RCM AI Empowerment Workshop: Equipping Rotarians for the Digital Future

The Rotary Club of Makati (RCM) took a bold step into the future last February 22, as more than 50 Rotarians, Rotary Anns, and guests from the San Antonio Parish Council gathered at the RCM Clubhouse for a hands-on AI Empowerment Workshop. Led by Director Roger Collantes, Founder-CEO of the Asian Institute of Digital Transformation and Chair of the RCM AI Academy Committee, the session proved that age is no barrier to mastering modern technology.

Learning to Lead in the Age of AI

RCM President Eddie Galvez opened the morning by reminding members that true leadership requires a commitment to continuous learning. He emphasized that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) can seem intimidating, the goal was not to turn members into technical experts, but to discover practical tools to help them plan better, communicate more clearly, and serve more efficiently.

Director Collantes demystified AI by describing it as a “thinking assistant”—a tool to generate ideas, summarize information, and organize plans in a fraction of the time. As he aptly noted, “AI will not replace Rotarians, but Rotarians who use AI will be more effective in serving”.

A Practical, Hands-On Experience

The three-hour workshop, designed by the Asian Institute of Digital Transformation, moved quickly from theory to practice. Participants were introduced to three key AI platforms:

• ChatGPT: Ideal for creative writing and brainstorming.

• Gemini: Best for multimodal tasks and Google ecosystem integration.

• Perplexity: A powerful tool for research with verified, citation-backed answers.


Through a supportive “Buddy System”—where tech-confident members paired with beginners—attendees practiced real-world applications. These exercises included creating senior-friendly daily schedules, planning slow-paced travel itineraries, and mastering “chain-of-reasoning” and “one-shot” prompting techniques.

Innovation Rooted in Integrity

A significant portion of the session was dedicated to ethical usage. Director Collantes reminded everyone that AI is a support tool, not a substitute for human discernment, compassion, or the values we hold dear. Members were encouraged to always apply Rotary’s Four-Way Test to any AI-generated content, ensuring that information is verified and privacy is safeguarded.

Service Above Self in a Digital World

The workshop concluded with a fellowship lunch, where the room buzzed with “aha” moments and newfound confidence. Participants like Rotary Ann Angela Quila noted that the course provided a wonderful, deep dive into the subject through practical exercises.

By the end of the day, it was clear: when Rotarians and Rotary Anns equip themselves with digital skills, they strengthen not only their personal effectiveness but the overall impact of Rotary service.