In the heart of Isabela, a dedicated team from the Rotary Club of Makati embarked on a mission to empower communities and promote sustainable agriculture. Led by Vice President/Director Howie Calleja, President-Nominee Eddie Galvez, Director Julian Lim, Secretary Regi Ponferrada, and Philip Soliven, they journeyed to Isabela on a chartered flight on October 13, joining hands with the local community to mark the culmination of a remarkable project. The day was set for an inspiring event, featuring touching messages from project partners, spectacular performances, and active participation from the Rotary Club of Makati. This event was the culmination of the Feed Back project, an initiative that's changing lives in rural communities. Feed Back is a unique vegetable exchange program. It encourages households to plant and harvest vegetables, bringing them to a central location for swapping. It's all about community collaboration and sustainable agriculture. The Rotary Club of Makati has supported the success of Feed Back, making it one of their signature projects. Introduced during Past President Louie Aseoche's term, this initiative is carried out in partnership with Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK). In Wave 9, the Rotary Club of Makati generously contributed 1.5 million pesos to support a community of 300 families. This support ensures access to food, healthcare, and new income opportunities, benefitting over 6,000 families in the region. The success of the Feed Back project was further amplified by the generous support of Universal Leaf Philippines, under the guidance of President Winston Uy. Together, they are making a positive impact on the lives of countless families, showcasing the power of collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision for a better, more sustainable future. The Rotary Club of Makati's commitment to community empowerment and sustainable agriculture continues to inspire. In the heart of Isabela, together with their partners and the local community, they are sowing the seeds of a brighter and more sustainable future. One community at a time, they are making a difference, showing us all what's possible when we come together.

On September 16, 2023, in Cabuyao City, Laguna, the Rotary Club of Makati embarked on a mission of compassion and hope. It was the launch of the Feeding Program in Cabuyao. Past President Freddie Borromeo, a stalwart advocate of the Supplemental Feeding Program, led the charge. Alongside him was Immediate Past President Michael Escaler, celebrated for his unwavering dedication to child nutrition. Their dedication was matched by Rtn. David Nithyananthan, Baby Rotarian Paolo Turno, and prospective member Anton Cabrera, all united for this noble cause. Partners like Vicky Wieneke, President of Kabisig ng Kalahi, and Rev. Rommel Quiñones, Chairman of the Loaves and Fishes Global Mission Inc., joined hands with us. Rotary Club of Cabuyao, represented by President Leif Opiña, and delegates from Rotary Club of Nuvali, led by Charter President Renalyn David, stood in solidarity. At the heart of this initiative are 30 children, aged six to twelve, facing various degrees of malnutrition. The launch featured heartfelt messages from RC Makati members - PP Freddie, IPP Michael, David, and Paolo, as well as messages from our valued partners. The program spans six months, providing each child with a daily nutritious hot meal and a glass of milk. But it's more than just meals. Mothers lead the way, planning, preparing, and serving these vital meals, while also learning essential skills. Educational classes cover crucial topics like nutrition, meal planning, sanitation, personal hygiene, and overall health. This holistic approach empowers families for healthier living. Since 2004, the Rotary Club of Makati, in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi, has touched the lives of over 5,000 undernourished children. This year, we've allocated a budget of Two Million Pesos, reaffirming our commitment to making a lasting impact. Join us in making a difference. Together, we can brighten the future of these children. Together, we're changing lives, one meal at a time.

On August 26, The RC Makati for Babies Culmination Day, a heartening display of community solidarity, unfolded at the Holy Family Parish Church in San Andres, Manila on August 26th. Notable figures including Pres. Bing Matoto, Past President JunJun Dayrit, and Sec. Regi Ponferrada graced the event, alongside Rtn. Boy Arteche with his son John, Rtn. Ferdie and Menchit Ordoveza, pivotal figures in conceiving the RC Makati for Babies project. The flagship initiative of IPP Michael Escaler, in collaboration with Lazarus Kitchen, addresses the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years. Through the distribution of Mingo meals - a nutritious blend of rice, mongo, and malunggay - packed with essential vitamins and minerals, the project aims to provide vital sustenance. The day began with spirited volunteers from Caritas Manila and parents of the young beneficiaries coming together to prepare a sumptuous feast. The menu, featuring rice, menudo, tinola soup, and freshly squeezed calamansi juice, set the stage for a joyful atmosphere. Children joined lively dances led by enthusiastic Lazarus Kitchen volunteers, with the RC Makati delegates soon joining in. The event commenced with a reflective opening prayer by Ms. Rogie of Lazarus Kitchen, followed by Pres. Bing Matoto's warm welcome to attendees. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to beneficiaries and volunteers, underscoring their collective contribution to the project's success. Pres. Matoto hoped that the nutrition knowledge gained would continue to be practiced. Ann Menchit Ordoveza, an instrumental figure in program realization, expressed her appreciation for RC Makati's funding support and unwavering commitment to monthly visitations and aid distributions throughout the 6-month program. A heartwarming moment arrived with the distribution of nutritious meals. Pres. Bing actively participated in serving food, exemplifying the camaraderie and generosity that defined the day. Rev. Fr. Juanito Arroco Jr., the parish priest of Holy Family Parish, added to the day's significance by leading attendees on a tour of the under-construction parish building. Fr. Jun appealed for assistance in completing the construction through generous contributions, underscoring the event's community-focused essence.