RC MAKATI SUPPORTS HILOT TRAINING

RC Makati continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Filipino families through its partnership with the International School of Sustainable Tourism, Inc. (ISST) and the Hilot Philippines Development Center (HPDC). This collaboration aims to preserve the country’s traditional healing practices while creating new opportunities for personal growth and livelihood.

The Hilot Training Program, consisting of Hilot 101 and Hilot 102, provided practical and theoretical training to 12 participants, mostly mothers from Pasay, Taguig, and Parañaque. Through the program, they gained valuable skills in traditional massage and wellness therapy—skills that not only promote community health but also open doors to economic empowerment.

The project formally began with a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing and turnover of donations on September 23, during the club’s luncheon meeting at The Peninsula Manila. The Club allocated P371,000 to cover costs related to training materials, facilitators, venues, and other program expenses.

Hilot 101 ran from October 13–17, culminating in a Graduation Day held in Pasay City. The ceremony was attended by Pres. Eddie Galvez, PP Bing Matoto with Ida Joseph, and Nicky Ramos, alongside Dr. Mina Gabor, President of ISST; Cora Alma de Leon, ISST Director; and Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, Chairman of the Hilot Philippines Development Center.

During the ceremony, Pres. Eddie delivered an inspirational message highlighting the deeper meaning of touch and healing. He said that when people “know how to hold each other,” they become instruments of the Lord’s compassion, expressing love not just through words but through the act of healing. He emphasized that the practice of Hilot is both an expression of love and a way of preserving Filipino heritage, thanking PP Bing Matoto and Ida Joseph for their leadership in making the program possible. “The most important thing,” he reminded the graduates, “is that you are happy and that you love what you are doing.”

PP Bing, who endorsed the project to the Club and from whose unallocated savings the budget was drawn, addressed the graduates with an uplifting message about the purpose of Rotary’s involvement in such initiatives. He shared that projects like this reflect Rotary’s true mission—to help people, especially those who need it most, by giving them the skills and opportunities to uplift their lives. He expressed pride in seeing the graduates’ progress and reaffirmed that the Club is committed to continuing programs that empower communities through education, livelihood, and compassion.

Adding a deeply personal touch to the event, one of the graduates, Maria Teresa Mendoza, shared her heartfelt testimony. “Hilot 101 is a blessing for us because it increased our knowledge,” she said. She shared how the training helped her and expanded her skills in wellness and traditional healing. “Because of this program, my knowledge grew—and so did my income. Before, I earned P500; now it’s P700. Thank you very much to the Rotary Club of Makati for this blessing.”

The program continued with Hilot 102, held from October 29–31, culminating in another graduation ceremony attended by IPP Keith & Rachel Harrison, together with Boy Arteche and Nicky Ramos. Each participant received a certificate of participation recognizing their completion of the program.

Through this initiative, RC Makati reaffirms its commitment to sustainable livelihood, cultural preservation, and community wellness—empowering individuals not just to heal others, but to create better futures for themselves and their families.