RC Makati Launches AI Academy

Makati City, August 30 — After nearly a year of planning and collaboration, the Rotary Club of Makati (RC Makati) officially launched its AI Academy, a flagship initiative designed to give underprivileged youth access to education in artificial intelligence and data science. The launch, held at the RC Makati Clubhouse in Guadalupe Viejo, marks a highlight of the Club’s 60th year and underscores its commitment to innovation and service.

A Program Built on Education, Empowerment, and Employment

The AI Academy is a pioneering and intensive training program for senior high school students and out-of-school youth. Conceived by Dir. Roger Collantes, the program rests on three pillars: Education, Empowerment, and Employment. It aims not only to provide technical knowledge but also to equip participants with practical applications and pathways to meaningful careers.

The Launch Program

The event, hosted by Sec/Dir. Philip Soliven, began with a prayer led by Dir. Patrick Parungao. Collantes then presented an overview of the Academy, followed by the blessing of the new facility led by Fr. Carmelo Estores.

The AI Academy Hall—located on the 2nd Floor of the Paing Hechanova Creativity Center—was formally inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the marker. The 150 square-meter facility features 35 laptops, an 80-inch Smart Board, two 65-inch screens, full classroom furnishings, air-conditioning, and carpeting, providing a professional learning environment for its first batch of students.

Key Messages from Leaders

Secretary Henry Aguda of the DICT delivered the keynote, stressing that “no one should be left behind” in the digital age. He emphasized that graduates of the program will have access to digital jobs, freelancing opportunities, and entrepreneurship pathways — and committed that employment opportunities will be made available to them upon completion.

Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang of the Philippine Red Cross highlighted AI’s potential to enhance disaster response and service delivery, showing how technology can be a transformative tool for humanitarian work.

RC Makati President Eddie Galvez reaffirmed the program’s mission to give disadvantaged youth a fighting chance in a world being reshaped by AI. He emphasized that education must balance future-ready skills with ethics and values, reminding all that today’s youth are “living messengers” of a future we may never see.

Sr. Teresita Sumalabe of the Sisters of Mary expressed gratitude for including their students as beneficiaries and requested a future extension of the program to Cavite.

District Governor Reggie Nolido, an educator himself, called on other Rotary Clubs to replicate the initiative. With 121 clubs in the district, he pledged to actively promote adoption of the program as a model of service.

The program closed with a performance from Himig Kawayan of the Sisters of Mary.

Collaboration and Support

The success of the launch was made possible through the dedication of the RCM AI Academy Committee: Pres. Eddie Galvez, Dir. Roger Collantes, PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza, PP Bing Matoto, Dir. Patrick Parungao, Rodrigo Segura, Sec/Dir. Philip Soliven, Dir. Paolo Turno, and Bom Villatuya.

Support also came from the Makati Rotary Club Foundation, Inc., led by Chairman IPP Keith Harrison, Immediate Past Chair PP Bing Matoto, and the Board of Trustees, who not only funded the project but also provided the 2nd Floor of the Creativity Center as its permanent home. Additional financial backing was contributed by members Winston Uy, Johnson Tan, Ai-Ai Galvez, AJ Violago, and Dir. Andy Manalac.

Special thanks were extended to Don Lino (interior design); PN/Dir. Chris Ferareza (donation of computers via FEU Alumni Association); Ric Gindap and team (project branding); Michael del Carmen (computer setup); and PP Charlie Rufino (partnership with Sisters of Mary Boys and Girls Town)

A Legacy Project for RC Makati’s 60th Year

As RC Makati celebrates six decades of service, the AI Academy stands as a landmark initiative — combining service, innovation, and sustainability. More than a training program, it represents hope and opportunity, preparing a new generation to thrive in a technology-driven future while carrying with them the values of Rotary’s guiding principle: Service Above Self.