The following is an excerpt from an Award to our club for our involvement with projects in the Philippines. This Award is important because the Municipalities of the Philippines represent a layer of Government.

The Rotary Club of Port Pirie has recently been presented with a commendation from the Municipality of Mabalacat, Province of Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines in recognition "FOR THE VARIOUS SOCIO-CIVIC AND ECONOMIC GRANTS, PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN AND GRANTED FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MABALACAT, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA"

The commendation outlines how, in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Dau, the Rotary Club of port Pirie has:

• Since 1993 initiated worthwhile assistance programs and poverty alleviation projects by way of providing financial donations/grants and conducting various skills training programs especially from the remote and depressed areas

• Likewise initiated different infrastructure developmental projects such as classrooms and toilets for schools, deep well pumps, sewing machines and playground equipment

• Sponsored various skills training and developmental programs for youth and the marginalised sectors of the community thereby granting them the opportunity to acquire a job or earn a living for the improvement and upliftment of their lives

• The dedicated efforts and various assistance undertaken and granted to the people of Mabalacat by the service orientated organisations have to be looked upon, recognised and be given appropriate commendation as a token of gratitude of their meritorious services and accomplishments

The commendation is signed by the Presiding Officer, Vice Mayor Prospero Lagman MD, Secretary Edgar Angeles and approved by the Mayor, Marino Morales.

The commendation was presented to PP Bob Ward at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Dau on January 15, and presented to the President of the Rotary Club of Port Pirie, John Brazel, at it's meeting on January 21, 2010