RC Makati Sustains Support for Save Our Reefs

Every week during the RC Makati meetings, we offer a symbolic gesture to our guest speakers—a replica of a steel plate to be installed in a reef bud that will be submerged in the Sea of Sulvec in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. This token carries more than just appreciation; it carries a promise. We tell our guest speakers: “This will be planted in your name.” The same plate is made for each new member inducted into our Club, and for the presidents of the sister clubs we visit.

On May 7, 2025, that commitment was fulfilled.

Traveling through the night, the RC Makati delegation—led by Pres. Keith Harrison and joined by First Ann Rachel, PP JunJun Dayrit, incoming Director Michael Hsu, and CoS Ron (who arrived a day earlier)—reached Narvacan at the break of dawn. They were welcomed with breakfast at Gremar’s Eatery, hosted by RC Narvacan.

Soon after, they proceeded to the shores of Sulvec for the blessing of 47 new reef buds, bringing the total number to 385 since the project began under the leadership of PP Peter Manzano in RY2020–21.

In a brief but meaningful program emceed by PP Arnel Cabatu of RC Narvacan, Benjhie Tayag—the supplier and inventor of the reef buds—recognized RC Makati as the single largest Rotary Club supporter of the Reef Buds initiative, with deployments not only in Narvacan but also in Padre Burgos in Quezon and Bauan in Batangas.

Kapitan Paul Cabasal spoke about the visible impact of the project, noting the increased fish catch and rising interest from coastal tourists—early signs that marine conservation is translating into sustainable livelihood.

Mayor Pablito Sanidad extended his heartfelt gratitude to RC Makati for four years of unwavering support. “Every visit feels like a reunion,” he said, “a different president each year, but always with the same purpose.” As a token of appreciation, he presented President Keith with a miniature statue of the Narvacan Watch Tower—a symbol of community pride and vigilance.

In his message, Pres. Keith expressed enthusiasm over the project’s dual impact: promoting environmental protection while supporting economic growth in local fishing communities.

This year’s 47 reef buds include the names of: Kiko Pangilinan, Heidi Mendoza, Rina Neoh, Yulo Loyzaga, Pres. Tom Wolf, RC Singapore, Pres. Danu Chotikapanich, RC Bangkok, Pres. Neil Ronard J. Que, RC Cagayan De Oro, Atty. Leila De Lima, Pres. Reynald Ariño, RC Zamboanga City West, Pres. Nathaniel Lacambra, RC Baguio Summer Capital, Pres. Joseph Raymund Sto. Domingo, RC Dagupan, Pres. Ralp Cambronero, RC Davao, Pres. Christopher Macadangdang, RC Cauayan, Marcus Smith, Roy Moore, Dean Marlo Mendoza, Caloy Yulo, Cynthia Carrion, H.E. Constance See, H.E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Marie Stephanie Tan Hammed, Anika Haxton, Pres. Tseng, Jeng-Keng, RC Taoyuan, Dominic Rubio, P/Maj. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba, Rogelio Singson, Raoul Eduardo Romulo, Mark Domitrak, Gov. Prescy Yulo, P/Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre, Emiliano Romano, Patrick Leynes, Gina Romero, Dr. Alaric Nathan, RIPE Mario Cesar Martins De Camargo, Aaron & Daianne Mempin, George & Anika Haxton, Dendricks & Jaimie Lao, Jun & Jovee Abrazaldo, Anthony Jude Violago, Robert Raymond & Sasha Del Rosario, Antonio Miguel & Kathleen Alcatara, Lorenzo Santos, Maximillan & Marcy Marty, Nicandro Ramos Jr., and Carlos Prieto.

After the program, the team made a brief visit to the historic Narvacan Watch Tower, before proceeding to lunch at Chad’s Café and Bar, once again hosted by RC Narvacan.

The Save Our Reefs Project of RC Makati stands as a clear example of how environmental protection can drive economic development—empowering coastal communities through restored ecosystems, improved fish haul, and increased tourism.