THE GROUP STUDY EXCHANGE PROGRAM

For RY 2001-2002

By CP Felino "Ino" Lansigan, RC Bay (excerpts from GML July Issue)

G Jim Hao has earlier appointed CP Ino Lansigan of the Rotary Club of Bay to again chair the district 3820 GSE Sub-Committee for RY 2001-02.

As earlier arranged by DG Jim during the RI International Assembly in Aneheim, California in Feb. 2001, our district is paired with RI District 7150 of New York, USA to exchange GSE teams.

The GSE team from District 3820 is expected to visit New York from Sept. 7, 2001 to Oct. 6, 2001 which will also enable the Filipino GSE team to attend the District Convention (DISCON) in New York. The American GSE team is expected to be in our district from February to March 2002, and will also attend our DISCON in Baguio City from March 1-3, 2002.

Following the guidelines of RI, the GSE Team Leader is to be selected by a committee headed by the GSE chair and composed of the DG, IPDG and DGE and three other Rotarians.

Selection criteria for Team Leader: he must be a Past President and has adequate knowledge about Rotary in our district as well as current situations in the country; must be physically and mentally fit for extensive travel, and must have some travel experience abroad.

GSE team members must be between 25-40 years old, actively engaged in his/her vocation, has good communication skills, and of good moral character.

Several announcements and calls for nominations to the outbound GSE team were sent out throughout the district via different modes of communication including e-mail via the district e-group. Deadline for submission of nominations was extended several times up to the last day before the final selection was made on June 16, 2001.

The GSE Committee received a total of six nominees for team members from 16 Rotary Clubs. However, two nominees for team leader backed out of the election due to personal reasons.

The GSE Selection Committee composed of DG Jim Hao, DGE Kit Reventar, PDS Sendong Palis, AG Darwin Igualada, AG Bernard Dellosa and GSE Chair Ino Lansigan selected the following to compose the outbound GSE team to New York:

CP/PDS Pete Cootauco, Jr.

RC Metro Lipa

Alternate Team Leader:

PP Bob Lim

RC San Pedro

Miss Doris M. Mercado

Plant Pathologist

RC Bay

Mrs. Leonisa M. Almendrala

Certified Public Accountant

RC West Bay

Mrs. Ginalyn H. Santos

Website Designer and Developer

RC Los Baños-Makiling

Miss Mayumi C. Abad

Sales supervisor

RC Metro Lucena

Mrs. Mercedita L. Ali

Elementary School Teacher

RC Tanauan

Mr. Ruel A. Asi

High School Teacher

RC Batangas

Mrs. Lucille H. Lopez

Professional Medical Representative

RC San Pablo

Mr. Daniel Ian E. Pedarse

Respiratory Therapist

RC Lucena

Finally, the District GSE Committee would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all those who participated as members of the panels of interviewers, nominees, secretariat and support staff. Indeed, MANY THANKS for your help!

The Committee would also seek your active support and cooperation in hosting the inbound GSE team from New York.