On June 24, RC Makati proudly inaugurated its fourth Dormitory Project at Palawan State University (PSU) in Puerto Princesa, a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to education and community development. A delegation from RC Makati, including President Bing Matoto, VP Howie Calleja, Directors Rodrigo Segura, Bom Villatuya, Winston Uy, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Louie Aseoche, PDG Pepz Bengzon, and incoming RAED Doris Ensomo, traveled to witness this momentous event." The day's events commenced with a quick lunch at the PSU Hotel with Atty. Leni Robredo, Chairperson and President of Angat Pinas Foundation. Following lunch, the delegation proceeded to the dormitory site for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by President Bing Matoto, Atty. Robredo, and Dr. Ramon Docto, President of Palawan State University. Rev. Fr. Francis Mark Guzman led the dormitory blessing, covering all areas from the main door to the well-equipped kitchen, study area, 20-bed double-decker room, and the comfort rooms. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the marker bearing the RC Makati logo and the symbolic turnover of the dormitory key to PSU officials. The formal program at the jam-packed PSU auditorium followed. In his message, President Bing emphasized the impact of the project on students and discussed potential future projects for the province. Atty. Leni Robredo shared how the partnership with RC Makati began, leading to a P1M commitment to Angat Buhay, which eventually funded the dorm project This project, funded by RC Makati at P2.2M, aims to address absenteeism caused by long travel distances. The dormitory will accommodate 20 female students from underprivileged backgrounds, providing a safe and conducive living environment for their studies. RC Makati's partnership with Angat Pinas Foundation has been instrumental in previous dormitory projects in Sumilao, Bukidnon; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; and Infanta, Quezon." RC Makati also partnered with RC Puerto Princesa for the purchase of necessities inside the dormitory, further strengthening the collaborative efforts within the Rotary network. This collaboration underscores RC Makati's unwavering commitment to education and community development. Plans are already underway for a fifth dormitory in the upcoming Rotary year, continuing the legacy of support and empowerment for students in need. RC Makati: Building Futures, One Dormitory at a Time.

RC Makati has added another feather in its cap with the remarkable achievement of the Feed Back program, which bagged 1st runner-up in the nationwide search conducted by the Philippine Rotary Media Foundation, Inc. (PRMFI) for the Most Outstanding Environmental Project Awards in the Philippines for RY2023-24. The awards were presented during the Awards & Turnover Night held on June 29 at the Palms Country Club in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Present to witness the triumph and receive the award were IPP Bing Matoto, PDG Tony Quila, PDG Sid & Tesha Garcia, who is also the vice-chair for the Environmental Awards, PDG Pepz Bengzon and partner Doris, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Bimbo Mills, Philip Soliven, who chairs the Feed Back program, PP Louie Aseoche, and PP Bimbo Mills. They were joined by representatives from ARK, Iris Alonso and Ode Soliven. The Feed Back program, in partnership with Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), focuses on establishing sustainable vegetable exchange programs in various communities. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also emphasizes that caring for the environment begins at home. In the Philippines, rural communities, home to 60 million people—half of the population—face severe environmental degradation. Encouraging eco-friendly practices like tree planting and coastal cleanups is challenging when over a third of these communities are impoverished, hungry, and desperate to find their next meal. This desperation often forces families into environmentally destructive acts like forest burning or dynamite fishing to earn income and feed their families. When basic survival is at stake, thinking about future environmental sustainability becomes nearly impossible. The Feed Back program addresses these challenges by empowering communities with the knowledge and resources to cultivate and exchange vegetables. This not only provides a sustainable source of nutrition but also fosters economic independence and community resilience. By improving food security, the program reduces the pressure on families to resort to environmentally harmful practices, thereby promoting long-term environmental sustainability. The road to the award was not easy. First, the Feed Back program had to win at the district level to be nominated at the national level. Besides the Feed Back program, two more RC Makati projects entered the top five at the district level—the BGC Greenway project chaired by PP Charlie Rufino and the Save Our Reefs project initiated by PP Peter Manzano. On April 2, District 3830 conducted its presentation of the top five finalists, where Philip Soliven and PP Louie Aseoche led the presentation for Feed Back. Following the win at the district level, Feed Back competed at the national level against nine other winners from other districts in the Philippines. This stage required us to submit presentations and videos showcasing our work. On June 9, at the Palms Country Club, PP Louie presented the program in front of the national judges, with assistance from Iris of ARK. RC Makati received a total cash prize of P250,000, with P50,000 coming from the district as the top winner and P200,000 from PRMFI as the 1st runner-up winner. This award would not have been possible without the support of our partner ARK through Ayesha Vera Uy, their CEO and Founder, as well as the support and guidance from our own district led by PDG Mildred Vitangcol, PP Doris Ensomo, and CP Danny Abinoja. This award again puts RC Makati in the nationwide spotlight and provides significant exposure to the Feed Back project, which will now be known to other Rotary clubs. This recognition is a testament to RC Makati’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. The Feed Back program has not only made a positive impact on the environment but has also set a benchmark for other Rotary clubs to follow.

Monday, July 1, marked the beginning of the new Rotary Year, and RC Makati was determined to kick it off with a vibrant celebration. Despite being a weekday, the club successfully organized their traditional Children’s Day in partnership with RC Paranaque St. Andrew at Rotary Homes Parañaque, embracing this year’s theme, “The Magic of Rotary.”. This special occasionaimed to celebrate the new Rotary Year by providing children with a day filled with joy, magic, and new experiences. For the third consecutive year, the rotary event saw collaboration with the Rotaract Clubs of Makati and Paranaque St. Andrew. The day’s activities were meticulously planned to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for the children. Different areas within the Rotary Homes compound hosted a variety of events tailored to various age groups. The diverse and simultaneous programs included storytelling, a magic show, educational seminars, and vocational talks, ensuring every child had a meaningful and engaging experience. The event saw enthusiastic participation from RC Makati, led by Pres. Keith Harrison, along with IPP Bing Matoto, PDG Sid Garcia, DGE Reggie Nolido, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, Manny Padiernos, and James Bosch. RAC Makati members, headed by Pres. Hira Hermoso, PP AJ Sembrano, rotaractors Darlah and Vian Leonardo also played a crucial role in the day’s activities. Additionally, the event was graced by Gov. Prescy Yulo, Paranaque Mayor Eric Olivarez, and Congressman Edwin Olivarez. The Rotary Children’s Day targeted 200 children aged 5-10 years, who were treated to a captivating storytelling session and a mesmerizing magic show. The storytelling emphasized Anti-Bullying Awareness, a critical topic for young minds. Each child received a loot bag filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year, along with pre-loved storybooks from the Last Angel gift-giving project chaired by Ann Papat Escaler. These thoughtful loot bags were prepared and arranged by the dedicated members of RAC Makati. Girls aged 11-15 participated in a seminar on Mental Health Awareness and Teenage Pregnancy, providing them with essential knowledge and support. Boys aged 17-21 and selected parents engaged in a Youth Vocational Talk with Dualtech Foundation, highlighting career opportunities and vocational training. The event also included a health component, with free polio vaccines provided by the Paranaque Municipal Health Office. In addition, a Disaster Preparedness Seminar was conducted at the open court by the Don Galo Fire Fighters, ensuring that both children and parents are equipped with vital safety knowledge.

The Food Share Program (FSP) stands as a collaborative initiative aimed at securing food access for vulnerable communities through partnerships involving local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community representatives. Targeting populations such as low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, the FSP redistributes surplus food from local sources to designated beneficiaries, facilitated by meticulous logistics overseen by LGUs. This program not only addresses immediate food insecurity but also fosters sustainability by promoting local food production and reducing waste through educational initiatives. Regular monitoring and evaluation ensure the program’s efficacy, guiding ongoing improvements based on feedback from stakeholders, thereby reinforcing its role in community development and resilience. On June 26, 2024, the RC Makati joined forces with Kabisig ng Kalahi, the Tanay LGU, and DSWD Region IV-A to inaugurate the Food Share Program at the Tanay Municipal Extension in Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. This collaborative initiative aims to tackle food insecurity by fostering partnerships between local government units (LGUs), NGOs, and community representatives, targeting vulnerable populations such as low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Romeo B. Cruz, the Municipal Agriculture Officer, setting a tone of camaraderie and purpose. Vicky Wieneke, President of Kabisig ng Kalahi, Inc., provided an insightful overview of the program’s objectives, highlighting its potential impact on the community’s well-being. Inspirational speeches followed from esteemed guests, including Hon. Rafael A. Tanjuatco, Municipal Mayor; PP Freddie Borromeo, Chairman of the Committee on Family, Health & Nutritional Program; Dir. Neil Makasiar; Dir. Brian Liu; Rtn. Boy Arteche; and Ms. Mylah Gatchalian, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, DSWD-Region IV-A. Part of the program was the signing of the Kasunduan, a formal commitment by all partners to uphold and support the Food Share Program. This was accompanied by the distribution of initial rice rations to 30 family representatives, each receiving 15 kilograms of rice. Over the next six months, these families will benefit from a total of 60 kilograms of rice, ensuring sustained support during scheduled distributions and additional contributions. Ann Jojo Borromeo and Ann Camille Makasiar also attended. Ms. Brecia Monje, OIC – MSWDO, delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the program’s community-centric approach and its potential to uplift local livelihoods. A group photo session captured the spirit of collaboration among partners and beneficiaries, highlighting a shared commitment to building a resilient and self-sufficient community. The ceremonial launch concluded with a convivial lunch hosted by PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo at Rambulls Tanay, reinforcing bonds and celebrating the promising start of a program dedicated to enhancing food security and promoting sustainable community development.

RC Makati has successfully inaugurated its fourth Dormitory Project, formally turning over the facility to the Palawan State University (PSU) in Puerto Princesa on June 24. Among those who flew in to witness the turnover were Pres. Bing Matoto, VP Howie Calleja, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Dir. Bom Villatuya, Dir. Winston Uy, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Louie Aseoche, and PDG Pepz Bengzon and incoming RAED Doris Ensomo. The day’s events commenced with a quick lunch at the PSU Hotel with the Chairperson and President of Angat Pinas Foundation, Atty. Leni Robredo. Thereafter, they proceeded to the dormitory site for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pres. Bing led the ribbon-cutting alongside Atty. Robredo and Dr. Ramon Docto, President of the Palawan State University. The dormitory blessing, led by Rev. Fr. Francis Mark Guzman, covered all areas of the facility, starting from the main door to the well-equipped kitchen, the study area furnished with computers, the 20-bed double-decker room complete with beddings, pillows, and mosquito nets, and the comfort rooms and shower area. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the marker bearing the RC Makati logo, followed by the symbolic turnover of the dormitory key to PSU officials. The team then moved on to the jam-packed PSU auditorium for the formal program of the event. In his message, Pres. Bing shared the impact this project will have on the students of the school and discussed potential future projects for the province. Atty. Leni shared the story of how the partnership with RC Makati was conceived and this was at the time when she was invited to be guest speaker of the club. Right after her talk, the Club committed P1M to Angat Buhay — one of the projects under Angat Pinas Foundation — which later on was earmarked for a dorm project after then President Fred Pascual, now the Secretary of DTI, noted that school dorms for students who lived in far-flung barangays were not being funded by the government. This project aims to address absenteeism caused by the significant distances students must travel from their homes to school. The PSU dormitory, funded by the RC Makati at P2.2M, will accommodate 20 female students from underprivileged backgrounds and remote areas, providing them with a safe and conducive living environment for their studies. RC Makati’s partnership with the Angat Pinas Foundation has been instrumental in previous dormitory projects in Sumilao, Bukidnon; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; and Infanta, Quezon. RC Makati also partnered with RC Puerto Princesa through Pres. Claudio Favila for the purchase of necessities inside the dormitory, further strengthening the collaborative efforts within the Rotary network. This collaboration with Angat Pinas underscores RC Makati’s unwavering commitment to education and community development. Plans are already underway for a fifth dormitory in the upcoming Rotary year, continuing the legacy of support and empowerment for students in need.

RC Makati, in partnership with P&A Grant Thornton, held a pivotal Sustainability Forum titled “Unwrapping Change: Transforming the Philippines from its Plastic Legacy Through EPR” on June 20, 2024. The event took place at the P&A Grant Thornton office in Makati and was also broadcast live via Microsoft Teams, attracting a diverse audience committed to environmental sustainability. The Philippines faces a critical issue with plastic pollution, generating an alarming 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually. A significant portion of this waste ends up in landfills and various water bodies, contributing to severe environmental degradation. The forum aimed to address this pressing issue by exploring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a strategic solution. The program began with an invocation led by Dir. Bom Villatuya, followed by messages from RC Makati Pres. Bing Matoto and Romualdo V. Murcia, Chairman and Managing Partner of P&A Grant Thornton. Keynote speaker Rina Neoh, Secretary General of the ESG Association of Malaysia, introduced by her spouse, Rtn. Roger Collantes, shared initiatives to reduce plastic waste. She urged Filipino companies to deploy plastic deposit machines, where the public can recycle plastic waste for monetary rewards or coins. Neoh also emphasized the need for the Philippine government to provide grants to companies selling eco-friendly products, noting that Malaysia has facilitated such transitions with grants for exhibition and market development. Atty. Jonas Leones, DENR Undersecretary, discussed recycling compliance data under EPR, which requires companies to report on the efficiency of their recycling programs. Leones noted that 917 companies and 298 micro, small, and medium enterprises have submitted their reports. The DENR expects increased investments in recycling technologies and community training programs by 2034, along with more aggressive public campaigns against single-use plastics by 2040. Following the resource speakers, a panel discussion moderated by Chris Ferareza, incoming Director and Vice President of RC Makati, and Chief Sustainability Officer and Partner for Advisory Services and Sustainability Leader of P&A Grant Thornton, featured several experts. Panelists included Commissioner Crispian Lao, Chairman of the National Solid Waste Management Commission and Founding President of PARMS; Elvin Ian Uy, Executive Director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress; Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director of PCX; Erica Cardoso, Managing Director of Evergreen Labs Philippines; Stanley Siahetiong, Energy Transition Manager of Shell Pilipinas Corporation; and representatives from the DENR Environmental Management Bureau, Engr. Esperanza Sajul and Atty. Ivy De Pedro. The panelists emphasized the need for collaboration and holistic action to change the Philippines’ plastic legacy. The forum concluded with the closing remarks of PE Keith Harrison, who highlighted the importance of changing mindsets about plastic waste management and sustainability through education. The event saw active participation, with over 250 online attendees and more than 40 in-person participants, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices.

The Rotary Club of Makati, driven by its mission to instill hope and foster positive change, welcomed 80 participants from Sisters of Mary’s Boystown in Silang Cavite with open arms. This collaborative effort between RC Makati and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) marked another significant step in promoting mental wellness among underprivileged youth through NGF’s SuPEER Heroes of the Millennium peer support training program. Spanning two weekends on June 8-9 and 15-16, the program unfolded at the Sisters of Mary Boystown campus, where 73 boys and 7 teachers engaged in a transformative 4-day training session led by licensed mental health professionals. The comprehensive curriculum included essential topics such as Mindfulness Therapy, Resilience, Basic Communication Skills, and Self-Care until eventually progressing onwards an Intermediate level of training comprised of Basic Helping Skills, Love Languages, and Mental Health First Aid. These modules were designed not only to equip participants with practical skills but also to empower them to be effective sources of support for their peers facing mental and emotional challenges. The program kicked off on June 8th with a heartfelt opening prayer led by Sister Mylene, Director of Sisters of Mary Schools. This was followed by warm words of welcome from Pres. Bing Matoto, PP Charlie Rufino, Rtn. Boy Arteche, and an inspiring keynote address by PE Keith Harrison. Also present were Jean Goulbourn, President, and Founder of NGF, Rachel Harrison, and Chinit Rufino. Throughout the training, participants actively engaged in discussions, practical exercises, and role-playing scenarios aimed at reinforcing their learning and enhancing their ability to provide compassionate peer support. Interactive sessions included Q&A portions with prizes to encourage participation and foster an environment where students felt safe to express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. The culminating day of the program was a testament to the impact of the training, as students eloquently expressed their gratitude through speeches and heartfelt poetry. The highlight of the day was a moving performance by the Boystown Choir, which brought tears to the eyes of attendees. As a gesture of appreciation, students distributed handwritten Thank You cards and even Father’s Day cards to facilitators, Pres. Bing and CoS Ron Dotaro. Members of the Rotaract Club of Makati, led by PE Hira Hermoso, alongside PP Mark Gil Cato, PP Elena Gana, PP AJ Sembrano, PN Jover Acebuche, Dir. Karylle Dotaro, and Rtr. Martin Revilla also joined in the closing festivities.

Imagine this from your perspective: you are a grade school student studying in an upland sitio. Your only source of water is a 1.5-kilometer descent to fetch water, carrying a gallon back on uneven terrain, just so you can take a bath and be ready for school. By the time you are prepared for school, you might already be too exhausted to concentrate and fully engage in your studies. This scenario was the daily drudgery for the students of Simanta Elementary School. But no more. Thanks to a collaborative effort between the RC Makati and the RC Zamboanga City West (RCZCW), the community now has access to clean water right in their neighborhood. June 12, Independence Day, was no holiday for the RC Makati delegation. Led by Pres. Bing Matoto, PDG Pepz Bengzon, and PP Roland Young, they traveled to Zamboanga City to officially turn over this water system to the community. Dir. Neil & Camille Makasiar, natives of Zamboanga, were already there days prior to the turnover. Upon arrival at the airport, the team was met by RCZCW members led by Pres. Cliff Ing and PDG James Makasiar, father of Dir. Neil. The team then traveled over one and a half hours through steep and rough roads to reach Simanta Elementary School in Brgy. Calabasa. Immediately, a short program started with messages shared by Pres. Bing, Pres. Cliff, and SEC Chairman Emil Aquino, himself a past president of RCZCW. Messages were also delivered by the school heads and the barangay captain. Following the speeches, the team formally inaugurated the water system with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The project, which was conceived in the first quarter of the Rotary year, involved the development of a water source, a deep well about 1.5 kilometers down. It included the construction of a concrete well, where water will be delivered by pumping from the well to the school area through a 1.5 km transmission with a 1.5-inch PVC pipeline. The water system is powered by a 5KW solar energy system with a 5HP submersible pump to bring the water to the school and includes the construction of an overhead tank at the school premises to ensure a steady supply of water. Additionally, the system features a filtration tank that purifies water from the river before storing it in two large containers, with the excess water flowing back through pipes to service over 200 households. The total project cost of P700,000 was equally shared by both clubs with RCZCW Sec/PP Nanding Yu as the project lead. The program didn't end there. The students of Simanta Elementary School received bags and school supplies, while their parents were each given a bag of rice. The initiative also included a medical mission to check the health condition of the community and provide circumcision services for the youth. The completion of this water project marks a significant milestone in improving the quality of life for the students and the wider community. By providing a nearby, reliable source of clean water, the children of Simanta Elementary School can now focus on their education, no longer burdened by the exhausting task of fetching water. This project exemplifies Rotary's commitment to making a tangible impact on communities in need. Addressing such a fundamental necessity as access to clean water empowers these young learners with better health and a brighter future. The collaboration between RCM and RCZCW showcases the power of Rotary clubs working together to bring about meaningful change, one community at a time.

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The Rotary International Convention, a significant event in the Rotary calendar, returned to Southeast Asia at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from May 26 to 29. This marked a triumphant return after a 12-year hiatus from the time Bangkok hosted the event in 2012. The last time the convention was held in Asia was in 2016 in Seoul, Korea. Given the proximity to Manila, this was an opportunity that RC Makati members and Anns, demonstrating their active involvement and commitment to Rotary International, could not afford to miss. A 22-man delegation from RC Makati, led by Pres. Bing Matoto, traveled to Singapore to join the world's largest Rotary event this year. Accompanying him were PP David & CP Mache Ackerman, PP Louie Aseoche, Roger & Rina Collantes, IPP Michael & Papat Escaler, PN Eddie Galvez, PDG Sid & Tesha Garcia, PE Keith & Rachel Harrison, PP Bimbo & Queenie Mills, Manny & Rose Padiernos, PP Carlo & Cat Rufino, and Derrick & Jane Tan. The Club also sponsored the trip of CoS Ron Dotaro to provide him with his first convention experience, ensuring that he is well-prepared when Manila hosts the event in 2028. The RI Convention started a day early for IPP Michael & Papat Escaler on May 25 as they were honored as Arch Klumph Society (AKS) members at a pre-convention event. AKS is The Rotary Foundation’s highest tier of major donors, those who have contributed at least USD 250,000 during their lifetime. The Escalers join PP David & CP Mache Ackerman, the late PRID Paing & Mely Hechanova, and the late PDG Robert & Yvonne Kuan in the elite Society from RC Makati. Two other top-tier donors are credited to our Club’s AKS list—philanthropist Angelo King and banker Frederick Dy. Both are non-Rotarians who contributed to TRF on the invitation of PDG Robert. With most of the delegation arriving on the 25th, several members took the opportunity to explore the local culture and cuisine. They gathered to try the hawker center at Newton, one of the most popular hawker spots in Singapore, experiencing the vibrant food scene and fostering camaraderie within the delegation. The opening general session on the 26th, due to the venue's inability to accommodate over 11,000 attendees, was divided into two seatings, with assignments given prior to the convention. The delegation was split into two groups, one attending the morning session and the other in the afternoon. The opening session was a vibrant and engaging affair, starting with a Lion and Dragon dance presentation, followed by the acknowledgment of the nationalities present at the convention. The delegation's excitement was palpable when the Philippines was called. The session continued with a discussion on peace, featuring an interview with Graca Machel, an international advocate for women's and children's rights. The main speaker, RI Pres. Gordon McInally, delivered a thought-provoking talk on mental health. The session concluded with a captivating performance from Calum Scott, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation for the rest of the convention. In the evening, the delegation accepted an invitation from RC Singapore for a fellowship meeting with their sister clubs in the Philippines at the presidential suite of the Marina Bay Sands. There, they exchanged pleasantries with IDG Dr. Yap Lip Kee and PP Perlita Tiro, as well as representatives from RC Vigan led by Pres. Glenda Rabino, over bottles of wine, while marveling at the splendid view of the bay. On the 27th, the day started super early for the delegation as the Asia-Philippine Breakfast began at 6:00 AM at Swissotel, the Stamford Hotel. Over 600 attendees, mostly Filipino Rotarians, were there to represent their respective clubs. Rotary dignitaries, including RI Pres. Gordon McInally and PE Stephanie Urchick, were present to share their time and message. The keynote speaker of the event was Hon. Heng Swee Keat, the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. The event ended with a special number from the Philippine College of Governors to promote the RI Convention in Manila in 2028. Right after breakfast, the delegation proceeded to the Marina Bay Sands for General Session 2 with the theme “Sharing Light with the World.” The session was full of impactful speeches, including one from RI General Secretary and CEO John Hewko on “Leadership in Turbulent Times,” a keynote on Trauma-Informed Care by Alexandra Rose, an RI Peace Fellow, a keynote on Mental Health and the Environment by Nacho Dean, a naturalist and professional explorer, and a keynote on Social Responsibility by Claire Chian, co-founder of the Banyan Group. In the afternoon, the delegation broke out into groups to maximize learning from the breakout session topics—E-business for the Youth, A Communication Toolkit for Your Rotary Project, and the Impact of “Companion” Clubs. In the evening, the delegation went to De Golden Spoon Seafood for a fellowship dinner organized by PP Carlo & Cat Rufino. The main attraction was the crab dishes, complemented by Tiger beer. It was like a mini-social event held in Singapore. The day ended with a night walk along Tiong Bahru. Day 3 of the Convention on the 28th started at 9 AM for the general session with the theme “Sharing Dreams in the World.” It began with an emotional valedictory address from RIPP Barry Rasin, the outgoing chairman of The Rotary Foundation. This was followed by several informative speeches on the End Polio campaign, giving attendees a closer look at how close we are to eradicating the disease. The keynote address for the session came from Jack Sim, Founder and Director of the World Toilet Organization, who provided an entertaining take on how his organization contributes to environmental and sanitation efforts. In the afternoon, some members took time out from Rotary activities. PDG Sid & Tesha, PP Bimbo & Queenie, and Manny & Rose went for a factory tour of Thales, the world’s premier private data security provider. Meanwhile, first-time attendees, including Pres. Bing, PP Louie, Roger, with PE Keith, made the most of the convention experience by attending breakout sessions on “Trauma and Mental Wellness in Times of Crisis” and “Cultivating a Lifelong Love.” In the evening, the Rotary affair did not end for Pres. Bing and PP Louie as they attended the Longevity Dividend seminar hosted by the Standard Chartered Bank and RC Makati McKinley at the Standard Chartered Building in Orchard Road. The last day of the Convention on the 29th had a more relaxed pace. The delegates took the time to visit the House of Friendship in the morning, and after a quick early lunch, they showed their support by attending a breakout session hosted by RCM McKinley entitled “Small Clubs, Big Projects.” The closing session of the Convention was already in a celebratory mood, with attendees dancing to the groove of “YMCA” before the formal closing ceremony. The enjoyment continued with a performance from Heather McInally, spouse of RIP Gordon, accompanied by professional singer Michael Lapina. The highlights of the event were the messages from RIPE Stephanie and the closing remarks of RIP Gordon. The Convention concluded with entertainment from the Red Hot Chili Pipers with their bagpipes playing some contemporary songs. In the evening, PE Keith attended the RC Singapore meeting at the Tanglin Club where he met numerous Rotary dignitaries, while Pres. Bing and PP Louie joined the dinner hosted by Roger Collantes at the Holy Crab at the old Capitol Movie compound to celebrate CoS Ron’s birthday. The Rotary Convention served as a fitting platform to enrich one’s Rotary experience and to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of what it is to be a Rotarian. It likewise served to foster camaraderie among club members, and networking with colleagues from other Rotary clubs in the world. Most of the RCM delegates who were first time RI Convention attendees left Singapore with a better affection for what Rotary does in the global community.

RC Makati showcased its steadfast dedication to humanitarian efforts and disaster response by promptly aiding typhoon victims in Mauban, Quezon. The Bangon Mauban, Aghon Relief Mission, organized in collaboration with RC Lucena Central, aimed to deliver critical support to those impacted by Typhoon Aghon. Upon receiving an urgent request from PP Marvin Villamin, Deputy District Governor of Area 3 of the Province of Quezon and Marinduque, RC Makati's Disaster Response committee quickly sprang into action. Villamin provided real-time updates on Mauban's condition and outlined the immediate needs of the typhoon-affected residents. Understanding the dire need for food supplies, the committee allocated PHP 150,000 to procure 300 food packs. These packs were essential in providing nourishment to the affected families in Mauban. The distribution was efficiently managed by the dedicated team of RC Lucena Central. On June 1, Dir. Porsche Peña represented RC Makati and joined forces with RC Lucena Central to distribute the food bags to the families in need in Mauban. This initiative highlights RC Makati's ongoing commitment to supporting communities in crisis. Their rapid response and cooperative efforts underscore the club's dedication to humanitarian service and effective disaster relief. This marks another significant relief operation for RC Makati, emphasizing their dedication to assisting communities in times of need. Through the Bangon Mauban, Aghon Relief Mission, RC Makati and RC Lucena Central not only provided immediate aid but also brought hope and support to those affected by the calamity.