By Leslie Ann Aquino
He is known to many as the spokesperson of the Commission on Elections, a post which he has been holding for 12 years.
Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez
(JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN)
But aside from his work in the poll body, Mr. James Jimenez also has another role, that of President of the Rotary Club of Manila South.
Jimenez was formally inducted to the post on Thursday at a hotel in Pasay City, together with other officers of the club.
In his speech, he felt humbled for having been given the opportunity to serve one of the most vibrant clubs in the country.
"I stand here humbled by the trust you have bestowed upon me, mindful of the great responsibility now resting on my shoulder," said Jimenez.
And one of the projects he committed to undertake as president is to strengthen the online presence of the RCMS in the hope of reaching out to a wider audience.
"Help connect with the world outside rotary...in so doing increase our ability to make an impact," Jimenez said.
The poll official was instrumental in establishing the presence of the Comelec in social media.
Jimenez said a strong online presence will also help correct the mistaken notion that one has to be rich, famous or jobless to have a meaningful rotary experience.
" Rotary is all about regular people like you and me recognizing that a need exists and doing something about it. I intend to show that to the world by putting up a video of our projects and activities on our Youtube account," he said.
The Youtube account was actually launched on that same night.
Jimenez said his presidency will also be defined by a strong commitment to the idea to always "do more."
"Although we have all done much, we can still do more," he said.
"As Rotarians, this is what we do best. We come together to help those in most need. We give of ourselves, our time, treasure so that we can give to others what they cannot get for themselves," added Jimenez.
Jimenez started serving as president of RCMS last July. His term ends in 2020.
He was inducted into the RCMS in October of 2018.