In a ceremony steeped in tradition, the Rotary Club of Pinamalayan Central (RCPC) in Oriental Mindoro ushered in new leadership for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year.

The event, held on June 29, 2024 at the picturesque Bulaklak by Seacliff Bay, saw outgoing President Romel “Direk” Bernardo pass the symbolic bell and gavel to incoming President Arnold Helera.

Under the theme “The Magic of Rotary,” Helera, a prominent hotelier and local tourism advocate, takes the helm of an organization coming off a year of significant accomplishments.

Bernardo’s tenure, operating under the motto “Create Hope in the World,” saw the club undertake several impactful initiatives.

Notable among these was a Grand Medical Mission in Concepcion, Romblon, providing P1.4 million worth of services to over 600 islanders. The club also launched the Rosario Flower Growers project, empowering local women to generate substantial income through flower sales.

Environmental efforts were a key focus, with RCPC planting 100 trees on Dolores Peak and implementing a Cash for Work and Coastal Clean-Up program in response to an oil spill.

RCPC’s commitment to education was evident in their participation in Career Guidance Week and a challenging trek to deliver school supplies to Mangyan learners at Magod Elementary School.

These efforts did not go unnoticed, with the club receiving multiple accolades at the District 3820 Recognition and Awarding Ceremonies, including the “Environment Stewardship Award” and the “Rotary Prestigious Award.” Bernardo himself was honored as a “Game Changer.”

Looking ahead, Helera outlined the district’s focus for the coming year, with a particular emphasis on initiatives for senior citizens, as directed by District 3820 Governor Arnold Mendoza.

The leadership transition comes at a time when community service organizations like Rotary are playing an increasingly vital role in addressing local challenges and fostering community development.

As RCPC embarks on its new chapter, the impact of its work continues to resonate throughout Pinamalayan and beyond.

The evening concluded with a dinner prepared by Helera at the venue he manages, symbolizing the close-knit nature of the club and its deep roots in the local community.