RC Makati Installs New Rotary Dorm in Bicol

The Rotary Dorm Project of the Rotary Club of Makati marked another milestone with the official turnover of its fifth dormitory on June 2, 2025, at Bicol State University in Legazpi, Albay. This flagship initiative, which began during the term of PP Fred Pascual in Rotary Year 2018–2019, seeks to provide safe, secure, and conducive housing for female students from underprivileged backgrounds and living in remote areas—enabling them to pursue their education in safety and with dignity and purpose.

Leading the RC Makati delegation at the turnover were Pres. Keith & Rachel Harrison, along with PE Eddie Galvez, PN Howie Calleja, PND Chris Ferareza, IPP Bing Matoto, incoming Director Paolo Turno, Rtn. Paquito Dizon, and Baby Rotarian Nicky Ramos.

During the program, PE Eddie traced the dorm project’s journey, which began in Sumilao, Bukidnon, and has since expanded to La Libertad in Negros Oriental, Infanta in Quezon, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. He underscored the dorms’ role in transforming the lives of young women through access to education. Pres. Keith introduced Rotary’s mission, highlighting the seven areas of focus, particularly education and literacy, as the inspiration behind the initiative. Dr. Baby Boy Nebres, president of Bicol University, and Raffy Magno, executive director of Angat Buhay, also delivered messages of support.

A ribbon-cutting and key handover ceremony followed, symbolizing the start of a new chapter for the dorm’s future residents.

The P2.2M dorm, consistent with the specs of previous installations, features a well-equipped kitchen, a computer-furnished study area, a 20-bed sleeping room complete with beddings and mosquito nets, and clean comfort and shower rooms.

Partners who made this dorm possible include the Rotary Club of Naga, which helped procure furniture and supplies; Globe International Distributor Center, Inc. (GIDCI), which donated toilet and bath equipment; and Tahilan Residence & Study Center, which continues to guide dormers through values formation sessions.

With over 250 students already served—and many now college graduates contributing meaningfully to their communities—the impact of the Rotary Dorm Project continues to grow.

It has become one of RC Makati’s major initiatives in the area of education and literacy, affirming the Club’s long-term commitment to creating opportunities and empowering the next generation through access to safe and supportive learning environments.