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Our History
“I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know, the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
– Dr. Albert Schweitzer
The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro had long toyed with the idea of starting a young club, but it was not until the term of PDG Manuel “Manny” Along that the idea saw fruition. For a long time the idea of a Rotary club predominantly composed of men and women young enough to be Rotaractors was unpopular with the rest of District 3870. Though many skeptics raised their doubts about such a club’s sustainability, PDG Manny, aided by then governor’s special representative Alvin Benasa and then RC CDO president Jose Luis ”Luigi” Sarraga, persevered. Encouraged by his lady, Biema, PDG Manny extended the first invitation to Young Rotary to his daughter, Angel and her closest friends.
This move prompted the rest of RC CDO members to invite their daughters around the same age who were ready, willing and able to contribute their time, resources and expertise to doing good in the world. Consequently, the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro—the Mother Club—became the Father Club.
By the end of 2014, the RC CDO club extension committee had gathered 30 members constituting the core group of the young Rotary club. Many of these charter members were second, third, and even fourth-generation Rotarians. Owing to their being the youngest — therefore the most dynamic and vibrant — club in the district, the group unanimously agreed to call themselves the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier.
The Board of Directors of Rotary International approved the new club’s Charter on 7 April 2015. Subsequently, the Charter presentation was held on 13 June 2015 at the VIP Hotel, Don A. Velez Street, Cagayan de Oro City with Atty. Ilya Kristine “Batin” Ravanera as President.
Our Past Presidents
Ilya Kristine "Batin" Ravanera
Anna Katrina "Tring" Sarraga
Mae Allyn Linaac
Dino Camonias
Maria Teresa "Maite" Sarraga
Maybelle "Dimple" Quilnat
Marion Hazel Du
Maricel "Macel" Seno
Arrissa "Arette" Navarro
Ready to make history with us?
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