“Take advantage of being Rotaractors. Look at the opportunities being presented to you. Grab and learn from these. Give back in terms of service and fellowship, in terms of developing your character and integrity, and in terms of retaining our Rotary Values”.
These were words from the ever-inspiring PDG Joe Jay “Jude” Doctora, a former chair of the Philippine College of Rotary Governors, once said. And that’s exactly what happened at the new Rotary Year’s annual District Training Assembly (DISTAS) and Presidents Elects and Secretaries Elects Training Seminar (PESETS).
This was my second DISTAS as a Rotaractor, but it was also my first face-to-face Rotaract event, my first travel after the pandemic for 2-3 years, and my first time attending an event with 100+ participants since the pandemic, among many other reasons why DISTAS 2022 was so significant to me. The previous DISTAS 2021 was held online, and that statement alone indicates a significant contrast between this year’s DISTAS and the previous one. This yearly conference of Rotaractors and Rotarians took place in General Santos City, South Cotabato, Mindanao, on the 14th and 15th of May 2022. And because it took place on a weekend with no school or work, everyone was able to make the most of the occasion.
At the East Asia Royale Hotel, Rotaract Clubs from Agusan, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Koronadal, Samar-Leyte, Surigao, and Tagum learned how to be great leaders for the Imaginative Year. This was accomplished through general and breakout sessions led by outstanding officers who shared their expertise gained through years of experience. Shevee Resolado, District Rotaract Representative-Elect (DRR-Elect), gave a presentation on the DRR’s Thrust and District Goals, which were objectives that each Rotaract club should strive for in the coming Rotary year. Alstair Rey Tecarro Jr., Chair-Elect of the Multi-District Information Organization (MDIO), led the second session on Elevate Rotaract.
He spoke about Elevate Rotaract’s accomplishments and what has been done to dramatically improve the quality of Rotaract Clubs, as well as the removal of the upper age limit, annual dues to expand service, and other subjects. Following the general sessions, we were split into three groups: (1) presidents-elect, (2) secretaries-elect, and (3) community service project and public image training. Each of us talked about the most important aspects of our jobs and what we need to do to fulfill our responsibilities.
“The President-Elects, Secretary-Elects, and other officers of the different clubs of District 3860 in their respective breakout sessions.”
The most exciting part of the night began after each breakout session ended: fellowship, with the theme “United in Diversity.” Every Rotaractor dressed to the nines in their Great Gatsby attire, and some even received major awards such as Headturner of the Night and Best Dressed.
Rotaractors at the East Asia Royale Hotel on the night of the Fellowship
Performers took to the stage and amazed us with their greatest moves, but this was far from the only program of the evening that captivated the audience. Mary Anne Alcordo-Solomon, Past District Governor (PDG), graced us with her online presence, presenting us all with a renewed sense of energy with her inspirational speech. President Jennifer Jones, an outstanding individual herself, greeted the District 3860 Rotaractors and applauded us coming together for insights and camaraderie. The induction of the District Officers was the next most exciting portion of the night, with the Charging led by District Rotaract Chair Marilyn Puno and the Induction itself conducted by District Governor (DG) Lilu Alino. The district officers’ term as the Imaginative team has finally begun, helping numerous Rotaract clubs to their utmost potential.
Following that, DISCON Chair Kenneth Banluta announced Panagtagbo: District Conference 2022, surprising us all by announcing an extension of early registration, allowing us to ‘breathe’ before joining another series of instructional lectures and enjoyable fellowships. Following this declaration, Rotaractors from several councils put on a series of heartbreaking, funny, and stunning performances. The General Santos council, with their piano-saxophone combination of romantic tunes, came out on top among the presenters. DRR Shevee Resolado then expressed her gratitude with a thank-you note, but the program is far from over. The fellowship continued throughout the night with the invited DJs as we made friends and relationships with other Rotaractors from District 3860.
However, for a full cultural immersion in General Santos, we went to the Tuna Capital’s fish port on the second day of our PESETS-DISTAS 2022 trip. Tunas, all enormous and heavy, were placed on the tables, and we were also given the opportunity to take a tour of the harbor, which was lined with vessels of all kinds and sizes employed to catch these large fish. We returned to the hotel after our excursion to attend the final general session. Enrique Andres, Past President (PP) and Deputy End Polio Now Coordinator for Zone 10A, presented an inspiring statement on how close we are to eradicating polio. He advised us to remain steadfast in our fight against this contagious disease and to combine our resources to support this worthwhile cause. It was an invitation for Rotaract clubs to champion this important campaign and do our best to respond. The concluding remark and adjournment of the PESETS-DISTAS 2022 event in the hotel was delivered by DRR Shevee Resolado.
We went to notable City landmarks, such as Mama El’s Pastil and its delectable menu, and participated in a community service initiative with students from San Jose Elementary School. Throughout our activity, we engaged with the students and met with the teachers who have painstakingly taught them from the beginning of the school year. Despite the COVID-19 circumstances, they were provided educational materials to help them maintain their motivation to finish their studies. All of the activities we did during that time, notably the community service done in San Jose Elementary School, emphasized fellowship through service. It was the first time since the pandemic that I had the opportunity to do so, and it was an entirely other type of delight. I’m confident that everyone present felt the same way, which is why we all had the greatest fun doing the community service.
The night was filled with fellowship as we ate together at the GenSan night market, as it does with any Rotaract engagement. This particular event was actually the first time I had gone almost two days without sleeping, and it took a toll on me throughout the second day of the event, particularly and vividly during the night. However, as we always repeat throughout the entire two-days: “What Happens in GenSan, Stays in GenSan”! But despite such, the two-day event demonstrated true fellowship through service, as well as service above and beyond one’s self, with numerous Rotaractors volunteering to do this and that, and most importantly, it was a huge step forward in elevating Rotaract and redefining standards of imaginative leadership.
Nothing, obviously, can compete with the envisage face-to-face conversations within I’ve already made a lot of friends and connections inside the Cebu Council and other councils in the district, and we even got to speak with our District Governor-Elect, Ms. Lilu Alino, in just those two days. To be honest, I didn’t realize she was the DG-elect until we were to the location in GenSan; prior to that, I assumed she was just another adviser, officer, or Rotarian in attendance. A lot has definitely happened within those two days. But I can tell you that it’s because of District 3860 as a whole, like the participants, officers, working committees, and everyone else who contributed to making the event not only a success and a hit, but also a really engaging, enjoyable experience.
And that’s only the beginning of the many events I and everyone else would be experiencing or having for this new Imaginative Rotary Year.
