Dear Delegates and friends,
Welcome to the 2019 Manila Rotary Institute!
This is actually an early welcome, since the 2019 Institute will yet be taking place on November 29 to December 1 2019 in Marriott Grand Ballroom Resortsworld Complex, Pasay City, Philippines.
Those of us who have attended a Zone Institute in the past know what an institute is and what to expect. Those who have not would probably by wondering what it is and what good a Rotarian would get from attending it.
The Zone Institute is an annual event that brings together past, present and future district governors and senior leaders from one or more zones, to share information, exchange ideas about Rotary International (RI) and The Rotary Foundation (TRF), and build new connections and fortify old ones.
The last one we hosted was in 2015 and that was 4 years ago.
The 2019 institute will bring together past, present and future presidents and directors of RI, trustees of TRF, regional leaders, as well as future district governors from Zones 1B, 9 and 10. The Philippines falls under Zone 10A.This year’s program will consist of plenary sessions where outstanding speakers will talk about RI and TRF programs, and workshops on best practices in the six areas of focus, updates on membership growth.
By happy coincidence, 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the polio program that started with an immunization project in Makati in 1979 and grew into a global initiative to eradicate polio in the world. We shall be celebrating Rotary’s success in getting rid of the disease in every country except two—Nigeria and Afghanistan. This will be a special highlight of the institute.
And as in all Rotary functions, the institute offers Rotarians a rich chance not only to learn from each other but to make friends and forge relationships. Each friendship, each relationship constitutes a link that will contribute to reinforcing the strength of Rotary and affirming its chance to be able to carry on with its mission of service for another hundred years.
For Philippine Rotarians, this is our chance to put our best foot forward, to share our Rotary ideas and achievements, and showcase the hospitality that Filipinos are known for the world over.
Again our warm welcome to all the delegates and guests of the 2019 Manila Rotary Institute!
Yours in Rotary,
