By JOEL CALAMBA ESCOL, Managing Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Hundreds of leaders from different Rotary clubs in Mindanao successfully attended a training seminar dubbed as PETS – Presidents Elect Training Seminar.
No less than District Governor-elect (DGE) Gilda “Gigi” Go convened the training seminar purposely to prepare the new leadership of Rotary District 3870 for a bigger challenge in leading the district for Rotary Year 2023-2024.
The PETS held at Chali Beach Resort in Cugman, this city, on April 14, 2023, was attended by 37 presidents-elect from District 3870 and 18 assistant district governors also from the same Rotary District. It was also attended by one President-elect (PE) and one assistant governor (AG) from District 3860.
Also present during the training were district officers from 46 clubs, making the whole day activity a very exciting learning experience especially for new leaders of the prestigious international organization.
The sessions were designed to prepare incoming club presidents for their leadership role in Rotary. Members of the District Learning Team with particular expertise in the specific content areas spoke at the sessions.
Topics discussed during the PETS were as follows:
• Purpose of the Seminar and Rotary’s Action Plan – PDG Fe “Bing” Juarez, District Trainer
• District Strategic Plan and District Goals – CP Kristin “Batin” Ravanera of RC CDO Premier
• Planning Your Year Ahead and Developing Goals – PP Ruth “Ching” Ignacio of RC Malaybalay
• Getting Acquainted with the Rotary Club Central: The Digital Hub for Tracking Club Performance – Rtn Stephanie Caragos of RC Cagayan de Oro East Urban
• Knowing Your Resources/The Rotary Learning Center – Rtn Maria Christina Concepcion of the Rotary Club of Kalayaan Cagayan de Oro
• Strengthening Your Membership/Engaging Club Members – PDG Teresita “Tess” Navales of RC CDO Phoenix
• Managing Your Club/Club Administration – PP Ma. Teresa “Maite” Sarraga-Malawani of RC CDO Premier
• Service and Your Community – President Jehanne U. Mutin of RC Marawi City
• The Rotary Foundation – PDG Manuel “Manny” Along, District TRF Chair, RC Cagayan de Oro
• Rotaract – PP Ellen “Mai” Selecios of RC Metro Valencia
• District Awards and Recognition Criteria – Rtn. Ardel C. Padayhan, RCK CDO
District Governor Elect Gilda “Gigi” Go was the Convenor of the PETS and the event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Kalayaan Cagayan de Oro.
About District 3870
The Rotary International District 3870 of the Philippines is composed of the Clubs located in the middle area of the island of Mindanao. District 3870 includes all clubs based in the following places:
• Bukidnon
• Misamis Oriental
• Lanao del Norte
• Lanao del Sur
• North Cotabato
• Sultan Kudarat
• Maguindanao
• Camiguin Island
• Cagayan de Oro
• Cotabato City
What is PETS?
The President-elect Training Seminar (PETS) is a training program conducted by Rotary International to prepare incoming club presidents for their roles and responsibilities. PETS is typically held annually in each Rotary district and is mandatory for all incoming club presidents.
At PETS, incoming club presidents receive training on a variety of topics related to leadership, Rotary’s policies and procedures, and the organization’s strategic priorities. The training is designed to help incoming presidents develop the knowledge and skills they need to lead their clubs effectively and to work with other clubs and district leaders to advance Rotary’s goals.
PETS typically includes presentations, workshops, and group discussions, and it provides an opportunity for incoming presidents to meet and network with other Rotary leaders in their district. The training is led by experienced Rotary leaders, including current and past district governors, and it is designed to be interactive and engaging.
In addition to PETS, Rotary International offers a range of other training programs and resources to support its members in their leadership roles. These include online courses, webinars, and leadership development programs for members at all levels of the organization.
In addition to the standard PETS program, Rotary International also offers specialized training programs for certain leadership positions within Rotary clubs. For example, Assistant Governor Training is designed to prepare Rotarians for the role of assistant governor, which involves supporting and mentoring club presidents within a district. Similarly, District Governor-elect Training is a specialized program that prepares incoming district governors for their role as the leader of their Rotary district.
The content and format of PETS may vary depending on the region, culture, and needs of the district. Some districts may choose to incorporate additional training on topics such as fundraising, membership development, and community service projects. PETS may also be tailored to meet the specific needs of different types of clubs, such as satellite clubs or e-clubs.
PETS is an important part of Rotary’s leadership development program and reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting its members in their roles as community leaders and advocates for positive change. By providing comprehensive training and support to its leaders, Rotary helps to ensure that its clubs and districts are effective, efficient, and impactful in their service to their communities and the world.
About Rotary International
Rotary International is a worldwide service organization that aims to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, promote high ethical standards in all vocations, and advance goodwill and peace around the world. Founded in 1905, Rotary has grown to become a global network of more than 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries and regions, with a total membership of approximately 1.2 million people. Rotary clubs carry out a wide range of service projects in their local communities and around the world, including initiatives to promote education, fight disease, provide clean water and sanitation, support maternal and child health, and alleviate poverty. The organization is also known for its flagship program, Rotary Youth Exchange, which offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities for young people around the world.
Rotary International operates through a decentralized model, where individual Rotary clubs are organized at the community level and are part of larger geographic districts. The organization is led by a president who is elected every year from among the members of Rotary clubs around the world. Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self,” and members are expected to uphold high ethical standards in their personal and professional lives.
In addition to the service projects carried out by individual Rotary clubs, Rotary International also supports several global initiatives. These include the eradication of polio through its partnership with the World Health Organization and other organizations, disaster relief efforts through its Disaster Response Fund, and educational and vocational opportunities for young people through programs like Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and Rotary Peace Fellowships.
Rotary International also has a strong focus on promoting peace and understanding between people of different cultures and backgrounds. The organization’s Peace Centers program offers graduate-level fellowships for individuals pursuing careers in peace and conflict resolution, and Rotary clubs around the world sponsor international exchanges that help promote cultural understanding and goodwill. ###
