Rotary is a service organization. However, it also functions as an educational forum, especially for its members. I'm sure that most of you have heard of agencies, like the POEA or the BID. However, it is likely that most of you are not familiar with the MARINA, although this government agency is just as important as the two previously mentioned. It is said that if a ship goes down somewhere in the world, it is likely that a Filipino went down with it. This is because we have an oversupply of qualified seamen, who are in demand in seafaring nations throughout the globe. Furthermore, we are an archipelago, with hundreds of islands surrounded by water. This makes commerce by sea routes a necessity. And of course, here in La Union we have Poro point, which if plans push through, would become a really busy port. So our Guest of Honor and Speaker for today, Director 'Butch' Arceo, represents an organization which should interest most of us.

Aside from being the local boss of an important agency, 'Butch' is also an outstanding Rotarian 'on leave' of a Club in Cebu. I hope we can make him transfer to our Club, since he'll be here for some time. I'm sure he can teach us something about Fellowship activities.

With the 'Holy Week' vacation over, my term will soon come to an end. We're now playing what 'chessplayers' call the 'endgame'. However, this phase is just as important as any and a successful term requires a good 'wind-up'. I call on the members to help the Board and Officers with the Club's remaining projects and unattained targets. We have the 'Circus Show' for our 'Rotary Service Center' and 'SPED school' funds, the 'Most Outstanding Worker/Employee awards, the unattained 25% membership growth required by the District and several more scheduled activities.

Lastly, we will be having our District Conference this coming weekend. We hope that those who pledged to come, would now pay the registration fee advanced by the Club.

Date & Place of Birth: October 18, 1957, Tondo, Manila
Address : 28-R Road 8, First West Crame, San Juan, MM
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
College : Philippine College of Commerce
Sta. Mesa, Manila (1975-1979)
Bachelor of Science in Commerce (BSC)
Post Graduate: Lyceum of the Philippines
Intramuros, Manila (1979-1981)
Norwegian Shipping Academy
Oslo, Norway (1985-1996)
Professional Shipping Course
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
Maritime Regional Director MARINA - Cebu City
Regional Office - March 5, 1991 - present
Maritime Regional Director MARINA - Zamboanga City
Regional Office -July 1,1989-March 4, 1991
MIA Director MARINA - Zaboanga City Regional Office
August 1, 1988-June 30, 1989
Maritime District Office MARINA Zamboanga Maritime District
Office - August 1, 1986-July 31, 1988
Acting Maritime District MARINA Zamboanga Maritime District
Office - June 5, 1986-July 31, 1986
Sr. Maritime Industry Analyst Maritime Industry Authority
Overseas Shipping Office -May,1984-June, 1986
Maritime Regulations Officer Maritime Industry Authority
Overseas Shipping Office-March 1982-May 1984
GROUP AFFILIATION:
Treasurer DOTC - Regional Management Council - March, 2000-  Present
Chairman Regional Committee on Fuel Conservation and Efficiency in Road Transportation in  Region VII (April 1998 - Nov. 1998
Chairman DOTC Regional Management Council (RMC 7) - an adhoc
Committee in lieu of a DOTC Regional Office which oversee and monitor operations/projects of  all DOTC Agencies in Region VII (since 1991-Nov. 1998)
Director Philippine Sports Association of the Differently Abled  (PHILSPADA) since 1997
Chairman Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA VII) in Region 7  Cooperatives (June 1988-March 2000)
Executive VP Internal Lantaka Jayvees JCI - Zamboanga City (Feb. 1989  - present )
AWARDS AND HONORS RECEIVED
Granted a government scholarship under the Bilateral Program with Norwegian  Government to  the Professional Shipping Course - Oslo, Norway
Distinction Award, Professional Shipping Course -Class 1985-1986
First Filipino Representative to the Norwegian Shipping Academy
Advisory Committee composed of Norwegian government representatives and Academy   Officers 
Elected Student Representative from among 30 students representing 20 different   countries of the Professional Shipping Course - Class 1985-1986