Each presidency comes with a different flavor, determined by the advocacy of the incumbent. The Jesuit-educated Conrado “Jun Jun” Dayrit chose the rehabilitation and reformation o bo f drug dependents as the signature project of his. term. The government's " “Oplan Tokhang" (literally,to knock) had hugged the head lines since the past year owing to the police authorities punitive action against drug users-in fact, it had become so infamous that "tokhang" was chosen by CNN in 2018 as the word of the year. A spiritual man who takes the Bible to heart, President Jun Jun strongly believes that drug dependency is best overcome through thehumane approaches of rehabilitation and reformation.
An Ode to the Filipino,from the Past to the Present: President Jun-Jun's love for the Filipino immediately manifested itself, not just in the choice of his signature project, but in his theme for his Induction Ball. The 52nd induction saw the Club's members, their Anns and guests dressed in their best Filipiniana gowns and formal Barong Tagalog, exchanging compliments while sipping wine, aslechon-the all-time favorite Filipino fiesta food-was served by The Peninsula Manila hotel staff.
When President Jun Jun took to the podium, he gave a persuasive speech directed to the passive members, challenging them to engage themselves in the activities of the Club. Citing the three Ts that contribute to the success of volunteer organization-Time, Talent and Treasure-he made it clear that he needed the members' time the most.
The evening's guest of honor was District Governor Edwin Afzelius, who was introduced by PDG Robert Kuan.
A cake was wheeled in for three birthday celebrators: Past RI director Paing, DG Ed Afzelius and President Elect Fred Pascual, and the birthday song was sung,
The Club grew by four members. A recordof 51 Paul Harris Fellows were pinned.
The entertainment part of the event, titled "OPM Through the Years," expressed the romanticism and sense of humor of the Filipino through OPM (or "Original Pilipino Music"). A seamless parade of popular Filipino songs took the fascinated audience through the decades, performed with authenticity by the Club"s members and their Anns. Induction Chairman Louie Aseoche, First Lady Cecille Dayrit and Ann Mimi Valerio, Entertainment Committee co-chairs, delivered a memorable evening.
Partnering with Sanlakbay for Drug Rehabilitation: President Jun Jun chose to partner with the Archdiocese of Manila for its parish-based drug rehabilitation program, "Sanlakbay Para sa Pagbabagong Buhay" (One Journey Towards a Renewed Life), which takes in drug dependents who had earlier surrendered to the police under "Oplan Tokhang." Sanlakbay's program was compassionate and gentle, an approach that harmonizes with President Jun Jun's life principles. The program believes that healing is deeply-rooted when patiently grounded on unconditional love and the Christian faith.
As its initial step. the Club made a donation worth P600,000 to Caritas Manila, which was tasked by the archdiocese to run the program. The donation consisted of a brand-new Suzuki utility vehicle, a laptop, a printer, and a 55-inch smart TV.
When the Club received word that another rehabilitation center by Caritas Manila was being established. it donated P600,000 in cash.
The Club participated in a mass at the San Sebastian Church that welcomed 400 former drug dependents to the Sanlakbay program, celebrated by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. The event marked the convergence of the Catholic Church represented by Cardinal, the Philippine National Police (PNP) represented by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Oscar Agbayalde, and Rotary, represented by Rotary Club of Makati President JunJun Dayrit.
The second leg was launched at the San Ildefonso Parish in Barangay Pio del Pilar, Makati. President Jun Jun Turned over communication equipment including an Epson printer, a Lenovo laptop, and an Epson projector. A second batch of 50 "kalaybaks" ( teen slang for comrades in a journey). former drug dependents, chose to chane their lives.
A total of 139 have graduated from the program.
Assisting a Mental Health Facility