05 July 2023, from Gems:

Sorry about this, sirs. I can barely open my eyes. Arrived here in Lipa after a 4-hour drive earlier at eight am. Aching to sleep, but Iet me quickly answer.

Yesterday, right after i read the posted letter, I called up PETFI President Art Biyo if there was a way the golf fund raising event could be reconsidered for another venue. Not being part of committee that planned the activity, I said that as VP, I might have overlooked such detail, but I happen to be the Chairman, too, of AFPOVAI Phase 678. I told him that the awareness of some Ph 678 members has begun to touch off a live wire of sentiments. It would be wise to reconsider.

My new job at Subic, which has taken me away from PETFI face-to-face meetings these past two months may have been a factor. In any case, the truth is, I was not made aware of the the venue, had no hand in the planning, and never saw the solicitation letter until it was posted in our viber community.

But as Chair, I take responsibility – which was why I phoned him immediately. Unfortunately, the place has been booked, the letters have been sent, the schedule has been set. This why last night I also rang up one of the numbers in the posters of the TOPSOLDIERS golf tournament this coming July 13 at PNGC. The person who responded, however, was a liasion person who could not address my concerns about getting the message through to the organizers of the event. This morning, I tried another number to no avail. Unattended. No response.

Incidentally, earlier today, Ph 678 Vice Chair Sonny Lim roused me about the same matter. He was the first to know about my initial actions.

The point said “Pwede naman sana sa ibang golf courses, bakit sa PNGC pa nakipag partner ang PETFI?” cuts through the heart. And I understand the sentiment “Nakakalungkot talaga lalo na kung alam ng ilang 678 officers and members about this.” Ang totoo, hindi ko alam. When I did, I immediately called the PETFI President.

The next step I’ll have to make is to bring this up to the PETFI Board later today through our viber group. For all its worth.

P.S: I already told the President I won’t be playing in the fundraising tournament. I am not supporting it.

The Rotary Club is not the primary organizer. TOPS is a Metrobank Foundation advocacy. My calls to a given contact there have not been answered. We’re following that lead even though we know that July 13 comes next week already. As to Gen Gatdula, as Chair of PETFI, his concern is the success of the fundraising effort in support of the orphans or dependents of cavalier soldiers who fell in line of duty or got disabled. But he will soon know about our plight.