Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro uses May 27 holiday to align goals, empower incoming leaders.
BY: MER SUDARIA
Editorial Consultant
KUMAYKAY, DAHILAYAN, MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON— With the cool mountain air of Dahilayan as backdrop, members of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro has set aside the holiday May 27, 2026, not for rest, but for planning the year ahead.
The club’s 78th Club Planning Session, themed _“Create Lasting Impact,”_ brings together members, incoming officers, and advisers at the residence of PN Nilo Ampit in Kumaykay for an afternoon of strategy, training, and fellowship.
“It’s more than a meeting,” said incoming President Noel Dajao. “It’s about making sure every member knows their role and leaves with a clear plan to serve.”
The day begins early, with carpools meeting at McDonald’s LKK in Cagayan de Oro City between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. After lunch at Dahilayan at 1:00 PM, the formal program starts at 2:00 PM and runs until 6:00 PM.
Building stronger leaders and programs
The session opens with a welcome from Dir. Armen Malawani and PE Noel Dajao, followed by a talk on _Rethinking Club Service_ by PDG John Mark Sarraga. A key segment is the Officers Bearers Course, where incoming officers will walk through their duties and responsibilities.
Incoming President Noel Dajao covers the role of the president.
For incoming Adviser PP Chito Sarraga, the training is crucial for continuity. “New board members need to understand not just what to do, but why we do it the Rotary way.”
After a short break, members will break into a planning workshop led by Pres. Dajao and Sec. Gochoco. Directors and project chairs will then present plans and programs for the year, covering eight areas: Club Administration, Public Image, Youth Service, Community Service Projects, Global/District Grants, TRF and Polio Plus Fund, Membership Recruitment and Retention, and other matters.
The session was closed with updates on by-laws review and fund-raising strategies, followed by an open forum and fellowship.
A holiday for service
With May 27 declared a non-working holiday, the club saw it as an opportunity to gather without the usual time constraints. “We want to maximize this day so that when the Rotary year starts, we hit the ground running,” said Secretary Jairus Gochoco.
All RCCDO members are invited, with priority attendance requested for the incoming Board of Directors and Advisers for 2026-2027.
As the club prepares for the new Rotary year, the message from leadership is clear: planning today means stronger service tomorrow.
