SIXTY-EIGHT years ago on, on the 5th of November 1949, Pampanga's premiere socio-civic organization the Rotary Club of San Fernando (P) came to being. Its benevolent mother is the Rotary Club of Tarlac, which sponsored its charter, and its daughters are the equally vibrant Rotary Clubs of Angeles, Bataan, Balanga, Guagua, Eastern Pampanga, Southern Pampanga, and Dolores.
To say that RCSFP is a historic club is a mere understatement, as this organization continues to actively take part in writing history in its hometown and blazing new trails which change the landscape of the City, and beyond. Its roster of past members and officers, from the Charter President Andres Guanzon to the current president Engr. Ferdinand Caylao, is a veritable who's who of Kapampangan leaders, movers, and shakers.
More than being the hub of top professionals and business leaders, the admirable truth about RCSFP is its commitment to service above self. In addition to the regular projects of the club, its members volunteer in city affairs that strengthen public and private partnership, whether it be in the Multi Sectoral Governance Council, Alay Lakad Foundation, or the famed Giant Lantern Festival, at the helm of which are tried and tested Rotarian leaders.
Beyond the serious formalities of Rotary business, RCSFP is one of the clubs I have personally witnessed that imbibes a deep sense of pride of place and patriotism, paying homage to its Kapampangan roots. A RCSFP is not complete without the hearty and heartfelt singing of the Imno ning Kapampangan, in the trademark RCSFP way, and their version of the Four - Way Test sang out in Kapampangan, too. In more than 10 clubs which I visited in Central Florida as a Rotary Group Study Exchange participant, nothing compares to this.
As a former RCSFP Youth Official, one of my earliest exposures to leadership I owe to this great organization some 20 years ago through the Youth Week program which continues to date. My job has given me the opportunity to serve under Rotarian leaders too, former Congressman Oca Rodriguez, City Mayor Edwin Santiago, and Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin.
Through the years I have had the privilege to work with Rotarian leaders who continue to inspire us with their spirit of volunteerism. I remember with great fondness today RCSFP stalwarts who have gone ahead of us, Tatang Popong Ramos and Tatang Dave Jimenez.
RCSFP is an integral part of our city's intangible heritage as an organization. Hats off to all my RCSFP friends, relatives, colleagues, and bosses. May RCSFP's star continue to shine brightly, today and always! Congratulations and kudos to the Rotary Club of San Fernando (P)! Luid!