The leadership of RI District 3800 was passed on from Global Governor Virgilio “Jun” G. Farcon, Jr to Majestic Governor Rafael “Raffy” M. Garcia III last July 2, 2011 in a very festive and memorable celebration at the World Trade Center Tent, Metro Manila.

    The registration of participants commenced at 4:00 PM followed by a sumptuous dinner at 6:00 PM. The program proper got under way promptly at 7:00 PM with PP Topax Colayco and PP Peter Javier both from the host club RC Pasig acting as Master of Ceremonies.

    Outgoing District Governor Jun Farcon called the proceeding to order and in his Valedictory Address, reported the gains and outstanding achievements he and his Global Team attained during the year which includes an increase of 248 members or a 12 percent net growth in membership plus the chartering of 4 New Rotary Clubs namely RC Greater Mandaluyong, Rotary Eclub of San Juan (the first e club in the Philippines), RC Rodriguez and RC San Mateo Highlands. On TRF contributions, he reported that the district maintained its number one position on per capita contribution with an average contribution of $146 per member based on a record breaking $354,000 gross TRF Contribution as of June 30, 2011, a first in the history of the district. This is on top of the district obtaining the biggest number of EREY clubs this year. As to the service projects accomplished during the year, he announced that 90 percent of the Rotary clubs (76 clubs) received the RI Presidential Citation Award with 53 clubs achieving the Presidential Citation with distinction award. He went on to express his gratitude to DGL Zeny Farcon and the Global Spouses, the Council of Governors, Global Officers, and the Global Presidents for a great and fantastic year and ended by saying, “Yes ,it can be done with God’s grace and the overwhelming support of the team members.” He then asked everyone to support the Majestic Team of DG Raffy Garcia and DGL Minda.

    A high tech 3D audio-video presentation highlighted the entrance of Majestic Governor Raffy Garcia and DGL Minda and his family. They were ushered into the hall by members of his home club RC Pasig. DG Raffy was then inducted into office by PCRG Chair and Leading Governor Jaime “James” O. Dee, DG Raffy’s District Governor when he was President of RC Pasig in RY 2006-2007. His oath-taking was witnessed by DGL Minda, his children, grandchildren and his sister and brother in law who came all the way from the United States to attend this special occasion.

    IPDG Jun Farcon thereafter handed over the District Bell and Gavel, the District Banner, the District Records of Accomplishment and a copy of the Global Assistant Governors Memo of Club Visits, thus completing the turn-over of the helm of leadership to DG Raffy.

    Majestic Governor Raffy Garcia then honored Global Governor Jun Farcon with an Orlina Glass Sculpture to recognize his achievements for the Rotary Year.

    In his Inaugural Address, DG Raffy expressed how truly honored he was to serve as Governor for District 3800 for the Rotary Year 2011-2012. He went on to challenge, the Majestic Team and the Rotarians in the district not to be daunted by the very high goals he has set for this year, and asked them instead to be confident that the we have the ability to carry District 3800 forward, and that these are goals that we can derive supreme satisfaction from at the end of the journey.

    He related how he started this journey forty years ago when he joined the Rotary Club of Pasig in 1971 as one of its first non-charter members and intimated that he only became a real Rotarian when he became president of his club in 2006-2007, 35 years after he joined the Rotary Club of Pasig. He then expressed his gratitude to his friends, club members, the PDG’s and other Rotarians who have helped him learn the ropes to become a true Rotarian and eventually the District 3800 Governor.

    Both the District Governors were introduced by their respective District Sectretaries. DS Tom Rocamora for DG Jun Farcon and DS Jun Zafra for DG Raffy Garcia.

    The Majestic District Officers, Committee Chairpersons and Presidents were sworn into office by Majestic Governor Raffy witnessed by all the Past District Governors while DGL Minda led the induction of the Majestic Spouse Executive Committee and the Spouses of the District Officers and Presidents.

    The highlight of the evening was DG Raffy’s grandchildren singing to him one of his favorite songs “What a Wonderful World” to the delight of the crowd.

    A lot dancing and merry making followed. A chance to once again renew old acquaintances and meet new friends. As we look forward to another year of service.