We have finally completed the first phase of evaluating the twenty barangay day care centers/workers in the district of Mandurriao. After tabulating the results we will be left with fifteen DCWs and after the second phase, we will have the ten DCW finalists. Going around the various day care centers was quite an experience and at times difficult to remain objective, from hearing the various stories of the interviewed DCWs.

I am aware of the busy schedules of our members and to find time to visit the twenty day care centers takes a big bundle of commitment and dedication to exemplify Rotary’s purpose for the community. In this regard I would like to cite the following Rotarians who walked the walk and not just talked the talk: VP Margs Morano, Sec Toto T, PE Philip Co, Dir Darrel Balogo, Dir Paul Yap and Dir Felix Gurrea. Your going out of your ways to support this project is highly appreciated. We will have the second phase of the evaluation in January 2012 with five DCCs less. I hope that some members will step up to support this project of the Vocational Service Committee.

The devastation left by TS Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan is all over the news. It left hundreds of people mostly children dead, thousands homeless and compounding the problem is the scarcity of food and water. A PP Ferdie Medina of RC Metro Cagayan de Oro texted PP Kano Ng asking help/aid for the flood victims and survivors. I also received a text message from PP Elmer Francisco asking for the same. As Rotarians, or even as a people who share the agony and misfortune of other people, I would like to elicit suggestions from the body on how we will help.

After this meeting we will be going to WVMC’s Pediatric Ward to bring joy and cheer in the spirit of Christmas by giving presents to the children confined there in. A budget of Php 10,000.00 was unanimously approved by the board in its special meeting last Tuesday. A packed bag of goodies that was a little over our budget was decided on by PE Philip. He volunteered to assume the balance. Thanks PE Philip!! Again I am encouraging our members to participate in this activity, to help in the giving of gifts and make a sick child’s Christmas memorable and merry.