RC Cebu Gloria Maris Facilitates Basic Orientation Seminar for Rotaract Club of Cebu 3rd District To Strengthen Leadership and Service Skills

On February 9, members of the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris traveled to the picturesque Costa Roca Resort Club in Pondol, Balamban, Cebu, to facilitate a transformative Basic Orientation Seminar (BOS) for the Rotaract Club of Cebu 3rd District. This event was particularly meaningful as it marked a significant milestone for the Rotaract Club—founded just one year ago, in January 2024, by the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris.

As the day unfolded, it became clear that this wasn’t just a training—it was a vital moment of connection, learning, and empowerment for a group of young leaders passionate about making a difference in their community. The seminar was led by a team of esteemed leaders from the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris: Immediate Past President Gay Marie Mercado-Tiu, Past President Jodelyn May Seno, AG Elect Christine Tan, and Public Image Director Dorothy Borces. Each of them, having been former Rotaractors, brought a personal and heartfelt perspective to the event. Their shared experiences and insights ignited a renewed sense of purpose and excitement among the Rotaractors, reminding everyone of the transformative power of the Rotaract journey.

Through their stories, Gay Marie, Jodelyn, and Dorothy demonstrated the deep, lasting impact Rotaract had on their own lives. They weren’t just facilitators; they were mentors, guiding their fellow Rotaractors with the wisdom they gained from years of service and leadership. AG Elect Christine Tan, with her extensive knowledge, offered an even broader perspective, helping to connect the dots between leadership, community service, and the greater mission of Rotary. The seminar delved into the various programs under the Rotary umbrella, including Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE), Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Interact, and Rotaract. Through engaging presentations, the facilitators explained how each of these programs plays a critical role in shaping young individuals into well-rounded leaders.

They emphasized the importance of these programs not only in fostering personal growth but in creating a network of global leaders committed to serving their communities.

As the group explored the roots of the Rotaract movement, the seminar also focused on practical knowledge that the young leaders could apply immediately. The topics included event organization, committee building, sponsorship strategies, and creating a lasting impact in their local communities. These practical skills were complemented by a discussion of the history, structure, and core values of Rotaract. The young leaders were encouraged to see themselves not only as participants in a global movement but as active contributors to its future. The seminar’s interactive format encouraged Rotaract members to actively engage, share their experiences, and discuss their thoughts with one another. The facilitators created an environment of mutual learning, where everyone could contribute, making the event feel like a shared experience rather than just a top-down training session. The feedback and insights shared by the attendees were both valuable and inspiring, reaffirming that the Rotaract Club of Cebu 3rd District is poised for a future filled with leadership, collaboration, and service.

While practical leadership tools and strategies were important, the seminar’s heart was in its emphasis on cultivating a service-oriented mindset. The focus wasn’t just on how to lead—it was about how to lead with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to the community. Through discussions and activities, the facilitators highlighted the importance of servant leadership, which is at the core of both Rotary and Rotaract. By fostering a sense of responsibility to their communities, the seminar aimed to inspire the young leaders to view service not just as an activity, but as a way of life.

At the end of the day, the atmosphere in the room was electric with enthusiasm and renewed determination. The participants were more than just equipped with leadership tools—they were inspired by a vision of what they could achieve and the lasting change they could create. The seminar left every participant feeling inspired and more connected to the Rotary Family, with a stronger sense of commitment to their mission.

With the insights gained from the seminar, the Rotaract Club of Cebu 3rd District is ready to continue its journey, growing as a beacon of service, leadership, and community impact. And as they continue on this path, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting them every step of the way. The event was a perfect reminder that leadership is not just about positions or titles—it's about the impact one can make through service, dedication, and collaboration. With their hearts and minds open to the teachings and experiences shared during the seminar, the Rotaractors are now more prepared than ever to rise to the challenges ahead and make a tangible, positive difference in their communities.