Monday, July 27

Marapara Rotary holds 34th induction, turnover ceremonies

Incoming president Donalyn Lastima (front row, third from right) with the officers and directors for Rotary Year 2026–2027. Front row (l–r): AG Maricar Acuna, Francine Del Castillo, outgoing president April Kitagawa, Sandra Mae Sta Rita, Stella Lopez. Back row (l–r): Virgil Rupert Villarosa, Archie Acuña, Jahmes Gever, Rolando Corona, Robert Harland, Jon Candelario, Past District Governor Rafael Jocson and Michael Bantug.*

The Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara celebrated its 34th Induction and Turnover Ceremonies recently at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Bacolod City.

 The occasion celebrated fellowship, continuity of service and the club’s renewed commitment to Rotary’s ideals of Service Above Self, a press release from the club said Monday, July 27.

Outgoing President April Kitagawa, in her valedictory address, reflected on the club’s accomplishments during her term and expressed gratitude to members and partners who supported the club’s projects.

 “We have shown that when Rotarians work together, we can truly make a difference in our community. I leave with pride in what we have achieved and confidence in the future of our club,” she said.

Outgoing president April Kitagawa (left) formally turns over leadership to incoming president Donalyn Lastima*

In her inaugural address, Incoming President Donalyn Lastima urged members to continue their unwavering commitment to service.

“Rotary’s new theme, ‘Create Lasting Impact,’ challenges us to go beyond short-term projects and build initiatives that transform lives for generations. I call on each of you to carry forward this spirit and deepen our engagement with the community we serve,” she declared.

The evening’s inspirational speaker was Dr. Ma. Ayessa Binban-Hugnatan of the  Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office, who emphasized that Rotary’s true strength lies in service that transforms lives and communities, echoing public health’s principle of prevention and lasting impact.

Another highlight of the evening was the induction of officers and directors for Rotary Year 2026–2027, conducted by Past District Governor Rafael Jocson.

The five new club members with President Donalyn Lastima (front row, third from right). From left: Atty Patrick Banas, Ana Genada, Edward Genada, Julio Labayen and Engr. Joel Gutierrez*

The club also inducted five new members, bringing total membership to 30. The charging of new members was led by veteran Rotarian Dr. Eduardo Ordoñez, Past President of the Rotary Club of Bacolod-North, who encouraged the inductees to embrace Rotary’s values and actively contribute to the club’s service endeavors.

The event was a celebration of fellowship, leadership and service, reaffirming the Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara’s commitment to creating lasting impact in the community.*

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