RC Makati Launches Food Share Program for Dumagat-Remontado Communities in Tanay, Rizal
The Rotary Club of Makati, together with its partner organizations, officially launched another cycle of its Food Share Program (FSP) on July 14, 2026 at the Multi-Purpose Covered Court of Brgy. Mamuyao, Tanay, Rizal, bringing hope and practical support to 60 Dumagat-Remontado families from Brgys. Mamuyao and Laiban. More than a food assistance initiative, the program aims to help indigenous communities build sustainable livelihoods and improve their quality of life.
The Food Share Program has been one of RC Makati’s continuing community development initiatives over the past several Rotary years. It was first implemented during the presidency of PP Louie Aseoche (RY 2021–2022) in Bay, Laguna, followed by PP Michael Escaler (RY 2022–2023) in Calatagan, Batangas. The program was later brought to Tanay, Rizal during the term of PP Bing Matoto (RY 2023–2024), where it established a meaningful partnership with the Dumagat-Remontado communities. Building on the foundations laid by previous club leaders, the current program continues RC Makati’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable food security and livelihood initiatives.
The journey to the community was a meaningful reminder of the realities faced by the beneficiaries. The RC Makati delegation crossed two rivers to reach the remote indigenous villages, reinforcing the Club’s dedication to bringing assistance even to the most isolated communities.
Representing RC Makati were Pres. Chris Ferareza, PP Freddie Borromeo, Rtn. Boy Arteche, and Rtn. Lester Kiong. They were joined by Ms. Vicky Wieneke, President of Kabisig ng Kalahi, together with representatives from the LGU of Tanay, DSWD Region IV-A, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region IV-A, and other partner agencies who continue to work together in improving the lives of underserved communities.
In her program overview, Ms. Wieneke explained that the Food Share Program is more than a food assistance initiative—it is a collaborative community development program. She emphasized that its success relies on the partnership among RC Makati, Kabisig ng Kalahi, government agencies, local government units, and the beneficiaries themselves, all working together to build sustainable solutions and create lasting positive change in their communities. Through this partnership, beneficiary families receive regular rice assistance while participating in programs that promote food security, backyard gardening, livelihood development, and community empowerment.
PP Freddie Borromeo introduced RC Makati to the beneficiaries, sharing Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self” and explaining how the Club continues to implement programs that not only respond to immediate needs but also create opportunities for long-term community development.
In his inspirational message, Pres. Chris Ferareza encouraged the beneficiaries to become active partners in improving their lives. While assuring them that the Club and its partner organizations would continue to support the community, he emphasized that genuine and lasting progress ultimately depends on the willingness of the beneficiaries to work together, embrace available opportunities, and remain committed to building a better future for their families.
Drawing from his own agricultural background, Pres. Chris shared his vision of helping strengthen the community’s livelihood through additional agricultural support, including the possible provision of work animals (carabaos) and farming equipment to improve productivity. He also expressed his hope of introducing future programs that would benefit the youth through sports and other developmental activities, believing that community transformation begins with empowering both families and the younger generation. He reminded everyone that meaningful change is achieved through partnership, cooperation, and determination, assuring the Dumagat-Remontado community that the Club and its partners will continue to stand beside them on their journey toward self-reliance.
Rtn. Boy Arteche and Rtn. Lester Kiong likewise expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to personally meet and serve the community. They assured the beneficiaries that the day’s activity was only the beginning of Club’s continuing commitment to extending assistance and creating more opportunities for the community in the future.
Following the program, representatives of each beneficiary family received 10 kilos of rice, enough to provide food for a month. The rice distribution will continue over a six-month period as part of the Food Share Program’s commitment to providing consistent food assistance. The beneficiaries also received vegetable seeds from the LGU of Tanay, encouraging every family to establish backyard gardens that will not only provide nutritious food for their own consumption but may also become an additional source of income through the sale of surplus harvests.
The Food Share Program reflects a holistic approach to community development. Beyond providing immediate food assistance, it encourages families to become self-reliant by developing sustainable sources of food and livelihood while strengthening partnerships among communities, government agencies, and private organizations. Through continuous collaboration, the program seeks to empower beneficiary families to improve their quality of life and become active participants in building resilient and productive communities.
The successful launch concluded with a fellowship lunch hosted by PP Freddie Borromeo at Balanga Seafood Restaurant in Pililla, Rizal, providing an opportunity for Rotary members and partner organizations to celebrate another meaningful milestone in their shared mission of transforming lives through compassionate and sustainable service.
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