RC Makati proudly launched its innovative Hatch+ program on August 3, 2024, marking a significant expansion of its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and community development. Building on the successes of initiatives such as the Hack4Food Challenge, which sought tech-driven solutions for agriculture, and the nationwide Hatch competition, the Hatch+ program aims to provide entrepreneurs and community developers with critical tools and opportunities. The inaugural session, titled “Entrepreneurial Mindset + Opportunity Seeking” was led by Rtn. Jay Bernardo, who shared insights from his professional journey. His session focused on nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset, emphasizing self-awareness, authenticity, and effective delegation, while also exploring the impact of crises and the balance between immediate opportunities and long-term goals. The launch was attended led by Hatch Program Committee Chair Bom Villatuya, alongside PP JunJun Dayrit, Dir. Boy Arteche, and Rtns. Julian Lim, Paolo and Christine Turno, Aaron and Daianne Mempin. The Hatch+ program continued its impactful sessions with Mr. Carlo Calimon from Startup Village on August 10, who led a workshop titled “Value Creation + Game.” This session was designed to enhance personal growth and business acumen through a theme-based business game, which emphasized financial planning, market trend analysis, and customer-centric strategies. His interactive approach highlighted the importance of adapting solutions based on customer feedback and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset. The event was attended by DGE Reggie Nolido, along with rotarians including Dir. Boy Arteche and Michael Hsu, who contributed to the session’s success. The program’s subsequent sessions included a focus on design thinking, facilitated by Mr. Resty Collado, a physics educator at Miriam College, who specializes in developing innovative educational projects and mentoring startups on August 17 and August 31 sessions. The first session, “Design Thinking 1: Empathy Stage” introduced participants to the five-stage design thinking process, emphasizing user-centered problem-solving through strategies like interviewing and understanding diverse customer experiences. The follow-up session expanded on these concepts, encouraging creativity and innovative thinking in problem definition and brainstorming. Both sessions were well-attended by rotarians including Dir. Boy and Ann Christine Turno. The Hatch+ program, a comprehensive 10-session series, continues through November, aiming to empower participants in sectors such as education, health, and social ventures using advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and Blockchain, with all sessions hosted at the Paing Hechanova Creativity Center.

On August 23 and August 30, 2024, the club, in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi, unveiled two impactful feeding programs aimed at combating child malnutrition. This collaboration, which has been ongoing for over twenty years, underscores the club’s steadfast commitment to enhancing community health and well-being. The new initiatives were launched at separate locations, each targeting 30 malnourished children. The programs feature a Supplementary Program providing nutritious meals daily for 120 days and a Complementary Program offering a daily glass of milk over the same period. The efforts are focused on delivering essential nutritional support and empowering local families with skills for healthier living. The first program was inaugurated in Brgy. Kaypian, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, from the beneficiaries of Makati Dreamland Ville community. The event, held despite a holiday disruption, saw the participation of Pres. Keith Harrison, PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, Dir. Boy Arteche, Rtns. Paolo Turno, CB Rivilla, Patrick and Mitzi Parungao, and Ms. Vicky Wieneke from Kabisig ng Kalahi. The ceremony included an overview of the program, speeches from key figures, and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Rotary Club of Makati and Kabisig ng Kalahi. Following the formalities, the children received their first servings of nutritious meals and milk, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. The second program took place in Brgy. Bagong Ilog, Pasig City, and was attended by PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, PP Junjun Dayrit, PE Eddie Galvez, Dir. Boy Arteche, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, and Rtns. including Chito Cantada, Johnny Sy, Michael Hsu, Aiai Galvez, CB Rivilla and Anton Cabrera. The Rotary Club of Pasig, led by Pres. Bernard Dy, also supported the event. Similar to the first, the session featured project presentations, local government addresses, and the signing of the MoA. The feeding program will provide one hot meal and a glass of milk daily for 120 days to 30 children aged 3-10. The program not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also equips mothers with valuable skills in meal planning and health, ensuring long-term benefits for their families. Since 2004, the RC Makati has positively impacted over 5,000 undernourished children through its partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi, reinforcing its dedication to community health and empowerment. In addition to the program activities, PP Freddie and Jojo hosted lunches at Roadside Dampa in Bulacan and Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig for all the attendees, fostering camaraderie and shared commitment to the cause.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E2_U8LP7M-vtFS1ih3NSrzBxVoFCYp-F/view?usp=sharing

For 59 years, RC Makati has built a long-standing history of service and impact. Among its most significant milestones is an event that holds a special place in Rotary International’s legacy: the very first drop of the Polio vaccine, administered at our Clubhouse in Guadalupe Viejo. On September 29, 1979, then Rotary International President James Bomar delivered the historic drop, a moment that was broadcast worldwide, igniting the global movement to eradicate polio. In honor of this pivotal moment, on August 19, RC Makati hosted a Polio Commemoration event at the Clubhouse. The gathering marked 45 years of Rotary’s enduring fight to end polio and was attended by RI President-Elect Mario Cesar Martins de Camargo during his 5-day visit to the Philippines. The event began with a vitamin drop for the children of Barangay Guadalupe Viejo, led by RIPE Mario and Pres. Keith Harrison, in the Clubhouse parking lot. Due to the successful implementation of the End Polio campaign, all children in the community had already been immunized, so instead, vitamin A supplements were given. The formal program then continued on the 3rd floor of the Paing Hechanova Creativity Center at the Clubhouse, moderated by PE Eddie Galvez. DGE Reggie Nolido delivered the welcome and opening remarks, which was followed by a moving video presentation with a narration by Ann Cey Ponferrada. The video presentation included video footages of the historic events of 45 years ago as presented by the late PRID Paing Hechanova as well as excerpts of the speech of PRIP Mat Caparas, who was then Rotary International Director, during the very first drop of the Polio vaccine 45 years ago. PDG Marilou Co, End Polio Zone Coordinator, provided an update on current End Polio initiatives and presented Polio bears as giveaways to the dignitaries. The End Polio Commemoration event was chaired by Sec. Regi Ponferrada, with support from Pres. Keith, DGE Reggie, PE Eddie, and Paolo Turno. Many members actively participated, including PDG Tony Quila, IPP Bing Matoto, PP Fred Parungao, VP/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, CB Rivilla, and Anns Rachel Harrison and Sue Ann Nolido. In his keynote address, RIPE Mario reflected on the origins of the fight against polio, sharing how, in early 1979, then RI President Clem Renouf was inspired by the elimination of smallpox and envisioned the use of the 3H Grants (Health, Hunger & Humanity Grants) to eradicate another disease. From that vision, the first immunization project in the Philippines was born. Mario emphasized that today’s battle is not just against the polio virus but against mindsets, politics, and misinformation, which continue to pose significant challenges. Other Rotary dignitaries from the Philippines present were PRID Guiller Tumangan, PRID Raffy Garcia, PDG Ernie Choa, PDG Penny Policarpio, PDG Oliver Ong, PDG Johnny Gaw, PDG Gina Sy, and the DGEs from the 10 districts. The event was held in coordination with officials of Brgy. Guadalupe Viejo through Chairman Heinz Angeles and Kagawad Shirley Borja.

Despite the sudden holiday change on August 23, the Rotary Club of Makati team made the journey to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, determined to make an impact. Their mission? To launch the Supplemental Feeding Program for 30 undernourished children in Dreamland Ville, Barangay Kapypian, a community of informal settlers relocated from Makati. Leading the charge was President Keith Harrison, along with Past President Freddie Borromeo and Jojo Borromeo, Patrick and Mitzi Parungao, Boy Arteche, CB Rivilla, and Paolo Turno. Their arrival marked the beginning of a brighter future for these children. As soon as they arrived, the program kicked off with Ms. Vicky Wieneke from Kabisig ng Kalahi, sharing an overview of the initiative. She emphasized the program's importance and highlighted the support provided by Rotary Club of Makati. President Keith followed with an important message on the value of nutrition for the children’s growth and future, reminding everyone that good health begins with the food we eat." Past President Freddie Borromeo shared that the program goes beyond providing meals—it also includes teaching parents and children the principles of right conduct, ensuring holistic development for these young minds." With heartfelt messages shared, the team proceeded to sign a Memorandum of Agreement, solidifying the partnership between RC Makati, Kabisig ng Kalahi, and the Makati DSWD." Following the signing, the children were served their nutritious meal for the day—munggo and a glass of milk. It was a heartwarming moment as smiles lit up their faces. This initiative will provide one hot meal a day to 30 undernourished children, aged 3-6, for 120 days. The menu follows a 28-day cycle developed by Kabisig ng Kalahi, ensuring variety and balance. The program also empowers parents with the skills to prepare affordable and healthy meals, fostering long-term sustainability for the community. Through dedication and compassion, the Rotary Club of Makati is creating magic on the lives of these children, one nutritious meal at a time.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bqsw738AqY6qLYROeGCqZfyk7Rqg2eb-/view?usp=sharing

RC Makati and Fairplay For All Foundation Organize Community Day for Marcus Smith

In a heartwarming fusion of sports and community service, RC Makati and the Fairplay for All Foundation recently hosted a memorable Community Day in Payatas, Quezon City. The event, which drew together more than 30 children aged 13 and under, featured Rugby and Futsal clinics that showcased the transformative power of sports in inspiring and uplifting young lives. Leading the RC Makati delegation were Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison, joined by DGE Reggie Nolido, PP JunJun Dayrit, IPP Bing Matoto, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, CB Rivilla, Jay Savage, and Paolo Turno. The event was headlined by Marcus Smith, a renowned international Rugby star, and Ronalyn Lagata, a futsal standout who has leveraged sports to rise above poverty. Marcus Smith shared his skills and experiences with the eager young participants. Ronalyn, supported by her team and Fairplay for All Foundation co-founder Roy Moore, also played an active role in coaching the children, further emphasizing the impact that sports can have in changing lives. The event was graced by dignitaries such as Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines, and DG Prescy Yulo. Other special guests included Marcus Smith’s mother, Suzanne, and his brothers Luc and Tomas. The event’s success was further supported by Neil Gene, a close family friend of the Smiths, who played a key role in organizing the event for the day. Adding to the excitement, each child received a Rugby shirt courtesy of RC Makati, and a pair of shorts provided by Marcus Smith. The community was also gifted Rugby balls and tees donated by the Makati Mavericks through RC Makati member Rick Santos, ensuring that the children would continue their sports journey even after the event concluded. In his address, Pres. Keith shared the story behind the event’s conception. “Rotary, much like sports, has the power to unite people from different backgrounds, all working together to achieve a common goal. Let me share a brief background on how this event came to be. Last (Rotary) year, we held the Paing Hechanova Youth Leadership Awards, a nationwide search for the most outstanding youth leaders. Nominations were submitted for over 70 candidates, but only 10 were recognized as finalists, including Ronalyn Lagata. Her story and her impactful work here in Payatas continue to inspire us all, earning her a special award during the Awards Night. The magic of Rotary didn’t end there; that platform allowed Ronalyn to share her story, which reached Marcus Smith. Marcus was deeply moved by Ronalyn’s story, and that is why we are all here today. This event is a testament to the Magic of Rotary (our theme for this year), and I hope it is one of many positive changes you experience in the community.” The day not only provided an opportunity for the children to learn from world-class athletes but also underscored the shared commitment of RC Makati and the Fairplay for All Foundation to make a lasting difference in the lives of the young generation.

RC Makati continued its commitment to fostering mental well-being among youth by hosting the SuPEER Heroes training program at the Sisters of Mary Girlstown in Brgy. Biga II, Silang, Cavite. In collaboration with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, this initiative was held on July 20, 21, 27, and 28, engaging 81 10th-grade students. The program aims to equip students with essential life skills to support their peers experiencing emotional distress. Split into Basic and Intermediate training, the modules covered a wide range of topics, including Self-Awareness, Goal-Setting, Self-Care, Love Languages, Emotional Resilience, Communication Skills, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Basic Helping Skills, and Mental Health First Aid. The program’s launch featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between RC Makati and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, accompanied by a P485K donation to NGFI. This ceremony was made memorable with a heartfelt birthday celebration for Pres. Keith Harrison by the 2,700 students clapping 65 times to celebrate his age that day. The event was attended by prominent RC Makati members, including Pres. Keith Harrison, PE Eddie Galvez, PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit, Dir. Chris Ferareza, and rotarians Ronnie Siasoyco and CB Rivilla. The Basic level training began by emphasizing the importance of mental health and self-care. On the first day, topics such as Self-Awareness, Goal-Setting, and Self-Care were introduced. The second day delved into understanding Love Languages, fostering meaningful relationships, and building emotional resilience. Students learned to embrace their imperfections and validate their feelings and those of others. The Intermediate level training, conducted the following weekend, focused on enhancing interpersonal relationships. It covered Basic Communication and Listening Skills, the value of Gratitude, and Mindfulness practices. Participants engaged in various mindfulness therapies to manage stress effectively. The training concluded with lessons on Basic Helping Skills and Mental Health First Aid, where students were taught empathy, respect, trustworthiness, and maintaining a non-judgmental perspective. They were equipped with tools like “Egan’s Skilled Helper Method” to help peers navigate personal challenges collaboratively. The training concluded on July 28 with a graduation ceremony. It was attended again by Pres. Keith, together with IPP Bing Matoto and Nick Matoto, PP Charlie and Chinit Rufino, featuring performances by the Sisters of Mary Girlstown’s Handbells ensemble and a dynamic dance by all students. The event also showcased a SuPEER Heroes poster-making competition, celebrating the creativity and dedication of the participants. The judges, Jean Goulbourn and IPP Bing, were faced with a difficiult decision as all 10 of the groups demonstrated beautiful artwork eloquently explained by their respective group leaders to share the story behind the art linking it to matters learned over the 4 day course. The awards were given to the top 3 (winners were Team 8). Then IPP Bing was himself honored with a birthday song, lively tune of “Celebrate Good Times”, a cake plus 77 brithday claps from all 2,700 girls. His thank you was even more loudly and excitedly received by the girls in the school – ice cream for everyone!!

The Rotary Club of Makati continues to make a significant impact through its Art Therapy Workshop for students with autism at Stepping Stone School in Parañaque. The recent 10-day workshop, which ran from June 24 to July 26, concluded with a culmination activity attended by RC Makati members, led by President Keith Harrison, along with Baby Rotarians Patrick Parungao and newly inducted member Roy Moss. The summer workshop, held every Monday and Wednesday, aimed to provide art therapy to children with special needs, fostering their creative and emotional development through a series of carefully crafted sessions. This initiative is a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Makati and the Fernando Amorsolo Foundation, spearheaded by Mr. Nandy Amorsolo Lazo, the grandson of the celebrated national artist Fernando Amorsolo. The project, which began during the term of IPP Bing Matoto, is being continued by Pres. Keith Harrison, who has a strong commitment to supporting people with disabilities, especially those with autism. In his opening remarks, President Keith Harrison expressed his happiness and gratitude for a program that provides purpose and meaning to individuals with special needs, particularly through art. He emphasized the importance of having a purpose in life for everyone, especially for those with special needs and their parents. Pres. Keith shared his personal experience as a parent of a 32-year-old autistic child who, despite severe autism and lack of spontaneous speech, has found joy and purpose in art/painting. He recalled that his son started painting in his early 20s and has been creating art for over a decade, bringing him immense pleasure. Pres. Keith mentioned having videos on his phone of his son both displaying his artwork at exhibitions and working on new pieces. He hopes the program continues to provide purpose, meaning, and enjoyment to all participants, both now and in the future. He concluded by expressing his personal connection and emotional response to the program, thanking everyone involved. After the speeches, the children were awarded certificates to acknowledge their completion of the program. The guests also had the opportunity to tour the school’s facilities, led by Stepping Stone’s executive director, Dayal Nandwani, and trustee Peter Solomon. The tour was followed by a sumptuous lunch prepared by Stepping Stone, during which discussions were held about potential opportunities to further develop the school’s services for children with special needs. The Rotary Club of Makati and its partners are proud to continue this program with the next phase planned to be with special children at the General Pio del Pilar National High School in Poblacion. As this program is continued we can further assess the positive aspects of art lessons/therapy to the development of children with autism.

The province of Isabela in the Cagayan Valley is becoming a favorite destination for RC Makati, not for its tourist attractions but for the humanitarian projects the Club has initiated in the area. On August 10, it was the turn of Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison to return to Isabela for two important events: the induction of RC Cauayan and participation in Wave 10 of the Feed Back Program. The day began with the inauguration and blessing of the new RC Isabela clubhouse. Soon after, the Harrisons embarked on a half-hour journey to Labinab Pequeno in Reina Mercedes, we were warmly met by Iris Alonso of ARK and joined by by Mayor Malou Respicio-Saguban. During the short program, Pres. Keith expressed his gratitude for the community’s efforts to build a more sustainable future. His message was translated into Ilokano by FA Rachel, ensuring it resonated deeply with the locals. Following the program, the couple enthusiastically joined in the day’s activities. They helped weigh the vegetables, with each kilo earning the participants a raffle ticket per type of vegetable. The Harrisons then assisted in sorting the produce, ensuring every family received an equal share of the community harvest. They even joined the games, much to the delight of the locals, and later handed out raffle prizes, capping off an engaging and joyous event for everyone involved. At the end of the program, the couple continued their immersion in the community by riding a tricycle to visit a family of tobacco farmers, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Feed Back Program and how it has positively impacted their lives. The Feed Back project, a signature initiative introduced by PP Louie Aseoche in Rotary Year 2021-22, is a partnership with the organization Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK). The program’s aim is to establish sustainable neighborhood vegetable exchange programs in rural communities. Previous waves of the program have been successfully implemented in Bay, Laguna; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; Inabanga, Bohol; and Reina Mercedes, Isabela, with 95% of participating families continuing to grow their own produce. For the Wave 10 of the Feed Back project, RC Makati under IPP Bing Matoto last Rotary year, supported the program with P2.4 million pesos in funding to support three more communities in Isabela. The program also 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.

One of the great traditions that Rotary uphold is the strengthening of bonds through their brotherhood agreements. These partnerships foster a spirit of unity and mutual support, and one of the key responsibilities of these agreements is to encourage club visitations, particularly during induction ceremonies. On August 10, Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison embraced this storied tradition by traveling all the way to Isabela to attend the 42nd Induction of the Rotary Club of Cauayan. Their day began with a commercial flight early in the morning, and their first stop upon arrival was the inauguration and blessing of the new RC Cauayan clubhouse. This impressive two-storey facility was built on a donated 690 sqm plot located along the 1st Bypass Road in San Fermin, Cauayan City. Prominently displaying the Club logo and the “End Polio Now” emblem as part of a public image campaign, the clubhouse features a multipurpose hall, function rooms, and even a bar where the members can hold their fellowship. Remarkably, this modern structure was completed in just seven months, thus showcasing the dedication and efficiency of the RC Cauayan members. During lunch, Pres. Keith signed the renewal of the brotherhood ties with RC Cauayan Pres. Christopher Macadangdang. This bond was initially established during the term of PP Michael Escaler in RY2022-23. As part of the ceremony, Pres. Keith handed over a reef buds certificate bearing his name, which will be planted in RC Makati’s reef buds site. In the evening, the Harrisons attended the 42nd Induction at the ICON in Cauayan City. True to form, the largest and strongest club in District 3770 delivered a spectacular show, complete with an energetic dance performance featuring over 20 members. The event perfectly encapsulated the strength of fellowship and commitment within the Rotary community.