Soka Gakkai Day was commemorated
in the evening of May 3, 2007
Soka Gakkai Day was commemorated in the evening of May 3, 2007, at the
SGI Philippines Culture Center with 479 members attending the meeting.
The event, which is considered as the New Year's Day of the Soka Gakkai,
reminds the members to renew their determination for Philippine Kosen-rufu.
YWD Diamond Kotekitai played "Mother"
SGI President Ikeda's message was read at the start of the meeting, expressing
his deepest respect and appreciation to all members who have worked hard
alongside him to build a solid foundation for worldwide kosen-rufu.
He also calls on all the members to continue to dedicate their lives wholeheartedly to opening the path of trust and peaceful coexistence in the place of their mission.
Finally in his message, aiming toward May 3, 2010—the 80th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai and the 35th anniversary of the SGI—SGI President Ikeda encouraged all members to join with him, in creating another significant chapter in our history.
To show their appreciation to all the members for their efforts, the YWD
Diamond Kotekitai and the MD Chorus group delighted the audience with their
music and songs.
The MD Chief, Manuel Urrutia
the new General Director, Mr. Roger Cabauatan
The highlight of the meeting was the announcement of new leadership for the SGI Philippines. The new set of leadership is as follows:
1. Chairperson Mr. Yasuaki Niitsu
2. General Director Mr. Roger Cabauatan
3. Men’s Division Chief Mr. Manuel Urrutia
The announcement was followed by the determinations of the newly appointed leaders. The MD Chief, Manuel Urrutia, stated that being appointed as Men's Division chief is in no way an easy task, but with the trust of the National Leaders, he wholeheartedly accepted and thanked for this new responsibility.
He gave 3 vows: First, to do his very best in advancing the MD so that
they will gain great good fortune and benefits. Second, to support the
Women’s Division, Young Women’s Division and the Young Men's Division.
And third, to have unity with these three divisions and support the newly
appointed General Director as well as the new Chairperson.
Mr. Roger Cabauatan, the new General Director, showed his appreciation
to Ikeda Sensei for having invited him to participate in the 6th HQ Leaders
Meeting of the New Era of Advancement in commemoration of the May 3, Soka
Gakkai Day. Because of the deep compassion of Ikeda Sensei, he was encouraged
by Sensei to start the new era of advancement together with Sensei. Mr.
Cabauatan promised to exert his utmost efforts for the development of SGI
Philippines.
As a new General Director, he promised to put into action Ikeda Sensei’s
guidance: "Ignite the fire in your heart! Its flame will naturally
spread to your friends. The flame of your passion will change people’s
hearts, and create a new history."”
With this guidance, General Director Cabauatan promised to further strengthen his faith and practice and to improve his study of Buddhism to achieve his own Human Revolution for the sake and happiness of all SGI Philippines members.
And most important of all, he resolved to maintain the true path of Mentor and Disciple.
In the end of his speech, he called on all the SGI Philippines members to join together in developing faith that cannot be destroyed by any kind of obstacles and to strive for the new start leading to the true prosperity of SGI Philippines and to achieve true benefit from the Gohonzon.
SGI Vice President Takimoto
SGI Vice President Takimoto sincerely thanked all the members who have
attended on the May 3, SGI Day Commemorative Gongyo meeting. He also congratulated
the newly appointed leaders stressing that the newly appointed Men's Division
Chief commonly is a golden pillar and very much suited for his new position
in representing the Men's Division.
On the other hand he said that the newly appointed General Director, Roger
Cabauatan is such a capable leader who is foremost in two aspects. One
is through the giving of sound guidance, second is the kind of leadership
he is greatly employing for the Soka Gakkai members. Moreover, in the field
of Buddhist study, Mr. Cabauatan emerges as the "foremost of all."
Under the new organization, SGI Vice President Takimoto called to all members to unite with great vitality for the sake of Philippine Kosen-rufu.
The meeting was concluded with a dynamic Gakkai song led by Men's Division
Chief Manuel Urrutia and General Director Roger Cabauatan.
All the members went home with fresh vitality and renewed determinations and looking forward to work for kosen-rufu behind their new General Director Roger Cabauatan.
