RC Makati Brings Hope Mission in Catanduanes

The RC Makati Disaster Response mobilized its Hope Mission in response to the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Uwan, which brought massive flooding and left thousands of families in Catanduanes struggling to rebuild their lives. As part of the Club’s commitment to rapid disaster response, RC Makati deployed a team to deliver essential aid to the hardest-hit communities.

On Sunday, the gutsyteam led by Pre. Eddie Galvez, together with PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza, Disaster Relief Chair Nicky Ramos, and CoS Ron, flew to Virac for a full day of humanitarian work on the ground. Upon arrival at the airport, the RCM team immediately hit the ground running as they were welcomed by a delegation from RC Virac headed by Pres. Ednalyn San Ramon. The group was then transported to Lucky Hotel for a quick early lunch while awaiting the District 3820 contingent, who traveled by ship along with the relief goods.

After a nearly two-hour ride from Virac navigating one landslide after another, the team reached St. Isidore Parish in Gigmoto, where Bishop Luisito Audal Occiano celebrated a special Mass and acknowledged the presence and partnership of the Rotary teams. The atmosphere was solemn yet hopeful, as the community gathered in gratitude and relief.

The moment the Mass concluded, the team immediately went to work. Pres. Eddie climbed onto the truck and began rearranging the relief goods to streamline the distribution — a task that proved to be physically exhausting but essential. PN Chris took charge of the distribution line, ensuring that every beneficiary received the correct package. Meanwhile, Nicky supervised the registration area, carefully checking the tickets of those who lined up to guarantee an orderly and fair process.

The relief mission in Gigmoto successfully served 1,000 families, each receiving a food pack from District 3820, facilitated through DGN Japps Callos, as well as beddings donated by St. Giles Hotel through Dir. Derrick Tan.

After the grueling but heart-warming tasks of distributing to 1,000 families, the team then travelled almost an hour and by around 6PM we reached the town of Baras, where there is still no electricity and where 800 families are waiting for them for the much needed assistance.

During the brief program, Pres. Eddie addressed the families with messages of solidarity and encouragement. PN Chris shared his own experience of surviving a major typhoon in his home province, offering empathy, hope, and strength to those facing the long road to recovery.

The team then turned over 800 sets of mats, blankets, and pairs of slippers generously provided by Taba Samson. The relief mission in Baras was coordinated through Mayor Paolo Teves, with the assistance of DS Louie Aseoche.

The long day concluded with a fellowship dinner hosted by RC Makati at Sea Food Restaurant—an opportunity for partners to regroup, reflect, and strengthen bonds after a full day of service.

The following day, Nicky and CoS Ron continued the mission, extending assistance to additional communities. RC Makati provided food packs to around 300 families in Barangay Pagsangahan, San Miguel, Catanduanes, in partnership with St. Therese Parish through Fr. Raymund Teodones.

This mission was made possible through strong collaboration with RC Virac, District 3820 led by DGN Japps Callos, and RC Makati’s daughter club, RC AIM.

Beyond Catanduanes, RC Makati also supported parallel relief missions in Cebu, where the Club partnered with Sun Savings Bank through Paquito Dizon to distribute mats and blankets to displaced families in Talisay and Liloan. Our heartfelt thanks go to George Barcelon for supporting this mission.

In Palawan, RC Makati joined forces with RC Roxas and RC Makati San Antonio to deliver relief goods to affected residents in Roxas and Araceli.

The relief mission did far more than deliver goods; it delivered hope. In every community we visited, we sought to remind families that they are not alone — that Rotary stands with them, ready to lend a hand as they rise and rebuild.