3

June 18, 2002   *   vol. 1 (42)

Heart ‘n Pillars

 

PAST PRESIDENT’S CORNER

- Asst. Ed Dindo Astom

My Father Made Me A Rotarian

BY  PP VIRGILIO “Vir” CABADING

ideals of Rotary

     As a young boy, I personally witnessed my father’s remarkable dedication and loyalty to Rotary. Tuesday was always a special day for him because he looked forward to the Club’s regular luncheon when he’ll be with his Rotarian friends. He always made it a point to attend the Tuesday meetings because he believed that doing so would help the club achieve a high percentage in the district and at the same time make him a 100 percenter in attendance. Except for certain days when it was physically impossible for him to be present (e.g. when he became sickly in his later years) he was always present and punctual in his Rotary meetings.

     The close friendship of my father with the late Mr. Sixto de Vera, then the Manager of PNB and the founding father of Rotary in La Union, was the very reason why he decided to join this worldwide organization. During the Club’s organizational stage, they were always together in every endeavor, such as recruiting prospective members; or hosting the sponsoring Rotary club members during their visits to San Fernando. 

Manong Six was also our frequent visitor, sometimes even staying in our house overnight. They always discussed about Rotary and the prospective members.  So, when this club was formally organized and Manong Six was elected Charter President, he chose my father as his Charter Secretary.

     His exposure to various activities in Rotary, either at his home club or in the district, as well as in national conventions probably made him a committed, dedicated and self-made Rotarian. He took his Club responsibilities so seriously and passionately, such that at one time, in a fit of jealousy, my mother told him that Rotary has become his second wife. In conversations, my father would often boast that Rotary is the best among worldwide organizations.

     Such was my late father’s unwavering zeal for Rotary that he proudly displayed all the awards, plaques and commendations he received from the club and the district, either at home or in his office.  What impressed me most was his total adherence to Rotary’s 4-Way Test, which he used not only in the way he lived his own life but also in inculcating discipline in his children.

     Papa never became president of the club because he chose not to, perhaps because there were several of us then studying in college. But he always gave his all-out support to those who needed his ideas and participation.  As Rotary grew in numbers (either in terms of membership and the number of Rotary clubs in La Union), he felt happy in the thought that he was one of the club’s pillar who brought the ideals of Rotary in this part of the country.  He was also proud that I followed him into Rotary. Unfortunately, he did not live to see his eldest son become President of the Club (1997-98) he helped form and nurture.  It was for this reason that I accepted the challenge of leading the Club and dedicated my presidency in his memory.

PP VIRGILIO

CABADING

President RCSFU

Rotary Year 1997-1998

Theme: “Show Rotary

 Cares

     I’m proud to be a son of a full-blooded Rotarian.  My father, the late Councilor MAURO A. CABADING, SR., whose first Rotary name was MAURE (later on shortened to MAU) was a best example of a true Rotarian who make Rotary as his way of life. Truly, his thoughts, words and deeds were always in accordance with the

- editor

Club FulFILlMent

4

vol. 1 (42)   *   June 18, 2002

June 15: Testimonial Award of Achievement for 100% attendance

June 15: Golden Club Award

June 15: Governor's Special Citation- Best Editorial 'The Gold Leaf'

June 15: Outstanding Youth Service

June 15: Most Outstanding Community Service

June 15: Most Outstanding Vocational Service