In line with the celebration of Vocational Month this October, we had a newspaper correspondent as guest of honor and speaker in the person of Mrs. Gia Damaso Dumo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I truly believe that this is one of the most demanding professions. It requires responsible and honest reporting thru proper research and concrete evidence to back it up. It requires guts and objectivity like they say and never for the purpose using this as a tool for blackmail.
     We had a jammed pack room last week and I would like to thank all the members for keeping up our tradition for the past two years of being 100% in attendance.
     Last week was a very busy week, it reminds me of my first two months when I assumed the presidency. From Monday to Friday, there was an activity or meeting. Monday was the start of the meeting with the Municipal Officials of Bangar regarding the presentation of the Disaster Preparedness Training. Then followed by several meetings with the general members of each barangays. Wednesday, we had a meeting with barangay Caggao and Barraca in the morning and Barangay Alzate and Quintarong in the afternoon. We were successful in getting the commitment and cooperation of Barraca and Caggao, unfortunately Alzate and Quintarong did not show up.
     Thursday, we proceeded with our meeting with barangays Ma. Cristina East and Ma. Cris

tina West in the morning. And in the afternoon, we met with Terrero and Consuegra. This time we were unsuccessful only with Ma. Cristina West.
     Friday was an adventure, we met with barangay Mindoro, which is an island barangay situated in the mouth of Amburaya river. I think this is the most disaster prone barangay in La Union because every time it rains for a few hours, this barangay is immediately isolated and the river becomes un-passable. Yet, it made me wonder people still want to stay here. This island barangay is the second largest barangay in terms of population in Bangar. We had to take a short ride via boat to get there, once on the island, its about a kilometer walk to the interior of the island until we reach the barangay. Fortunately, our trip was not in vain, the barangay people readily welcomed the project and even insisted on doubling their allocation of 5 volunteers to 10. In the afternoon, we met with Brgy Rissing, who likewise readily accepted the project. Thanks to VP Rex, Dir Jun, Dir Alan, Rtn Romy and Rtn Edward Dy for the company.
     I also want to thank PP Albert and Dir Reggie for representing our club last Friday in the launching of Children's Month at the City Plaza.
     Next week, our club will be doing the same presentation again to the Municipality of  Santo Tomas and its 5 barangays. So I would again like to invite the members to join me.

- editor