In nature, growth does not happen in isolation. Trees flourish because of the soil that nourishes them, the roots that anchor them, and the ecosystem that sustains life over time, for District Governor Atty. Marlowe C. Selecios, Rotary functions much the same way—a living ecosystem where leaders are formed, values are cultivated, and service becomes a way of life.
A lawyer by profession and a Rotarian by heart, DG Marlowe has spent almost two decades growing within this ecosystem. He joined the Rotary Club of Metro Valencia in 2006 and rose to become Club President in 2009–2010, earning both the Club Leadership Award and the RI Presidential Citation. Since then, he has served the District in various capacities—from Assistant Governor and District Rotaract Chairman to Conference Chair of the highly successful “Saulog!” District Conference in 2017—each role strengthening the network of leadership around him.
Asked what keeps him rooted in Rotary, DG Marlowe pointed to values that continue to matter in a changing world. “Rotary allows us to showcase the best of the Filipino character,” he said. “At a time when trust in public institutions appears to be deteriorating, we can still tell our youth that there are people who give without counting the cost, who serve above self. We call them Rotarians.” In this ecosystem, integrity and service are not ideals on paper—they are daily practices.
For Rotaractors growing within this environment, DG Marlowe believes innovation is essential. “Rotarians should be unafraid to innovate, to engage, to reinvent, to try new things,” he said, “while maintaining timeless values like integrity, volunteerism, and servant leadership.” Like any healthy ecosystem, Rotary must adapt to survive, drawing energy from younger leaders who understand new tools, technologies, and forms of engagement.
This interdependence defines the Rotary–Rotaract relationship. DG Marlowe emphasized that Rotaractors are not “leaders in waiting” but leaders of today. “They are changing lives now, impacting others, transforming lives at present,” he said. Recognizing this reality strengthens cooperation, allowing Rotarians and Rotaractors to co-create projects that are relevant, creative, and responsive—whether through technology, arts, sports, or social media-driven service.
Growth, however, also requires expansion. DG Marlowe encouraged Rotaract Clubs to widen their roots by partnering with Jaycees, SKs, clubs from other districts, and even international organizations. He challenged Rotaractors to think boldly—venturing into District and Global Grants, and taking ownership of larger-scale initiatives that extend Rotary’s reach.
On giving to The Rotary Foundation and End Polio, he offered a practical approach suited to young professionals still finding their footing. Allocating a percentage of fundraising proceeds, rather than relying on personal contributions, allows Rotaractors to participate meaningfully without strain—proving that generosity can be built into systems, not just individuals.
DG Marlowe believes leadership is sustained not by instruction, but by example. “Be the Sermon,” he said. “Rotaractors will become Rotarians if they see leaders who are engaging, honest, sincere, committed—and fun.” In a thriving ecosystem, the strongest influence is what is consistently modeled.
As he addressed young leaders beginning their Rotary journey, his message echoed like a steady rhythm: “Stay. Learn. Get involved. Lead. Transform one life.” In time, he promised, Rotary offers something enduring—joy, purpose, and fulfillment.
Like a living ecosystem, Rotary grows those who remain within it. And for those willing to take root, it does not merely shape leaders—it sustains them.
