By the time Rotary
International Founder, Paul Harris, entered into his eternal reward, Rotary in
the Philippines had spread across the country. And Paul Harris was well aware of
District 385's growing existence! This was the second district in the
Philippines and consisted of Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao as its geographical
coverage.
As the nearly-dependent nation
moved out of the ravages of World War II, more Rotary clubs were being chartered
across the land. The need for a new district became imperative, there's the
emergence of District 385. This was a time for rehabilitating the nation and
healing the wounds of war, as well as period of reaching out, and RI District
385 was well into its immersion!
With more Rotary clubs being
chartered in the Visayas and Mindanao , the district gave birth to RI District
386, which was followed later on by RI district 387. In spite of its new
"diversification", RI district 385 retained its distinct and multi-cultural
identity!
Today RI District 3850 remains
rich sources of dedicated Rotarians, hailing from the various clubs located in
Western Visayas and Western Mindanao . All of the more 50 clubs and over 1,200
Rotarians of this District are united by the ever-ready outpouring of fellowship
and understanding.
Within this district, one
enjoys the old-world charms of Panay, sweet province of Negros Occidental,
exotic place of Tawi-Tawi, historic city of Dapitan, pristine beaches of
Boracay, zesty Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental as well as the exotic
cultures of the Tausogs, Maranaws, Badjaos and the Atis. Within the same
district, there is a cacophony of dialects including Hiligaynon, Ilonggo, Karay-a,
Aklanon, Cebuano, Tausog, Maranaw, and Chabacano. Amidst this diversity there is
enrichment within the district borne out of fellowship.
The district has
enthusiastically responded when calls are made up to eradicate polio, save the
sights of thousand of cataract patients, bring life and livelihood to
unreachable villages, educate youth and be their influencing guide thru positive
values, become catalyst for improving health and living standards, and when
neighboring areas needed help because of natural calamities.
This district has been at the
forefront of International understanding thru its active involvement in Rotary
International's The Rotary Foundation programs. It has a growing number of Paul
Harris Fellow and sustaining members. It boasts of a huge majority of
successfully implemented TRF-supported projects.
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