More rotary projects up for Siquijor with new prexy

By: Rizalie A. Calibo & Eda Lou T. Manigo

SIQUIJOR, July 6 (PIA) ---- More rotary projects are expected in the province with the election of the new president of the Rotary Club of Siquijor Island (RCSI).  

The RCSI recently “passed the bell” of leadership from Ken Saito to the new Rotary President David Lear at the annual officer induction ceremony at the Danish Lagoon Luxury Beach Resort and Steakhouse recently.

Lear who once served as the Club’s World Community Service Chair was instrumental in linking other Rotary clubs in the Philippines and the world to raise funds for projects to help schools and children in some marginalized communities in Siquijor.

Lear, in his acceptance message said that there will be new projects as well as the continuation of other existing ones.

During his administration he said he will install water and sanitary facilities to the 26 identified schools in Siquijor.

He will also continue to supply text books through the Books Across the Seas (BATS) program in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Parañaque and the Provincial Government.

Continue feeding impoverished senior citizens through Meals on Wheels; support for the special children specifically the acquisition of Braille books for the blind children; and the second round of dental mission for the school kids in November this year, Lear added.

   

Funds for the projects will be sourced out from other rich and well-off Rotary clubs from other countries where each individual Rotarian member came from and fund raising efforts like the Bingo Social, Lear explained.

       

He said there will also be two matching grants coming up this year which are $15,000 each intended to purchase computers where students and teachers can have free hands-on training or exercises so they can keep up with the Internet age or, at least, learn some basic computer skills. 

“The rest of it will be used to fund some projects for the disadvantaged children and the elderly”, he said.

       

Lear cited the escalating population as the biggest problem in Siquijor which results to unemployment and lack of chances for the people for an improved life.

“This island should give its people big opportunities,” he said.

Lear also said he is hoping that everybody in the Club gets involved in order to accomplish a number of things during his time as president.

He said a “small but committed” group of people counts more than a large group but with indifferent members in it. 

       

He also urged businessmen in the community to join Rotary because one of the joys of being a Rotarian is being able to be of help and service to others.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders committed to providing humanitarian service, high ethical standards in business, and creating global goodwill. 

As the world's first service organization, Rotary since 1905 has been helping those in need and uniting people throughout the world. (PIA-Siquijor/RACalibo/Eda Lou T. Manigo)