Two-in-One Project in Manila

On 29 November, RC Makati carried out two meaningful initiatives in one venue at San Agustin Parish, Intramuros.

In partnership with Caritas Manila, the Club launched the Damayan Supplementary Nutrition Program, introducing its mission to help address child malnutrition in vulnerable communities. At the same time, RC Makati began the annual Last Angel gift-giving, distributing Christmas gifts to children and families.

Present during the twin activities were DS/PP Louie and Tess Aseoche, Community Service B Dir. Michael Hsu, IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, Rtns. Boy Arteche, Ken and Yam Vergaño, and First Ann Trina Galvez.

The Damayan Supplementary Nutrition Program provides one nutritious meal a day, five days a week, for six months—equivalent to 120 feeding days. The beneficiaries are 100 children aged 6 months to 12 years, all permanent residents of Intramuros and identified by Caritas Manila as showing clear signs of malnutrition. To support this initiative, RC Makati allocated ₱330,000, covering the meal cost of ₱25 per day per child, along with an additional ₱200 per beneficiary for dining materials and vitamins.

The program which was formalized on October 7 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between RC Makati and Caritas Manila and the turnover of a check to Fr. Anton Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila. RC Makati’s engagement with Caritas traces back to RY 2017–2018 during the term of PP JunJun Dayrit through support for the Sanlakbay rehabilitation program. The Club’s focus on child nutrition began in June 2022 under DS/PP Louie Aseoche with a feeding initiative in Tondo.

During the simple launching ceremony, RCM delegates shared messages encouraging children to eat nutritious meals and reminding parents to prioritize preparing healthy yet affordable dishes. They emphasized that proper nutrition from infancy is vital for children to grow smart, strong, and healthy. For their first official meal under the program, the children enjoyed adobo with rice, bananas, and Inipit cake sandwiches generously donated by the daughter of DS/PP Louie Aseoche from Lemon Square.

The day also marked the beginning of the Last Angel 2025 Gift Giving for the Intramuros beneficiaries. Chaired by Immediate Past First Ann Rachel Harrison, the initiative brought early Christmas joy to 120 children who each received age-appropriate toys. The smiles and excitement of the young recipients filled the venue with warmth, motivating Rotarians and Anns even more as they witnessed the happiness their service brought.

As the calendar turned to December, RC Makati continued its commitment to child nutrition by visiting the ongoing Complementary Feeding Program at Hulo Elementary School in Pililia, Rizal. This initiative serves 75 undernourished learners in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi. Leading the Club delegation was Pres. Eddie Galvez, joined by PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, IPP Keith and Rachel Harrison, Dir. Michael Hsu, Dir. Patrick Parungao, and Kabisig ng Kalahi President Vicky Wieneke.

The visit opened with a prayer, national anthem, and introductions, followed by messages from the guests and the signing of the Kasunduan between RC Makati and its project partners. PP Freddie Borromeo provided an overview of Rotary and highlighted the Club’s commitment to helping children become healthy and capable future leaders. Pres. Eddie Galvez encouraged parents and teachers to support the holistic development of their students. Dir. Michael Hsu expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and reminded the children of the importance of eating vegetables, while Dir. Patrick Parungao shared a heartfelt message on the true spirit of Christmas—giving, loving, and caring for one another.

As part of the Last Angel tradition of bringing Christmas cheer to all beneficiaries of RC Makati’s humanitarian projects, the 75 children of Hulo Elementary School received their early Christmas gifts. Chair Rachel Harrison delivered a brief message and personally led the distribution, spreading joy and hope among the young learners of Pililia.