RC Makati Completes Commitment to Rotary Homes Muntinlupa with Turnover of 12 Additional Houses

When RC Makati makes a commitment, it sees it through.

On October 3, 2026, RC Makati fulfilled its support to the Rotary Homes Muntinlupa project with the turnover of the final 12 housing units, completing all 40 houses originally pledged by the Club.

The project began during the term of PP Peter Manzano, when RC Makati committed ₱10 million as the sole sponsor of 40 houses. However, delays caused by the onset of the pandemic, right-of-way issues with the subdivision owners, and rising construction costs meant that the original funding could only complete 28 units.

Determined not to leave the remaining 12 families behind, the Club carried forward ₱1.8 million in unutilized funds during the term of PP Keith Harrison, complemented by an additional ₱1 million allocation during the presidency of IPP Eddie Galvez, to finance the construction of the remaining houses.

The formal turnover, emceed by Dir. Patrick Parungao, began with the ribbon-cutting led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Cong. Jimmy Fresnedi, PDG Sid Garcia, Pres. Chris Ferareza and RHDFI Chair PP John Vinta. Rev. Fr. Abraham Ma. Velasquez, OSM, then blessed the 12 housing units.

Mayor Biazon affirmed the City Government’s commitment to working with Rotary and the residents to make the community a better place to live and a permanent home for the families. He expressed hope that the children growing up in Rotary Homes would enjoy happy memories and remember Rotary’s contribution to their lives. He also thanked everyone who helped make the project possible.

Cong. Fresnedi encouraged the beneficiaries of the 40 housing units donated by RC Makati to embrace a renewed outlook on life as they settle into their new community. Acknowledging the daily hardships that families face nowadays, he urged the residents to take pride in their new homes, maintain cleanliness, and observe community rules. He expressed hope that the housing project would inspire greater discipline and shared responsibility in caring for their surroundings.

PP Baby Bunye thereafter presented a brief overview of Rotary Homes Muntinlupa and the history and the partnerships that were forged behind the housing project.

For PDG Sid Garcia, the Rotary Homes Foundation’s Chairman Emeritus, the completion of the 40 homes represented the fulfilment of a dream of the families who used to reside along the lakeshore of Laguna de Bay. He emphasized that a home provides security, stability and dignity, giving parents and children a stronger foundation for the future.

He recalled his late friend Mar Canonigo, whose life changed after receiving help to secure a home. That stability enabled him to pursue employment, support his family and send his children to school. PDG Sid expressed hope that the same opportunities would open for the Rotary Homes families. He encouraged them to look beyond their individual homes, care for their neighbours and build a responsible homeowners association where the spirit of bayanihan remains alive.

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Pres. Chris Ferareza, meanwhile, emphasized that RC Makati’s commitment continues beyond the turnover. He explained that the Rotary Community Corps (RCC) Malasakit was organized to help residents work together, care for their community and take the lead in its development, with the Club providing guidance and support.

He encouraged residents to support their RCC President and shared his vision of vegetable trellises and common spaces where children could play and where the elderly could rest. These spaces could also help provide food and improve the environment. With unity and active participation, he expressed confidence that Rotary Homes Muntinlupa could become a model community for Metro Manila.

The ceremonial turnover and acceptance of the housing units followed the messages. RC Makati also distributed food bags and rice worth P1,000 each to the beneficiaries.

Joining Pres. Chris were PP JunJun Dayrit, PP Louie Aseoche, PP Keith Harrison, Boy Arteche, Sean Georget, Chris and Jen Edwards with their daughter Kianna. RHDFI representatives included PP John Vinta and CP Glenn Gooco of RC Parañaque St. Andrew; PP Baby Bunye of RC Muntinlupa; PP Lilibeth dela Cruz and PP Lea Recomite of RC Parañaque Metro; and Trustee Ms. Bea Tan. RCC Malasakit President Vicky Manjares and the 40 housing beneficiaries also joined the celebration.

The day also marked the oath-taking of RCC Malasakit members before Mayor Biazon. Chartered by Rotary International on July 26, 2026, RCC Malasakit is the Club’s third sponsored Rotary Community Corps (RCC) and its first for RY 2026–27. On behalf of the community, Vicky Manjares received the official certificate from Rotary International, presented by Pres. Chris Ferareza. The members also signed a Memorandum of Commitment, affirming their willingness to collaborate with RC Makati in improving their lives, developing livelihood opportunities and taking an active role in their community’s progress.

With the 40 homes completed, the next chapter focuses on strengthening the community taking shape around them. Plans include installing a Rotary Wheel marker and conducting an orientation on establishing a cooperative, with the assistance of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). These efforts aim to nurture a community where families care for their homes, neighbors support one another, and residents work together to improve their lives and livelihood.

For RC Makati, a promise made is a promise kept, no matter how long it takes. The completion of Rotary Homes Muntinlupa demonstrates how successive Club administrations can work together to fulfill commitments, ensure sustainability, and Create Lasting Impact.