Rotary Club of Makati AI Academy Celebrates First Graduation

Mar 24
2 min read

The Rotary Club of Makati marked a historic milestone with the First Graduation Ceremony of the RC Makati AI Academy (RCMAIA), honoring 70 scholars from BoysTown and GirlsTown as Certified AI Practitioners—pioneers ready to compete in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

Pioneers of Possibility

In his welcome message, RCM President Eddie Galvez congratulated the graduates for proving they are capable and ready to lead in the digital world. Supported by mentors, families, and partners, they gained the skills and confidence to leverage technology to solve problems, uplift communities, and drive meaningful change.

“As AI Academy graduates, you are pioneers of possibility—prepared to dream boldly, act with purpose, and shape a brighter future.”

From Pitch to Proof of Concept

Before graduation, scholars faced their culminating challenge: a professional Pitch Day Showcase. Teams presented and defended low-code AI solutions addressing real community needs and business challenges from Rotarian-affiliated firms.

The presentations were evaluated by a panel of Rotarian business leaders: PP Bing Matoto, Tony Lopez, Director CB Revilla, Director Paolo Turno, Director Regi Ponferrada, George Paxton, and Notsky Lou. The judging criteria emphasized problem clarity, innovation, feasibility, ethical AI use, business viability, and team collaboration.

From Statistics to Success Stories

The results of the 16-week AI Academy program were outstanding:

• 100% completion rate

• Zero dropout rate

• 15 community-based AI solutions

• 15 enterprise-ready business tools

• 100% OJT readiness, with strong employer interest

Implemented in collaboration with Kadakareer and endorsed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Academy operates under Rotary’s Triple-E framework: Education, Empowerment, Employment.

“The Future is Coded by You”

In his keynote charge, AI Academy Chair Director Roger Collantes reminded the scholars of three truths: they defied the odds, they are a return on investment for nation-building, and they must lead with ethics.

“You did not just overcome the odds—you silenced the doubters,” he said, urging them to use technology not only with skill, but with integrity.

Director Collantes announced that 9 global faculty mentors will be organised by Ann Rina Neoh (Ficus VC Co-Founder) to give the scholars online mentorIng during their post-graduation OJT program.Voices of Transformation

A GirlsTown graduate shared, “Before this program, AI felt out of reach. Now I know what I can build with it.”

A BoysTown scholar reflected, “I used to think opportunities were for other people. Now I know I belong.”

In her partner testimonial, Sister Mylene Arambulo expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rotarians, donors, and mentors whose generosity made the program fully accessible. “You did not just support a program—you helped our students believe that they are worth it.”

Preparing to Scale Up

In his closing remarks, PP Bing Matoto urged Batch One to become ambassadors as the program expands to future cohorts. The unveiling of the RC Makati AI Academy Sponsorship Program Marker signaled Rotary’s commitment to scale the initiative across districts nationwide. .