One does not simply start up a Rotaract club from scratch. To do so requires a lot of commitment from its founding members and the drive to see it through—not to mention, the backlog of official documents to process. There are numerous clubs which have been established recently, so it’s not exactly rare. Yet one club from the city of Bacolod managed to do so while also setting a historic record in the Philippines: The Rotaract Club of Granada.
Chartered last April 2021, the Club sprung from the vision of its Charter President Michael Uhlmann, alongside its other founding members including its Finance Officer Eljhone Esquilla and Professional Service Chair Rydross Viva. With the support of everyone in District 3850, the Club was officially formed. Their mission is to provide equal opportunities for both its members and its beneficiaries, aiming for the success of all in both professional and Club endeavors. Transparency, honesty, integrity, and inclusivity are the foundational values in RAC Granada and its members are proud of exemplifying it in their work.
On its charter date, the Club found its way into the large history book of Rotaract Clubs in the Philippines. It became the first ever Rotaract Club in the country to have no sponsoring Club. No doubt it has its fair share of challenges. A Rotaract Club without sponsorship is like a child without a parent: it is tested to be more independent, and initial resources are limited. It relies primarily on its own two feet; in this case, it is the passion of its members, and the diverse skill sets which they contribute.
Nevertheless, like a classic story of how those who do good are favored by the Author, the Club found more support from its proverbial fairy godparents: Transform District Governor Louie Gonzaga, club adviser Transform DRR Richard Jeric Chua, co-adviser Transform President Mina Retita, and its community partners, which include the Rotary Club of Marapara, Tuhl Enterprise, and EJ&K Printing Services.
One might wonder how a newly-minted Rotaract Club, without a sponsoring Club, could keep on walking on its hind legs. However, with the contributions of such generous partners, and with the will and determination of its members, the Rotaract Club of Granada has not only started walking but is on its way to wander about the world of Rotary in service and in action. It just goes to show that, even with no sponsorship, the Club continues to thrive in attaining its mission, blessed with lots of support.
