October is Vocational Service Month. Vocational Service is an avenue which supports the application of the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations. Inherent in the vocational Service ideal are:

• Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including faithfulness and fidelity to employers, employees and associates, and fair treatment of them and competitors, the public and all those with whom one has any business or professional relationships
• The recognition of the worthiness to society of all useful occupations, not just one’s own or those pursued by Rotarians
• The contribution of one’s vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.

At the start of the year the Vocational Service Committee chaired by Director Felix Gurrea and its members had come out of the following Plans and Objectives:

• All RCMI members display the Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions in their work place.
• Conduct a Career Counseling or Vocational Training Program in their community
• Conduct a Program to Recognize High Ethical Standards and Public Values in the community
• Promote the 4-Way Test in three educational institutions: Colegio de San Jose, Westbridge and West Visayas State University
• Sponsor a Career Day in which RCMI members bring young people to their places of business to inform them of career opportunities
• More than 50% of club members are active in Vocational Service Projects and activities(??!!!)

Other than giving out posters on the Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions to the club members in the previous year/s, we still have to implement the above plans. Implementing all of the above plans this month will give it more significance as October is Vocational Service Month. With the support of the 50% or more of the club members, we will be able to do it.

The Launching of the HIV AWARENESS FORUM at Mandurriao National High School was a success. The facts and local/ regional/national statistics on HIV/AIDS were interesting, informative even fascinating. I believe that what one will learn will come very handy most especially for all our hyper active members when the need arises. After the launching at MNHS, Director Pepe and myself went with PP Ray to a local call center for a mini forum and free HIV testing for their associates. This community service project is ongoing and will cover other high schools and institutions. We need your support either by participating or by way of funding the snacks for the participants.