District 3850

By the time Rotary International Founder, Paul Harris, entered into his eternal reward, Rotary in the Philippines had spread across the country. And Paul Harris was well aware of District 385's growing existence! This was the second district in the Philippines and consisted of Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao as its geographical coverage.

As the nearly-dependent nation moved out of the ravages of World War II, more Rotary clubs were being chartered across the land. The need for a new district became imperative, there's the emergence of District 385. This was a time for rehabilitating the nation and healing the wounds of war, as well as period of reaching out, and RI District 385 was well into its immersion!

With more Rotary clubs being chartered in the Visayas and Mindanao , the district gave birth to RI District 386, which was followed later on by RI district 387. In spite of its new "diversification", RI district 385 retained its distinct and multi-cultural identity!

Today RI District 3850 remains rich sources of dedicated Rotarians, hailing from the various clubs located in Western Visayas and Western Mindanao . All of the more 50 clubs and over 1,200 Rotarians of this District are united by the ever-ready outpouring of fellowship and understanding.

Within this district, one enjoys the old-world charms of Panay, sweet province of Negros Occidental, exotic place of Tawi-Tawi, historic city of Dapitan, pristine beaches of Boracay, zesty Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental as well as the exotic cultures of the Tausogs, Maranaws, Badjaos and the Atis. Within the same district, there is a cacophony of dialects including Hiligaynon, Ilonggo, Karay-a, Aklanon, Cebuano, Tausog, Maranaw, and Chabacano. Amidst this diversity there is enrichment within the district borne out of fellowship.

The district has enthusiastically responded when calls are made up to eradicate polio, save the sights of thousand of cataract patients, bring life and livelihood to unreachable villages, educate youth and be their influencing guide thru positive values, become catalyst for improving health and living standards, and when neighboring areas needed help because of natural calamities.

This district has been at the forefront of International understanding thru its active involvement in Rotary International's The Rotary Foundation programs. It has a growing number of Paul Harris Fellow and sustaining members. It boasts of a huge majority of successfully implemented TRF-supported projects.