Past International Director Michael So, the Forum’s chairperson, said Lions International is the largest service club organization in the world, with more than 1.3 million members in 49,000 clubs serving 200 countries and geographic areas worldwide. Since their founding in 1917, Lions have been around the world and are rallying around the five global causes of vision, hunger, the environment, childhood cancer, and diabetes.

As a global organization, Lions International organized member countries into eight (8) constitutional areas worldwide, with the Orient and South East Asia Lions under Area V. All constitutional areas are represented in the International Board of Directors of the Association, he said.

So added that Lions believe the annual Area Forum is critical to the association’s success and serves various purposes. It is where Lions and Leos (young individuals organized by Lions to work hand in hand with their adult counterparts in humanitarian service) come together and share their experiences and service stories. It is where members gain access to training and key objectives of Lions International. All Lions and Leos are invited to forums within their constitutional areas and encouraged to participate.

Past Council Chairperson (PCC) Robert Roque Jr., the Forum’s Vice Chairperson of Operations, said Lions International recognizes Area forums to promote the principles and objectives of the Association, training, educating, and motivating district (made up of at least 35 Lions Clubs) and club officers; providing for the exchange of information and discussion of service activities, including opportunities for cooperative service projects; advancing the interests of the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

He added that the 60th OSEAL Forum, with the theme of “Steadfast Together,” will kick off with the International President’s Golf Cup to be held at the Villamor Air Base Golf Course in Pasay City on November 2, 2023. The Young Leos will have a Special Olympics service project during the forum. Seminars on improving club services, membership growth, and retention will also be conducted. A seminar on Mission 1.5 (aimed at increasing the present membership of 1.3 million to 1.5 million will also see center stage.

Lions International President Dr. Patti Hill and other international executive officers are expected to attend. Past International Director Michael So will preside as the Forum Chairperson, said PCC George Ong-Tan, the Forum’s Convention Committee chairperson.

Among the major sponsors of the 60th OSEAL Forum are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Manila Bulletin, and Bevi Beauty Elements Ventures, Inc.

Today, the European Commission has announced it will allocate €21 million for disaster preparedness and humanitarian aid in the Philippines, Nepal and other South East Asian countries. The funding will support people affected by natural hazards, COVID-19 and conflict.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič said: “Most recently typhoon RAI has been a painful reminder that countries in South East Asia are experiencing first-hand the dramatic consequences of climate change. This is why the EU is further stepping up its humanitarian support to the most vulnerable affected by natural hazards in the Philippines, Nepal and the region. We also support those affected by protracted conflict in the Philippines, while further investing into the preparation and response to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Funding will be provided as follows:

• €10 million in humanitarian assistance for families in the Philippines who have lost their homes and livelihoods in late December 2021 due to typhoon RAI.
• €1.5 million for humanitarian assistance to those affected by the protracted conflict in the Philippines, as well as strengthening support against the coronavirus and other humanitarian operations in the country. EU humanitarian aid in the Philippines will prioritise the most vulnerable, conflict-affected communities in Mindanao in need of food assistance, protection, emergency livelihood, health, water, sanitation, nutrition services and emergency shelters.
• €9.5 million will target disaster preparedness and contingency response plans in the Philippines, Nepal and the South East Asia region.