Presidents-Elect Leadership Seminar Part 2 | March 21–23, 2025
Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
From March 21 to 23, 2025, the Quest Plus Conference Center in the lush, sprawling grounds of Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, became the hub of Rotary energy and leadership as Rotary International District 3810 convened for its much-awaited Presidents-Elect Leadership Seminar Part 2 (PELS 2). This three-day event marked another pivotal step in preparing the incoming Presidents of Rotary Clubs across Manila, Pasay, Cavite, and Occidental Mindoro for Rotary Year 2025–2026. It was thoughtfully and vibrantly convened by Incoming District Governor Mary Mei V. Rodrigo and warmly hosted by the Rotary Club of Manuel A. Roxas Boulevard.
Following the success of PELS 1, which focused on the foundational elements of club leadership and governance, PELS 2 delved deeper into strategic planning, ethical leadership, membership development, and service innovation. It provided a rare opportunity for Presidents-Elect to reflect, reconnect, and recharge before assuming the helm of their respective clubs.
Day 1: The Journey Begins – Arrival, Fellowship, and Unity in Vision
As delegates arrived on March 21, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and expectation. The scenic Quest Plus Conference Center offered an inspiring environment conducive to learning and reflection. The afternoon opened with a welcome reception, followed by an opening program that set the tone for a weekend of transformation.
Incoming District Governor Mary Mei V. Rodrigo formally welcomed the Presidents-Elect and District Trainers, highlighting the theme “UNITE for Good”. “Your leadership is not just about managing clubs,” she declared. “It’s about igniting hope, fostering inclusion, and creating meaningful impact — together.”
A spirited fellowship night followed, where regional delegations showcased creative presentations, dance numbers, and club cheers that brought laughter and joy to the room. It was an evening of breaking barriers, bonding over shared aspirations, and building lasting friendships among club leaders from across the district.
Day 2: Leading with Heart, Serving with Strategy
The second day was devoted to intensive plenary sessions and breakout discussions, led by a powerhouse roster of Rotary leaders, Past District Governors, and expert trainers. Topics included:
- Club Strategic Planning: Setting clear goals and sustainable service models
- Membership Growth and Retention: Creative and inclusive approaches to engagement
- Public Image and Rotary Branding: Communicating impact through storytelling and media
- The Rotary Foundation: Grant application essentials and funding transformative projects
- Conflict Resolution and Crisis Leadership: Leading calmly through challenges
- District Systems & Protocols: Compliance, reporting, and digital tools for success
Interactive workshops and simulation exercises enabled participants to apply their learning immediately, engaging in scenarios based on real-life club dilemmas. The peer-sharing atmosphere cultivated a unique synergy among leaders, encouraging mutual support and exchange of best practices.
An evening of district-wide fellowship capped off Day 2, with a “Clark by Night” dinner party under the stars. Delegates let loose with music, food, and dancing — further strengthening the bonds formed through the day’s learning.
Day 3: Reflection, Commitment, and Call to Action
The final day opened with a spiritual reflection and quiet time, allowing participants to internalize their personal “why” as future club presidents. DGE Mary Mei then led a visioning session entitled “Leading with Purpose: The Power of One, the Strength of Many”, challenging each President-Elect to define their legacy not in accolades but in lives touched.
Participants also collaborated in goal-setting sessions specific to their clusters, facilitated by their incoming Assistant Governors. Each cluster crafted a shared commitment pledge, to be revisited mid-year for progress tracking.
The seminar concluded with the formal presentation of certificates and a heartfelt closing message from DGE Mary Mei, who reminded all Presidents-Elect: “When we lead with vision, serve with compassion, and work as one — there is no limit to the good we can do.”
Beyond Training: A Movement Forward
PELS 2 was more than just a training seminar — it was a defining moment of convergence, clarity, and conviction for the future leadership of District 3810. Through shared learning, intentional fellowship, and collective purpose, the Presidents-Elect emerged not only better prepared — but deeply inspired.
As they left the tranquil retreat of Clark, they did so not as individuals from different clubs — but as one unified force of transformational leaders, ready to “UNITE for Good” and shape a Rotary year defined by impact, innovation, and inclusion.