Friday, April 18, 2008 Baguio Lions to host international convention
BAGUIO City will be hosting the upcoming International Association of Lions Clubs 59th Multiple District 301 State Convention scheduled on May 15 to 18 at the CAP Convention and Cultural Center and the Baguio Country Club with the theme "Challenge to Change."
Sonia Dao-as, convention executive committee chairperson, said Baguio, being the host of the convention, could showcase a lot of world-renowned landmarks.
Dao-as enumerated the Kennon Road's Lion Head, which according to her was constructed in 1972 yet up to these days it is still standing, solid, phenomenal and proud.
"Baguio is the only city in the world where you can find a lion's head carved from natural rock. Melvin Jones Grandstand was built by the City Government through funds of the Lion's Club International and many others," she added.
She also called for the participation of the media especially photographers to share their photos of these landmarks.
The convention will be a four-day activity of fun. There will be a golf tournament, parade and tours, seminars about service and leadership, team building activities and other interesting activities.
But the purpose of the convention does not only focus on these things. Panel discussions will also be held to examine how the club could further give to the community.
According to Dao-as, the projects could be economic to boost business in the city through increasing investments, or ways to attract more tourists to Baguio and Benguet.
She estimates the city's gain during the convention could reach about P50 million.
The convention will also be the venue where elections will be held for the International Lions Organization. When asked why there is no local candidate running for international director position, Dao-as said, "it is very expensive to run for the position."
The club is known for its civic community projects. It conducts medical and dental missions once every two months, free cataract operation for indigent, nutrition programs like feeding malnourished children, and calamity relief goods distribution for every calamity and leadership training.
To prove the point right after the press conference last Thursday, a free meningococcemia immunization was conducted. They explained the funds used in their civic functions were from their own pocket but for major projects the local chapter could request funds in the International Lions Club.
"We serve community through charity, so we can return what the community has given us," said Christine Cecilia Aquino, president of Everlasting Lions Club.
The City Government has already passed an ordinance setting the whole Month of May as Lions month, the panel added. (GJ)
