President’s Column
by Pres. Manuel U. Along

Halloween has passed and December is just around the corner. Before we know it, the Christmas holidays will be upon us. But, before we immersed ourselves in the holiday spirit, there is something we need to pay close attention to. It is something that needs to be given a serious thought. I am talking about the coming election of our club’s officers for the RY 2010-2011.

The elections will be before the middle of December, but the nominations will be done before the end of November. The nominating committee, composed of three past presidents, will ask the members to nominate those (may include himself) who they think should become officers of the club. After that process, it is the job of the committee to ask those who were nominated if they are willing to serve as officers for the said term. If the response is affirmative, their names are then submitted, on election day, as candidates for elective positions in the club.

I would like to make a friendly reminder to those who will agree to become officers of the club. Your consent implies that you are willing to give time and effort in carrying out your duties in the office you were elected to. It is expected that you have given it enough consideration and have concluded that you have room for service to the club in your work schedule. Of course, we know that in case of conflicts in schedule, your job or livelihood  will be your priority. That being the case, one should not take lightly the oath of office you swear to at the beginning of your term.

In conclusion, may I encourage all of you to open up yourselves for possible service as officers of our club. I am sure you will find it both rewarding and enriching. It is not farfetched that you might also find it enjoyable, as I did enjoy the Interplast project. Service is the essence of Rotary. Welcome the opportunity to serve your community and your club.

Before I end this column, may I again ask everyone to help in the recruitment of new members. Let us share the opportunity of service with others who are qualified to be Rotarians. Increasing our membership means we can undertake more or bigger projects that will have a good impact in our community. It will give us more manpower and resources to undertake those projects. So, do your share. Those who have not brought in recruits, time to do so now. Those who have already sponsored new members, do not stop there. Recruit some more, especially the quality ones.

Other activities coming up this month are the Cala-cala water project, work place tour of ABS-CBN, and a “Fantasy” costume fellowship. Join us and participate in all those activities. We are sure you will have an enjoyable and fun time. See you all then!