In his speech, Lt. Gen. Dolorfino from the military point of view, describe our society in relation to promote its peace and development as a task “Trinity” which involves the participation of the government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the people. The role of the AFP he pointed out, is to protect the people, uphold the sovereignty of the state and defend its territorial integrity. The traditional military role is war fighting and to combat internal security problem.
The Wesmin command chief, conceptualized the nature of internal security problem in the like and image of a tree. In the fight against internal security brought about by insurgency, rebellion, terroristic acts and other atrocities, the approach has been focused on cutting or trimming down the twigs and branches of this tree the object of which is to solve this nagging problem.
Apparently, the approach has not been so successful and there must be somewhere, somehow or something wrong. The war in Mindanao has been here for almost three decades, he aptly said. That tree referring to internal security problem continues to grow because the major trunk or main roots have not been cut or eliminated.
In the internal conflict in Mindanao there are dynamics which the 3-star general, not known to all sundry, a licensed commercial pilot, categorized into six parameters, as follows, the military, socio-economic, cultural, environmental and informational.
He stressed that a well-informed citizenry on these dynamics makes the difference and useful citizenry. The different local government units play important role in promoting peace, development and security. The LGU for that matter must link hands of participative governance and serves as the united front in promoting peace and development. Its major role is to provide leadership in orchestrating multi-dimensional programs, projects and activities that would promote peace, development and security to their constituents.
My fellow Rotarians:
There are many service organizations in the world today, but none so old or so successful as Rotary. There are many reasons for that, and Vocational Service is one of them. This year, I wish you to place a special emphasis on Vocational Service, which is sometimes the forgotten Avenue of Service in Rotary.
High ethical standards in business and personal life are still as important today as they were in 1905. Indeed, many of the problems our world is facing today have been caused by the failure to observe such standards in business affairs.
Vocational Service, in Rotary, means that we are committed to honest business and unassailable ethics, and that we are equally committed to using our vocational skills and advantages to help others. The idea is simple enough – but it is unique to Rotary.
Many service organizations are open to anyone who wishes to join. That has never been the case in Rotary. Rotarians only seek out as members those who are qualified – those who have the character, the ability, and the resolve to make a real contribution to their club.
I have long believed that the bedrock of Rotary is our commitment to ethical behavior. It has been putting what’s right above what’s convenient – and Service Above Self – that has made Rotary different from the rest. That is why we must always remember that whatever we do, we are each the public face of Rotary. We are each the standard-bearers of our organization. What one member does, for good or for ill, reflects on all of us.
So much of what we’ve achieved as an organization has come about because of the trust the world has in Rotary and in Rotarians. That trust has been a major part of our success in polio eradication – the fact that we are known in every community, and known to be people of goodwill and good hearts.
If we wish to see our organization grow and prosper, we must keep Vocational Service front and center in our minds and actions. We must seek out skilled and determined men and women of character. We must do what is right, even when it is inconvenient. And we must always, always, put Service Above Self.
John Kenny
President, Rotary International
December 2008
Dear fellow Rotarians,
As a father of four and grandfather of five, I have been fortunate to have spent many years in the company of children. When raising our own children, my wife, Young, and I worked hard to give them what all children need most: a loving, safe, and stable home. Our children were our first priority, and we made sure that they always had nutritious food, appropriate clothing, quality medical care, and a good education. We knew very well how fortunate we were to be able to do this. We were grateful that we never had to say to our children, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing to eat tonight,” or “I’m sorry, but we can’t pay your school fees.”
When I was a child, Korea was a poor country, and there were many children who went to bed hungry at night and had no school to go to in the morning. As a Rotarian, I know only too well that there are still far too many children in the world without the absolute essentials: food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and education. And as a Rotarian who is also a father, I consider all of the world’s children to be my responsibility.
When I see my own grandchildren – happy, healthy, and enrolled in good schools – I cannot help but think of the millions of children who do not have so many advantages. I think of the children who have too little to eat and only dirty water to drink. I think of the children who are sick with diseases that could have been prevented and those who will have nowhere safe to sleep tonight. And I think of the children, millions of them every year, who won’t live to see their fifth birthday.
December is Family Month. It is a time to focus on our families, to involve them in our Rotary service, and to challenge ourselves to do even more for those in need. Because there are so many families and so many children waiting for our help, we, as Rotarians, cannot look away. We cannot and will not rest until all children, everywhere, have the chance for a long and healthy life. We will not rest until we Make Dreams Real for every child in every home where there is hunger, sickness, and want. As Rotarians, we can do no less.
Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee
President, Rotary International
The Rotary Club of Basilan celebrated The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Month by inviting DGN James “Mcgyver” Makasiar as Guest of Honor to its regular weekly meeting held last November 25, 2008 at the JJ Twins Pavillion,
Masters of Ceremony PP Dave Pamaran
Rtn James Buckly introducing our Guest of Honor
DGN James "Mcgyver" Makasiar giving his Message
DGN James Makasiar presenting the PHF Certificate to PP Danilo Bucoy
Pinning of PHF Sustaining Members
Induction of New Members by President Ray Lintag
Arnulfo Dans - GS Public Service
President Ray Lintag giving his response and closing remarks
