Mariano Marcos
State University

PJM takes oath as Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine president

By Ian Paul Villanueva

In a celebrated assembly of civic leaders, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. formally took his oath as President of the Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine during the 13th Turnover and Induction Ceremonies at the MMSU Teatro Ilocandia on August 31.

Centered on this Rotary year’s international theme, “Creating Lasting Impact,” the turnover of leadership in the service organization was graced by District Governor Roland Dy of the Rotary International District 3790, who served as the Guest of Honor, Speaker, and Inducting Officer.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Manzano shed light on the practical realities of volunteerism. Serving concurrently as the MMSU President and the National President of the Philippine Society for the Study of Nature, he acknowledged the demanding nature of his schedule and those of his fellow Rotarians but nevertheless vowed to deliver.

"We do not find time. We make time for things that matter. When I accept a responsibility, I accept the obligation to deliver,” said Dr. Manzano. He also noted the club's robust momentum, underscoring that they have already successfully implemented at least eight projects since the beginning of the Rotary year.

In recent months, the Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine has been a present force in many of MMSU’s activities. Most recently, it led the program titled “Gender-responsive and Culture-based Bio-intensive Gardening Program” together with the MMSU Extension Directorate and other partners.

With Dr. Manzano serving as president of both MMSU and the Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine, the partnership between the university and the service organization that was formalized in 2022 is expected to expand further, with more community service collaborations in education, extension, environmental stewardship, community development, and humanitarian service.

The ceremony concluded with a unified commitment from the members of the Rotary Club of Laoag Sunshine, ready to mobilize and translate their promises into meaningful action for the communities they are sworn to serve.