RC MAKATI DONATES 1,000 BOOKS TO GEN. PIO DEL PILAR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Expanding access to knowledge is key to nurturing future leaders, and RC Makati remains steadfast in its mission to empower young minds through education. In a continued effort to enrich learning opportunities, the club recently donated 1,000 books to Gen. Pio Del Pilar National High School under the Books Across the Seas Program. Complementing this generous contribution was a special collection titled Greatness of Spirit from the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, offering students valuable insights into the lives of distinguished Asian leaders who have shaped history through service, integrity, and innovation.

A formal turnover ceremony took place at the school on February 21, 2025, with key representatives from RC Makati, the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Institute, and the school community in attendance. Leading the delegation were Pres. Keith Harrison and First Ann Rachel Harrison, accompanied by Amb. Melvin Castelino, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Dir. Boy Arteche, Treas. Leo de Leon, and Michael Hsu and Paolo Turno. The Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Institute was represented by the Partnership Manager, Ms. Issay Nodalo, and the Program Officer, Ms. Dani Pesayco, and an alumna of the school. School officials, including Principal Mrs. Juliet Melo, Learning Resource Coordinator Ms. Shan Fabros, Interact Club Adviser Mrs. Arlene Okuma, and Interact Pres. Princess Joanna Figueroa, warmly welcomed the guests. The program was hosted by Mrs. Okuma and Interact Club member Dwayne Marcus Garcia, with Grade 10 students in attendance.

In her welcome remarks, Principal Melo expressed deep gratitude to RC Makati for its continued support, emphasizing how the donated books will enhance students’ learning experiences. This was followed by a message from Pres. Keith, who underscored the Rotary’s Four-Way Test as a guiding principle for leadership and service. He noted that in “Greatness of Spirit” volumes being donated, readers will see that all of the Magsaysay Laureates followed these guiding rules of truth, fairness and integrity in their work and lives. He went on to explain that February is Rotary Peace and Conflict Resolution Month – Peace and Conflict Resolution being the founding principle behind the establish of Rotary as a service organization. He noted that if we all follow the 4-way test there can be no better way of bringing about peace and conflict resolution at a mirco-level such as conflicts between individuals in this room all the way through to the huge conflicts between nation states that we read and hear about in the news.

Ms. Issay Nodalo delivered an inspiring talk, encouraging students to reflect on leadership, service, and the importance of learning from history. She highlighted the legacy of Ramon Magsaysay, the seventh President of the Philippines, whose values of honesty, integrity, and selfless service remain relevant today. She also introduced the Greatness of Spirit book series, which chronicles the lives of Ramon Magsaysay Awardees—scientists, engineers, doctors, human rights advocates, and artists—whose contributions have transformed communities. More than a collection of biographies, the series serves as a testament to the power of courage, integrity, and selfless dedication. Nodalo also urged students to use social media for learning and advocacy, maximizing its potential beyond entertainment.

Following her talk, other guests shared messages of encouragement before Interact Pres. Princess Figueroa expressed her appreciation on behalf of the students. The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official turnover of the book donations. To celebrate the occasion, the school hosted an early lunch for the guests.