By Joel J. Jabal
The Mindoro Post

CITY OF CALAPAN – The Rotary Club of Calapan (RCC) has received 16 awards and citations during the District Turn-Over and Awarding Ceremonies (DITAC) 2011 held at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City on June 18.

Ferdinand E. Abas, RCC president for 2010-2011, said this is “one of the biggest harvests” of awards and citations for the club, known as Club 16592 in Rotary International District 3820, which covers Oriental Mindoro, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Marinduque and the Bicol Region.

The 37-year old Abas was awarded as an “Outstanding President Gold Category” and was given a “Leadership Award”. Abas was a student leader and campus journalist during his college days at the Divine Word College of Calapan (DWCC). He remains an active community journalist while working at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

Abas said that RCC was also a recipient of Outstanding Rotary Club Silver Category and Outstanding Club in Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA). It also received a Club Service Award for increase in membership and a Special Club Service Award for maintaining the Mindoro Rescue and Training Center.

The RCC also received “ Community Service Award” for its three projects, namely: Water and Sanitation Silver Awardee – Water-Filtered Drinking Station Joint with RC Charlottesville; Economic & Community Development – Outstanding Project in Economic Development “NEGO CART” and RCC’s Feeding Program.

The Club was also given a Public Relation Service Award for Best PR due to the club’s constant exposure in the Island Sentinel, a Calapan City-based community newspaper.

RCC also received an” International Service Award” and “ Legacy Project Award”. At the same time, RCC was given a District Governor Citations for the following Project: Dengue Prevention Project, Kick-off Project, Implementation of the Local RYLA, Nebulizer Distribution Project, and Blood Donation Project.

The following RCC members also received the following award: District Meritorious Service Award – Wilfredo “Willy” Apacible; The Rotary Foundation Recognition – New Paul Harris Fellow – Gerardo “Jerry” Concepcion and Certificate of Recognition – Monchito “Monching” Mangahis –RC Calapan NOMCOM Member.

Abas said that incumbent Calapan City Mayor Doy Leachon is due to assume as RCC President for 2011-2012 in July.