Rotaract Club of Saipan installs new set of officers

The Rotaract Club of Saipan held its 9th Installation and Handover Ceremony last Saturday evening at the Azucena Hall of Crown Plaza Resort Saipan.

The event was graced by Rotary Club of Saipan president Joann Aquino, New Generation director Greg Borja, Rep. Thomas Maglona II (R-Saipan), Rotaract Club members, and Interact Club members.

Rotaract Club of Saipan installed Genelin Anne Camacho as its new president and Community Service director, Arriane Maricar Antonio as vice president and treasurer, Hilary Denise Agulto as Club Service director, and Simon Jed Necesito as International Service director.

The program started after the dinner, opened by a speech from Rotaract immediate past president Richard Baleares. Beleares’ speech marks the first time in three years that the opening remarks of the installation ceremony was delivered by an actual outgoing president. He also shared in his speech his club’s journey and growth, wherein Rotaract faced challenges like COVID-19 and exam weeks.

“Throughout my three years as president, while we’ve grown, shrunk, and grown again in membership, it faced challenges such as COVID and final exam week, and many other things, there was a lot of trial in there. There are periods where the club wasn’t as active as I want, as I like it to be,” said Baleares.

Manglona delivered the inspirational message where he mentioned that he was grateful to Rotaract for choosing him and that he was supposed to attend a family wedding in Guam, but opted to attend the ceremony instead.

Manglona shared his journey working for the Governor’s Office (administration of former governor Ralph DLG Torres) as a public information officer. He mentioned being motivated to work there due to his interest in government and curiosity about its inner workings. He considered it one of his greatest experiences and played a significant role in establishing his first-ever media office.

“Wake up in the morning, go to work, and just do whatever it takes to make our island a better place in whatever capacity to have and then I had an opportunity to run for office,” Manglona said.

Manglona also discussed community organizations as a motivational force, due to their selfless actions and passion despite the challenges and obstacles.

“I always look at community organizations as motivation because you guys do it out of love,” said Manglona.

In addition, Manglona reflected on his struggles, including losing everything and being a single father, but despite those challenges he chooses to serve the community. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the community at the end of his speech.

New Generation director Greg Borja delivered his remarks and emphasized how he was inspired by the Rotaracts as well as he will continue to be an inspiration to the community by sharing the magic of Rotary.

“I just want to let you all know that you are an inspiration to me to be a better Rotarian and I thank you for that. Congratulations to your incoming officers. Congratulations on your citation and you know, in growing your membership from about 18 to 35, you’ve become an inspiration for everyone. I’m still going to continue to be the inspiration in our community by sharing the magic of Rotary.”

Rotary president Joann T. Aquino then delivered her words of wisdom and said, “The real magic of Rotary isn’t about wands or magic words but in the hearts and hands of its members—in you. You have the power to make ordinary things into extraordinary, to bring darkness into light.”

During president Genelin Camacho’s acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to the Rotaractors for demonstrating fellowship through service. Camacho recounted her personal journey to serve the community through Rotaract after high school, while reflecting on the club’s growth and changes over the past decade.

“I would like to thank our Rotaractors. You are the embodiment of fellowship through service which is our international model. I fondly remember back 11 to 12 years ago when I first heard about Rotaract, through a brochure at the old NMC bookstore. Prior to that I have been looking for a way to serve my community, but I was not sure how to start, because I was inactive for three to five years after high school. Fast forward, I now stand with you along with our Interactors, Rotarians, and guests as we celebrate our first decade of service in the Marianas. Please give yourselves a round of applause.”

The ceremony also included distribution of certificates to the following members: Hillary Denies Agulto, Arriane Antonio, Cameron Atalig, Richard Baleares, Melissa Borja, Genelin Ann Camacho, Michael Anthony Camacho, Richelle Caponpon, Princes Castro, Clyde Concubierta, Eloise Lopez, Jadrien Lontoc, Matthew Manuel, Jimmy Marquez, Simon Necesito, Mark Pangelinan, Kaeli Pathil, Camille Quitugua, Jose Rabago, Abby Racoma, Angel Soguilon, and Kayla Yi.