Serra Club of Davao Installs New Officers

On November 5, 1965, SERRA Club of Davao started its humble beginnings. It was initiated by the former Far East Official representative of Serra International, Sergio D. Llanos, Sr. and was vehemently supported by eleven (11) Catholic gentlemen, Pedro Lascano, Mariano Solis, Heraclio Malaki, Nicolas Soriano, Fernando Bermejo, Nestor de Guzman, Jose Angliongto, Antonio Dagdag, Desiderio Delfin, Conrado de los Reyes, and Julian Rodriguez. Later, they invited several of their friends to join them which in turn resulted to the formal establishment of Serra Club here in Davao.

Sometime in 1970, Serra Club was graced with a chaplain, Bishop Antonio Ll. Mabutas. It was also during this time that an acute crisis of priestly vocations prevailed. For this reason, Serra Club was considered a timely vehicle to enhance the promotion of priestly vocations.

Several years later, on the directive of Serra International, women were accepted into the Serra Club. With this development, more opportunities evolved which further strengthened the advocacy and legacy of the club.

On that same year, came the inception of The Davao Serra Club Seminary Foundation. Hence, a yearly modest donation to the St. Francis Xavier College Seminary, Pre-College, Regional Seminary and other Religious Congregations is granted. Involvement in various activities and programs were also made to continue the pursuit of their goals i.e. conduct of recollections for the spiritual growth of their members, offering Masses for their deceased members, conduct of Christmas party for the Seminarians and the like.

Last June 18, 2016, SERRA Club of Davao and the Davao SERRA Club Seminary Foundation, Inc. held its Installation of Officers and Turn-over Ceremonies. The said activity commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the Archbishop’s Residence, presided by Most Rev. Romulo Valles, D.D., Archbishop of the Diocese of Davao and was followed by the Joint Installation Ceremony of Serra Club of Davao and Davao Serra Club Seminary Foundation, Inc. new set of officers for Serra Year 2016-2017 with Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. as Inducting Officer. The following are the newly inducted officers:

SERRA CLUB OF DAVAO
President: Carmelita V.A. Corpus
President-Elect: Leticia V.Munda
Secretary: Jeanette B. Munda
Treasurer: Rosario C. MAgnaye
VP-Vocation: Benjamin A. Lizada
VP-Communications: Maria Julieta R. Torres
VP-Membership: Nonito D. Delgado
VP-Program: Ricardo Munda, M.D.

Trustee-3 years: Alvin P. Babista, M.D.
Trustee-2 years: Norma J. Tuballa
Trustee-1 year: Nonito D. Delgado

DAVAO SERRA CLUB SEMINARY FOUNDATION, INC.
Chairman: Alvin P. Babista, M.D.
Secretary: Leticia V. Munda
Treasurer: Celsa H. Banes
Auditor: Anita Catotal

Dinner and Turn-over Ceremonies ensued at Bistro Rosario, F. Torres St., Davao City. Responsibilities were turned over by outgoing President Alvin P. Babista, M.D. to the incoming President Carmelita V.A. Corpus.

Today, Serrans continue to steadfastly live up to their motto “Always to go forward, never to turn back”, this is the very reason why even after decades of existence, Davao Serra Club has resolutely remained strong and is considered as one of the active organizations in the Archdiocese. With the inspiration of the founders, Serrans persistently aspire to uphold their mission through prayer and active involvement in the Catholic Church that will promulgate the reawakening of vocations to the ministerial priesthood and the consecrated life. (Maria Julieta Torres)

“Serrans accept as their responsibility the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. They possess a deep appreciation of the ministerial priesthood as being essential to the Church. Serrans have been generous in offering their support to those who hear the call to serve Christ in the priesthood.” — Saint John Paul II