“TOGETHER, let's make this year one of purpose, growth, and success, and together let's make a magical and beautiful experience,” Atashia Casim (IV-BSP), incoming president, said in her inaugural speech during SBCA Rotaract (RAC)’s handover and induction ceremony last Oct. 18 at the Rosendo Herrera Hall.

     The new Rotaract president thanked everyone for making the induction ceremony possible with the help of her fellow officers. She also shared her goals and vision for her term, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment. 

     This is followed by the outgoing president, Therese Yap (IV-BSBA FM), handing over the Rotaract banner to the incoming president. The banner bears the name of the club that the president will be representing. “This is a symbol of the people that you will be serving. Lead and represent them with pride and honor,” said Yap.

     In her valedictory speech as Top Outstanding President, Yap remains grateful to the people she worked with in her journey. “From taking little steps, we now take long strides through everyone’s collective effort,” she said. She also expressed her gratitude for the commitment and dedication of her co-officers since they organized two events that provided a good start for them to learn. 

     The charging of club officers, led by Charlene Jaleco, District Rotary Area Representative, commenced to remind the club officers of their duties. This was followed by their oath-taking administered by District Rotary Representative Alfred Garcia.

     “Each day, by just showing up, you're proving to yourself that you are committed, that you are bigger than any obstacle, that's the true mark of being a member of the Rotaract,” said Garcia in his district rotary representative speech for the officers. He also wishes continuous growth for the new and incoming officers who may be inducted soon. 

     Prof. Roma Wynn Sedo, Dean of Student Affairs, concluded the event by thanking and inspiring the newly inducted officers. She reminded them that everything they do can create a significant change, no matter how small. “Remember, in every act of service, no matter how small, you make a difference,” she expressed.

     THE BEDAN HERALD interviewed Casim, who expressed her desire to continue the club’s legacy by pursuing projects that have not yet been completed. “Right now, we are aiming to invite District 3830 and ‘yung buong SBCA so we will be having more grand events and more grand partnerships and collaborators,” she added.