ROTATREK: TRY THE TRAIL OF THE 7 LAKES

A project of ROTARY CLUB OF SAN PABLO CITY SOUTH

The July 2005 issue(page 53) of the Rotarian, Rotary International official magazine carried a news article about the centennial celebration of RC San Pablo City Central District 3820 Philippines involving a ceremony that officially opened hiking trails that will link the City’s (San Pablo City) 7 lakes, “in anticipation of economic environmental and health benefits for the city.” This ceremony is RC SPC Central’s contribution to the centennial celebrations of RI 100 years of existence in service to mankind and the environment in which they live in.

San Pablo City is 84 kilometers south of Manila, Philippines.

On September 24, 2005 RC San Pablo City South, D3820, Philippines, the sponsor club (father) of RCSPC Central is officially hosting and conducting the first ever activity that will officially put San Pablo City and the 7 lakes in the mind and hearts of both Rotarians and non-Rotarians not only in our district but also from other countries alike. Dubbed as Rotatrek 2005, RC SPC South is boldly trying to muster a hundred or more Rotarians/non Rotarians on the initial run to “try the trail” opened by RC SPC Central a year ago.

The seven lakes are: Sampaloc, Muhikap, Kalibato, Pandin, Palakpakin, Tambo and Bunot. The senior members of the community of San Pablo are one in saying that these 7 alluring and legendary crater lakes all have their own stories to tell. (Watch out for Postings on these tales.) Besides being potential source of potable fresh water for domestic consumption, the lakes teem with fresh aquatic life and the revered delicacy known world-wide as Tilapia (Tilapia Nilotica)

It is expected that the project will further encourage our local as well as the national Department Of Tourism board to expedite this opportunity being offered by the local rotarians to the advantage of our national patrimony. In this line other agencies being tapped to foster and provide help in this initial joint are our Boy Scout of the Philippines organization, the provincial and local government and the local residents. The potentials of this project include the economic benefits from all services and produce that are expected to line the trails of the 7 lakes and the municipalities that encompass part or all of the 7 lakes.

The encouragement and hope being offered by the Rotary Project ROTATREK is tremendous. The rotary leaders expect that the initiative will boost tourism, promote business activities, improve livelihood and living conditions among local residents and probably open the minds of the community regarding the concerns for their own environment especially in its care, enhancement and development.

For us members of the Rotary Club of San Pablo City SOUTH and, safe to say, Rotarians of District 3820, we will be contended and happy that we are doing all of this not only for the sake of our community but to let the community be aware that we in Rotary International wish to be of help in every aspect of a man’s life and his surroundings. That we will give anything even if it means “SERVING ABOVE SELF”

PP Raul R. F. Ciabal, MD RC San Pablo City SOUTH

(RI # 17007) District 3820, Philippines