“A nation’s culture dwells in the hearts and souls of its people,” acclaimed Mahatma Gandhi once said. True, the world’s beauty resides in its people’s diversity, and society, even when faultless, would be little more like a jungle without culture as well as the relative freedom it entails. This is why each genuine creation is a gift to succeeding generations. Distrito 3860 is unmistakably such.
District 3860 is made up of Rotary Clubs spread over the Visayas and Mindanao islands. It is a multi-cultural and festive district. Owing to the aforementioned statement, on the 25th and 26th of September, the PISTA sa Distrito 3860: Professional Identity and Strategic Training Assembly, or the Distas 2021, two fun-filled days loaded with various learnings and new experiences took place. Rotaractors were given the chance to gain information and skills, increase international understanding, enhance professional growth, and establish better networks at this annual meeting of young leaders. In addition, this project focuses on preparing and connecting all Rotaract Clubs in District 3860 in order to promote more sustainable projects, stronger clubs, and a better district for Rotary Year 2021-2022.
Given the ongoing pandemic’s challenges, the Pista sa Distrito 3860 festivities were held in accordance with COVID-19 pandemic standards, thus its virtual aspect, which was streamed live on Facebook and conducted using Zoom. The festival drew a total of 422 individuals from the councils of General Santos, Cebu, Bohol, Koronadal, Davao, Leyte & Samar, Agusan, and Surigao.
On day one, Rotaractors were welcomed by Past District Rotaract Representative Alstair Tecarro, Jr., who is the Chairperson of DISTAS 2021. District Governor Anna Louisa Bumagat then delivered a heartfelt address to the attendees, encouraging them to always put people first, and to remember service above self. A few of the highlights of the event was our guest plenary speaker, Atty. Lolita “Ging” Lomanta, the Youth Protection Officer of Rotary International District 3860, who spoke on the many different Rotaract Protocols. An open forum headed by ADDR Almar Dela Cerna of the Agusan Council was being conducted right after the first plenary speaker.
Following the keynote address, the program shifted to one of the main events, the breakout sessions, which featured respected guest speakers discussing a variety of topics including Building Community and Leadership During the Global Pandemic, Technical Writing Workshop, Financial Management, and Creating Sustainable Projects During the Global Pandemic. These breakout room sessions serve as basic reminders to those now in office to continue to set a positive example for coming generations who will be representing and leading the club, or rather the district, in the not-too-distant future.
Every council has its own festivals, which are held at certain times throughout the year to commemorate its customs, religions, traditions, or histories. The Festival Icons and the Battle of Festivals took place later on that night at 7:00 PM. Rotaractors promote and bring pride to their corresponding Councils, as well as actively engage in a jaw-dropping presentation of creative expression, talent, and music.
The announcement of awards goes as follows: Bohol Council is the second runner up in the Best Festival Costume Category, Davao Council is the first runner up, and Koronadal Council is the Best Festival Costume winner. The winners earned cash awards ranging from 1,000 pesos for the second runner-up to 2,000 pesos for the first runner-up to 3,000 pesos for the winner. The Davao Council is the winner of the Best Video Presentation or Video Introduction.
The Best Festival Icons were the second set of prizes to be given out. The Agusan Council came in third place, the Koronadal Council came in second, and the Davao Council took home the crown. The Leyte and Samar Council, however, has captured the hearts of many and received the most votes on Facebook or in the People’s Choice Awards, with a total of 1,200 likes.
Progressing on to the Battle of the Festivals or Fiestas, the People’s Choice Awardee, the Leyte & Samar Council, took second place, the Davao Council took first, and the Grand Champion and reigning Champion of this year’s Battle of Festivals is the Koronadal Council, which also won the competition last year. Alyzza from Koronadal Council, Marcy Bernandez from Agusan Council, and Addr. Kris Acerro from Bohol Council competed for the best face mask and face shield festive design, with three fan favorites: Alyzza from Koronadal Council, Marcy Bernandez from Agusan Council, and Addr. Kris Acerro from Bohol Council.
When the Online E-Numan and Game Night started, the heated competition between the councils began to subside. A Concert for the Rotary Foundation also took place, with donations from all participants and our sponsors and splendid performances from Rotaractors and Special Guests like Jason Gil, and the first part of the event came to a close.
The second day of the seminar commenced with District Rotaract Chair Marilyn Puno giving a rousing welcoming address to the Day 2 participants. This was succeeded by plenaries about The Rotary Foundation, that was talked about by Lilu Alino who is the District Governor Elect, and then followed by Rotaract Empowerment: Strengthening Rotaract & Rotary Relationship by Chock Encabo the District Rotaract Chair. Lastly, Women Empowerment, which was given by Past District Governor Lina Aurelio who is the Ambassador for Empowering Girls in the Rotary International Zone 10A.
An open forum followed thereafter and online certificates were being given out to these wonderful speakers, followed by the Adjournment of this educational yet fun Distas 2021 or Pista sa Distrito 3860, and everyone enjoyed a picture opportunity and fellowship sponsored by the Rotaract Club of Cebu North at the University of the Philippines in Cebu. All Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Club Members from all around Visayas and Mindanao would like to express their gratitude to the organizers of this outstanding seminar, as well as the sponsors and those who helped make it possible.
They all had a great time and learnt a lot over the two-day seminar, and they’re all looking forward to the next Pista sa Distrito 3860, which will hopefully be held in person. Without their participation and cooperation, the event would not have been as spectacular. Rotaractors, till next time, and Mabuhay kitang tanan!
