS) Project. this will count for a meeting, so your Honorary and Exempt Members / participation is important. 2 We later treated our Japanese Visiting Rotarians and Guests guests to lunch, together with our We need a head count for this so daughter club, RC Makati Poblacion. It was we can close our reservation, so please Total Attendance 38 an occasion where service slid seamlessly confirm your attendance no later than 11: Make-Ups 7 into fellowship, serving to promote the 30 AM, Friday, February 24, by calling the Total Attendance Credit 43 ideals of international understanding as it secretariat at 899-7863 to 65. Total Regular 105 Non-Exempt Members Flashback ...... from page 2 assured him that the Board and that “the members are here to support you.” Exempt Members 25 Dr. Reynaldo Echavez gave us a Total Membership to date 130* a donation of books from our club and RC comprehensive lecture on stem cells and Honorary Members 11 Fukui Ajisai to the F. Benitez Elementary their use in the treatment of many human School in Brgy. Singkamas, Makati last diseases and in the reversal, or slowdown, Attendance Percentage 40.95 February 18 and to a subsequent lunch of ageing. Make Ups: in honor of the Japanese Rotarians, The 83-year-old cardiologist, who 1. PP Fidel Alfonso together with RC Makati Poblacion; two, says that he has not undergone stem 2. Boy Arteche today’s meeting, with DENR Sec. Gina cell therapy, is an “official referrer” at the 3. PP Cesar Campos Lopez as guest speaker, adding that it is 4. Wash Lou Cellular Therapeutics Center (CTC)of the 5. Peter Manzano a Ladies’ Day; and three, to the fellowship . 6. Ferdie Ordoveza outing to Tagaytay on Sunday, February He spoke about the causes of rapid 7. Philip Soliven 26, that will take the place of the February ageing, of free radicals being the cause 28 meeting, which has been cancelled. of 90% of lifestyle diseases, the kinds and *Member Lost: 1. Ting Ayllon This, he explained, is now possible with importance of stem cells, and of fat cells the relaxation by Rotary International of being the best source of stem cells for its rules regarding weekly meetings. therapy, while emphasizing that all stem Finally, he congratulated Bimbo cells have the ability to replace diseased CTC), including time lines per stage/ Mills on his election as club president to or damaged cells with new, healthy ones. procedure, and the corresponding cost— serve in 2019-2020 and thanked him for He detailed the procedure in the six- P802,964 for the entire treatment that accepting the responsibility, even as he step stem cell therapy (at Makati Med’s takes 360 days.

04 Kaunlaran-FEBRUARY 21, 2017 FNL February fires up fun quotient in socials

ini socials are fun, but those that bid you Mto let your hair down are the most fun. Friday Night Lights—FNL for short—continues to be a social function to look forward to at the beginning of each month, a TGIFF (Thank God It’s First Friday) bash to be thankful for as a chance to relax with friends on a menu of light conversation and laughs, with scrumptious food and copious drinks provided by the month’s birthday celebrators. This month’s FNL took place on the 10th at the usual and chocolate cake. Glenn Gatuslao, PP Larry & Tere Boyer, PP Cesar Campos, place, the second-floor lounge of the who had just been inducted at noon that PE Jun Jun & Cecille Dayrit, PP Rene & RCM Clubhouse, a cozy place perfect for day, and Ric Gindap couldn’t make it, Lu Limjoco, PDG Tony & Angela Quila, Ed socializing. but sent wine. The feast was enriched by Roxas, and Dir. Philip & Mita Soliven. The February-born—George fresh lumpia brought by Ann Lu Limjoco It is worthy of note that this social, Barcelon, PP Cesar Campos, Ric and lechon belly by PP Felix Amparo, a unique to RCMakati, has evolved since PP Gindap, and PP Rene Limjoco—were the January-born. Reggie Nolido’s creative mind gave birth designated hosts, and they brought quite In attendance were Pres. David to it in 2014-2015, from a TGIFF stag party a spread, all from Conti’s—baked salmon, Ackerman, PP Fidel Alfonso, PP Felix to one open to and welcoming of the Anns, pineapple macaroni salad, chicken Amparo, Dir. Boy Arteche, Dir. Louie & who bring a breath of fresh air to every pastel, barbequed spareribs, banana pie Tess Aseoche, George & Irene Barcelon, party.

Club reaches out to ...... from page 1 DSWD instead of to the Rotary Clubs is & Armi Jimenez, PDG Robert & Yvonne that there is a standing directive to have Kuan, Sec. Peter & Pam Manzano, PP donors course all donations in kind to the Conrad Marty, PND Bimbo Mills, David Richie offered a 20% discount, thus DSWD for a more orderly accounting and & Renalyn Nithyananthan, PP Reggie & allowing us to get 1,000 bottles. distribution.) Sue Ann Nolido, Manny Padiernos, Dir. That weekend was a busy one for Dir. For his part, Pres. David immediately Jun & Wilma Palafox, PP Tito Panlilio, Chris, who also chairs the Disaster Relief sent out SMS and viber appeals to RCM PN Fred & Menchu Pascual, Dir. Porsche Committee, as he coordinated things members for cash donations; as of press Peña, Ed Rojas, PP Carlo Rufino, Philip from Manila. On Sunday, Surigao Mayor time, P168,000 had been raised. The Soliven, Wilson Tan, Sonny & Terry Ernesto Matugas phoned Pres. David to amount is being considered for use for Tambunting, PP Roland Young, Sam personally thank him and the Club for the a suitable rehabilitation project in the Young, and Dir. Dick Upton/John Robert donation, emphasizing that it was doubly quake-hit area. Powers. appreciated because it was unsolicited. We thank the 33 Rotarians who Since we have moved from relief to The water was turned over to responded to the appeal for help: Pres. rehabilitation, which requires a more Mayor Matugas and the Department of David Ackerman, PP Joe Alejandro, substantial financial outlay, we hope more Social Welfare on Monday, February 13, Dir. Boy Arteche, Dir. Louie Aseoche, Rotarians will add to the P168K so far with Rotarians from RC Surigao City, Cesar Cruz, PE Jun Jun Dayrit, Mon raised. RC Midtown Jewels, RC Metro Surigao Diokno, Dir. Chris Ferareza, Louie & and RC Central Surigao in attendance. Tisa Fernandez, Eddie Galvez, Ramon (The reason the goods were given to Garcia, Ric Gindap, Wilfred Gui, Butch

Kaunlaran-FEBRUARY 21, 2017 05 On Rotary’s 112th Founding Anniversary: February 23, 2017 By PRID Paing Hechanova

n the occasion of Rotary’s 112th So, in a board meeting that year, RI 1979 International Year of the Child by Founding Anniversary, allow me President Jack Davis suggested to the RI launching a worldwide effort for the to share this official version of Board that in the coming International immunization of children and adults. Ohow Rotary started to Serve Humanity as Convention, would it be appropriate for RI At the Convention, RI Jack Davis stated in the Rotary Foundation Book of to present a program to help children and asked President-Elect Clem Renouf of “Doing Good in the World.” end childhood diseases to commemorate Australia to present it. It was met with wild It seems that from 1951 when the Rotary’s 75th Anniversary, two years away, acclamation by the Rotarians. However, President’s annual themes were adopted in 1980. some Rotary leaders opposed it, but the by Rotary International, the themes had That evening, RI President-elect Clem passion and enthusiasm of President- no reference to Service for Humanity. Renouf thought about a program and elect Clem Renouf eventually won them In 1977-78, however, RI President presented it to RI President Jack Davis over. Jack Davis of Bermuda was impressed who approved it for presentation at the And so, the first 3H project in the on serving children from diseases as that Convention. world, a polio mass immunization of coming year was the Year of the Child. A Dr. The program at the Tokyo Convention children in the Philippines was scheduled Robert Hingson founder of the Brother’s called for speakers on hunger, health for September 30, 1979. That was the Brother Foundation, our partner in the and humanity and so, the proposed occasion when RI 1979-80 President Books across the Seas project, had an RI program was called the 3H (Health, James L. Bomar came to Manila to sign innovative tool to immunize children by a Hunger and Humanity). the MOU with the Philippine Government pressure gun that can inject hundreds of President Jack Davis emphasized and to launch the 3H Program worldwide. children in one hour, which he presented his theme of “Serve to Unite Mankind” Since then, more than 2.5 billion to RI President Jack Davis. He suggested declaring that Rotarians can and should children across the globe have been that Rotary work with his Foundation on feel a sense of responsibility and urgency spared from polio. childhood immunization. Under these for the well-being and hope of people Truly, a Gift to the World by Rotary circumstances, President Jack presented everywhere. He then announced that the Serving Humanity. a theme of “Service to Unite Mankind.” RI Board had agreed to commemorate PN Fred Pascual, PP Gigi Zulueta in the news

n last week’s meeting, PRID Paing Hechanova called attention to two columns in the Manila Bulletin that made mention of two RC Makati members--one, that of PDG Melito Salazar on PN Fred Pascual’s accomplishments as president of the University of the IPhilippines; the other, that of Bernie Villegas on the late PP Gigi Zulueta and his role in attracting companies abroad to come to the Philippines and in getting the Philippines to surpass India as the top BPO destination in the world. The torch is passed The largest foreign By Melito Salazar Jr. The Pascual administration worked on improving the finance Published February 12, 2017 exchange earner and administrative functions through By Bernardo M. Villegas ast Friday, Alfredo E. Pascual turned persuading the national government to Published February 12, 2017 over the presidency of the University provide substantial increases in funding of the Philippines (8 Constituent (P5.8 billion in 2011 to P13.5 billion in fter studying closely the IT-BPM LUniversities spread over 17 campuses) to 2017) and campaigned for donations sector over at least the last ten Danilo L. Concepcion. from alumni and friends for student years, I am not worried a bit that a scholarships, professorial chairs, and A The UP presidency is a daunting Trump presidency poses any danger to challenge for any administrator especially physical facilities while optimizing UP’s the sustainability of this sector that by for one who has not been part of the assets to augment income. At the start 2018 can be the largest foreign exchange academe on a fulltime basis. To his of his term, President Pascual took the earner for the Philippines, surpassing credit, President Alfredo E. Pascual has effort to review water and electricity bills the remittances from Filipino overseas steered UP towards becoming a great of the man campus –discovering that UP workers. In road shows to 12 US cities university, taking a leadership role in the was paying more for water unused, due to over a period of three years, I heard time development of a globally competitive leaks and busted pipes and old contracts and again from US business executives Philippines in the 21st century following that made UP pay more for higher that Philippine IT-BPM workers have the UP Strategic Plan 2011-2017. He capacities than actual consumption. This significantly helped them to compete in accomplished this by “creating an managerial approach led to efficiencies in the global market by bringing down the environment (anchored on operational other parts of the system. costs of business processing and shared excellence) within which our university Investments in infrastructure (100 services. constituents can flourish.” . . . to page 7 . . . to page 8

06 Kaunlaran-FEBRUARY 21, 2017 YOUNGS HOST MINI SOCIAL

pre-Valentine’s dinner? A belated celebrationA of their wedding anniversary (January 16)? Or of the Chinese new year? Whatever the occasion was, the mini social was a celebration of the enduring friendships that are the hallmark of Rotary fellowship, RC Makati brand. Such was the dinner hosted by PP Roland and Caling Young on February 9 at the Jade Garden Restaurant in Makati. It goes without saying that the food was rich and scrumptious, as a Chinese lauriat always is. It was good to see two ladies whom we have missed for some time—Lulu Katigbak, Ann of the late PP Nick Katigbak, who has made Vancouver home and comes a-visiting on occasion; and J’net Zulueta, who had Barcelon, PDG Pepito Bengzon and Mom Pizza Lou, Sue Ann Nolido, Ferdie and made herself scarce on the Rotary social Nellie, PP Freddie and Jo Borromeo Menchit Ordoveza, PP Tito and Sabrina circuit since she—and we—lost PP Gigi in ,PP Larry and Tere Boyer, Gani and Panlilio, PDG Tony and Angela Quila, PP early November. Teody Buenaflor, PP Cesar Campos, Carlo and Cat Rufino, Rodrigo and Marie Needless to say, everyone had a Chito and Vicky Cantada, PP Carlos del Segura, Dir. Philip and Mita Soliven, lovely time. Rosario, PE Jun and Cecille Dayrit, Li’l Terry Tambunting, IPP Eddie Yap, and The guests: PP Fidel Alfonso, PP Dpminguez, Jun and Lucy Enriquez, Jeanette Zulueta. Joe and Marilou Alejandro, Dir. Louie PDG Sid and Tesha Garcia, PRID Paing and Tess Aseoche, George and Irene Hechanova, Lulu Katigbak, Wash and

The torch is passed ...... from page 6 4-story dormitory from Phi Kappa Mu and faculty to teach, do research or creative Phi Lambda Delta; the theater at the UP work, and render public service; students new buildings, P9-billion total project Diliman College of Arts and Letters, from to learn and research, extension and costs, 50 renovation projects, P3 billion Eurotowers International, Inc.; the Public professional staff and administrative staff for new medical equipment for the Health Building in UP Manila, donated to provide support. Strengthening the Philippine General Hospital) was at an by the Zuellig family foundation; and UP interdisciplinary research, modernizing all-time high. More than P5 billion for Alabang (Innovation Campus), donated pedagogy, subjecting systems and infrastructure came from private donors – by Vista Land and Lifescapes. curricular programs to international UP Campus building The Pascuial administration’s assessments have led to academic from the SM Investment Corporation and greatest achievement was in nurturing excellence and a better quality of life for the Bases Conversion and Development an environment that “shapes minds that Filipinos. Corporation, augmented by individual UP shape the nation” implementing strategic Being a UP alumnus, I am proud alumni donors like Bob-Alingog, Nonoy initiatives to equip, support and motivate of the sterling service of UP President Quimbo and Manny Villar; UP Manila constituents to do what they do best – Alfredo Pascual.

Kaunlaran-FEBRUARY 21, 2017 07 Club kicks off values formation seminar for RCC Rotary Homes

he first of a four-part values formation Tseminar for members of the Club’s Rotary Community Corps at Rotary Homes in La Huerta, Paranaque City took place last Saturday, 11 February at the Rotary Homes Community Center. The RCC members are new homeowners in the Rotary Homes community, all of whom used to live as informal settlers on the banks of the Paranaque River. Their relocation was prompted by the desire of our District 3830, headed by PDG Sid Garcia, and the city government of Paranaque, then headed by Mayor Jun Bernabe, to revive to the creation of a good the polluted river while providing the community—enriching one’s relocated families with decent homes in a talents and virtues, acquiring decent and safe community. skills and values, sharing talents Conducting the seminar were Ann and values with neighbors, and Cecille Dayrit and Memey Mendoza, engaging in a livelihood that facilitator from the Community is suitable to one’s skills and Empowerment for Happy Helpers, with talents, preserves and protects PE Jun Jun Dayrit and RCC vice-chairman the environment instead of Manny Padiernos in attendance. harming it, that promotes It is significant that all 60 RCC respect for others, and helps members participated in the seminar, others in the community which centered on Concepts of Work sharpen their own talents and Ethics, including myths of ethical behavior skills. The next session, scheduled for and practical lessons in making ethical The seminar participants grouped February 25, will be on personal traits in decisions. themselves into six teams to discuss and the workplace and strengthening Filipino They were made to realize that having share their talents and skills, as well as traits and will be handled by a trainer from a home of their own is only the beginning their dreams about family, community John Robert Powers, courtesy of Dir. Dick and that certain values are essential and health. Upton.

The largest foreign ...... from page 6 English-speaking population. I can still was the comparison he presented of the vividly see the PowerPoint Presentation labor costs for English voice outsourcing. Helped especially by the late Jesus of Gigi describing the Philippine Talent Among the Tier 2 cities of the US the cost (Gigi) Zulueta, who founded ZMG-Ward Pool: More than 500,000 college graduates of a call center agent is $70,000 to 72,000 Howell and was the most prominent yearly; in accounting services alone, there annually compared to $15,000 to 16,000 in Filipino among the executive search CEOs is an addition of more than 7,000 CPAs Manila (and even lower in such second-tier in the ASEAN region — our team was able yearly; proficiency in English and ease of cities as Dumaguete, Iloilo, Baguio, etc.). to present incontrovertible data showing learning other languages because of the Only Delhi has a lower cost of $14,000 to that it would be counterproductive for multilingual culture of the Philippines; $15,000. These were figures from 2010 to any political leader in the US to prevent affinity with Western (especially US) 2012. Since inflation in the Philippines has US corporations from outsourcing culture that facilitates interaction with been very low over the last few years, the business processing and knowledge Western customers; highly trainable cost differentials would not have changed processing services to a country like the and cost-effective; and high level of significantly. Philippines with a young, growing, and commitment and loyalty. Very striking

08 Kaunlaran-FEBRUARY 21, 2017