https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KxSYY-T9aXmrWBsfFeNu7Y7FhkHuNH2Q/view?usp=sharing

Over the years, RC Makati has built a strong partnership with the Sisters of Mary in Silang, Cavite through various transformative programs and community initiatives for its students. From selecting scholars for the Club’s AI Academy, to conducting mental health awareness activities and environmental projects such as tree planting, RC Makati has continued to support the holistic development and well-being of the youth under the care of the institution. Continuing this commitment to service, RC Makati conducted a Dental Mission last May 17 aimed at promoting oral health awareness and providing accessible dental care services to underserved students. The project was made possible through the partnership with the dedicated volunteer dentists of CEU Dentistry Batch ’87 led by Dra. Encarnacion “Keds” Cancio, through the initiative and coordination of Rtn. Wash Lou. The mission aimed to supplement the existing healthcare support being provided to the students of both Girlstown and Boystown by helping address the dental needs of the large student population, allowing more students to receive timely oral healthcare services and treatment. A total of 20 volunteer dentists and support personnel participated in the whole-day mission, rendering free dental cleaning, oral assessment, and restorative dental procedures such as fillings (“pasta”) to approximately 206 students. Despite the physically demanding and continuous ten-hour operation, the volunteers tirelessly attended to every patient with compassion, professionalism, and genuine care. The Club supported the mission by sponsoring the dental supplies used during the procedures, as well as the transportation service for the volunteer dentists and staff. Meanwhile, the meals of the volunteers throughout the activity were generously sponsored by the Sisters of Mary community. The day began early as Rotarians, volunteers, and dental teams departed from Manila before dawn to ensure the timely setup of equipment and preparation of the treatment area. Upon arrival, the volunteers were warmly welcomed by the Sisters of Mary community led by Sr. Mylene Arambulo. Before the dental procedures commenced, a short opening program was held, moderated by one of the graduates of the RCM AI Academy Program — a meaningful representation of how Rotary’s programs continue to empower the youth in various ways. Pres. Eddie Galvez personally thanked the volunteer dentists and partners for their generosity and service, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in transforming lives through healthcare missions. He also expressed the Club’s hope for continued partnerships in future medical and dental outreach initiatives. Dir. Michael Hsu also gave a short message expressing appreciation to the volunteer dentists and everyone who helped make the Dental Mission possible. Also present during the mission were IPP Keith Harrison; Rtns. Boy Arteche, Johnny and Christina Ang and their children; Wash and Pizza Lou; and PP Charlie Rufino with his son, Jayvee, and sister-in-law, Viol Cojuangco, who also visited the mission site in support of the initiative. Beyond the dental services rendered, the mission became a meaningful experience of fellowship and compassion. As a token of appreciation, the students personally prepared handmade thank-you cards for the volunteer dentists and Rotary members, expressing their heartfelt gratitude for the care and kindness extended to them throughout the mission. The Club also distributed locally made products including freshly baked cookies and bread made by the Sisters of Mary community to the volunteer dentists — simple but heartfelt gifts showcasing the talents and livelihood programs of the students. In addition, Rtn. Wash Lou and Pizza Lou gave Bangkok Tamarind treats for both the volunteers and the Sisters of Mary community. The atmosphere throughout the day was filled not only with busy dental procedures and clinical work, but also with smiles, gratitude, and renewed hope. For many students, the mission meant relief from discomfort and the opportunity to receive quality dental care they otherwise may not have easily accessed.

When a project is truly impactful, it deserves continued support and replication in more communities. Such is the case for the Save Our Reefs project of RC Makati, which was first initiated by PP Peter Manzano in 2021 in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur with an initial deployment of 200 reef buds. Over the years, the project continued to grow, with more than 400 reef buds now installed in the area. A second site was later established in Padre Burgos, Quezon through the initiative of Ferdie Ordoveza, where another 100 reef buds were deployed. This year, the project reached San Juan, La Union — widely known as the surfing capital of the Philippines — with the goal of helping regenerate marine biodiversity and contribute to the long-term protection of its coastal ecosystem. On May 13, a delegation from RC Makati led by Pres. Eddie Galvez, together with Toffy Concepcion, PE/Dir. Chris Ferareza, IPP Keith Harrison, George Haxton, Dir. Andy Manalac, Dir. CB Rivilla, and Winston Uy, found themselves along the shores of San Juan — not to surf, but for the official launch of the newest Save Our Reefs site. The program began with a blessing led by Pastor Arnold Cari, followed by the unveiling of the Save Our Reefs marker in San Juan, La Union. After a group photo opportunity at the shoreline, the participants proceeded to Hinabi Reserve, a new development by Havitas co-founded by Dir. Andy Manalac, which hosted the formal launch program. During the short program, Pres. Eddie Galvez underscored the importance of collaboration in bringing the environmental project to life in La Union. Winston Uy, who also represented Universal Leaf Philippines Inc., co-funders of the Reef Buds project in San Juan, expressed his appreciation for being part of an initiative that supports the regeneration of marine life in one of La Union’s prime tourist destinations. For his part, RC San Juan Pres. Lionel Darmon thanked the Club for choosing San Juan as the newest site of the project and for the opportunity to partner in the meaningful environmental initiative. Meanwhile, San Juan Mayor Mariquita Ortega expressed her appreciation to the Rotary Club of Makati, describing the project as an investment to ensure that future generations will continue to experience the beauty of a living ocean. The formal program concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between RC Makati, Universal Leaf Philippines Inc., RC San Juan, and the Local Government of San Juan, La Union for the deployment of an initial 100 reef buds in San Juan. It was not all work for the RC Makati members who arrived a day earlier, as the delegation was warmly hosted by Winston Uy for a fellowship dinner at his beach house in Thunderbird Resorts. Beyond tourism and surfing, RC Makati hopes San Juan will also become recognized for its commitment to marine conservation and sustainable environmental initiatives.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HLhKybLMx4UILIbLec9ghYQH-drDsIkJ/view?usp=sharing

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Listen to the voices of the community—those who walk it, use it, and live around it. Their stories reflect how the BGC Greenway has transformed everyday spaces into something more meaningful. What was once just a pathway is now a shared space for movement, connection, and well-being. The Greenway stands as a strong example of what can happen when the public and private sectors come together with a common goal—creating a greener, more walkable, and more livable city. This is more than an infrastructure project. It is a community experience shaped by the people it serves.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mN-UxlMjRTSvqLvM5oXQ8jIdcKjLRKnu/view?usp=sharing

As part of its continuing commitment to youth development through Vocational Service, RC Makati once again conducted its annual Career Guidance Seminar for Grade 10 students of Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Barangay Poblacion, Makati City. Held on March 27, the activity brought together 150 Grade 10 students for an inspiring and informative session designed to help them gain a clearer perspective on their future career paths and professional aspirations. Career Guidance remains one of RC Makati’s core projects under Vocational Service, providing young students with valuable exposure to the realities of professional life. Through this initiative, Rotarians and invited speakers share practical insights, personal experiences, and lessons from their respective careers to guide students as they prepare for senior high school and beyond. The seminar was facilitated by the Club’s sponsored Interact Club, with full support from RC Makati through the provision of meals, logistical requirements, and overall event coordination. Prior to the program, a courtesy call was made to the school’s newly appointed principal, Dr. Emi Cajigal, to formally introduce the activity and strengthen partnership with the school. The program proper was emceed by Interact Club Pres. Sam Chavez together with Interactor Nap Cordoviz. It opened with a prayer led by Interact Club Vice Pres. Kyle Resurrection, followed by a warm welcome message from Dr. Cajigal, who expressed her appreciation for the initiative and its relevance to the students. Pres. Eddie Galvez delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing that the seminar was not merely an informational session but an opportunity to help shape the students’ future. He encouraged them to learn from the speakers’ real-life experiences, including the challenges they encountered along the way. Acknowledging the uncertainty that many students feel at this stage, he reassured them that such feelings are normal and urged them to remain resilient, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams with determination. He also highlighted the importance of dreaming big—not only for themselves, but also for their families, community, and the nation. New Gen Youth Service Dir. Patrick Parungao followed with his own message, encouraging the students to embrace uncertainty as part of their journey. He reminded them that it is okay not to have everything figured out yet, and that growth comes from exploring different interests and learning from both success and failure. He also emphasized the importance of choosing a path with purpose and building strong character anchored on integrity, discipline, and kindness. The resource speakers were introduced by Club Adviser Mrs. Arlene Okuma, after which the series of talks proceeded seamlessly. Rtn. Ric Gindap, Creative Director and Chief Strategist of Design for Tomorrow, shared his personal journey from humble beginnings to building a career in the creative industry. He spoke about the realities of pursuing a creative path—highlighting both its challenges and its rewards—and encouraged students to stay grounded, embrace failure, and remain committed to continuous learning. Baby Rtn. Art Villafuerte, Surgeon and Vice President of Mindoro Medical Center, discussed the importance of making informed and practical career decisions. He advised students to consider not only their interests but also the long-term relevance of their chosen fields. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasized perseverance, focus, and the ability to turn challenges into motivation. Rtn. Iggy Martinez, CEO of three companies under V3, Inc., shared his journey from corporate employment to entrepreneurship. He underscored the value of discipline, work ethics, and consistency, noting that success is built over time. He reassured students that it is normal to feel uncertain and encouraged them to explore different paths while staying committed to their goals. Rtn. Ken Vergano, Vice President of UnionBank, concluded the series of talks by sharing his professional journey in the banking and finance industry. He highlighted the importance of continuous learning, patience, and perseverance in achieving career growth. He also reminded students to maintain balance in life and to trust in God’s guidance throughout their journey. An engaging plenary Q&A session followed, allowing students to interact directly with the speakers and gain further insights. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates and tokens of appreciation to the speakers, which included baskets of freshly harvested vegetables from the school garden. This activity highlights the strong engagement of the Interact Club of Gen Pio DPNHS, which has remained active since its reactivation during the term of PP Michael Escaler in RY 2022-2023, through the initiative of Rtn. Tony Lopez. Beyond organizing activities such as this Career Guidance Seminar, Interactors continue to participate in various Club projects, including tree planting activities in Marikina Watershed and UPLBFI in Quezon, as well as feeding and mental health awareness programs. Through initiatives like this, the Club, together with its Interact partners, continues to invest in the development of young leaders by guiding them as they take their first steps toward shaping their future.

Whenever a project calls for our presence—or when there is an opportunity to witness its progress firsthand—RC Makati makes it a point to be represented so that we can see the impact on the ground. In line with this commitment, the Club sent Dir. Patrick & Mitzi Parungao, incoming Dir. Bom Villatuya, and PE Chris Ferareza, who joined Dir. Philip Soliven, a member of the board of Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), in the recent Insider Trip held in Sorsogon for Wave 11 of the Feed Back Program. The first batch, which arrived on the morning of February 27 in Legazpi, was immediately transported to Bulusan Lake for a paddle boat race with members of the community, followed by a traditional boodle lunch. In the afternoon, the insiders met with barangay leaders to review and validate the Feed Back Reunion Plans and Presentation, before capping the day with a welcome dinner at Siama Hotel. The following day, February 28, PE Chris was able to join the group, while Dir. Philip had to leave early for another appointment. This day marked the main event of the Insider Trip, highlighted by the Grand Feed Back Exchange, followed by the Ancestral Cooking Contest Presentation and the Pantomina Dance Contest. It was during this segment that the RC Makati representatives were able to personally witness how the vegetable exchange system takes place within the community and even participate in some of the activities and groundwork involved in the process. The Feed Back Project was first introduced to RC Makati by DS Louie Aseoche in RY 2021–22, in partnership with Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK). Its mission is to establish sustainable neighborhood vegetable exchange programs in rural communities, empowering families to grow and share food while strengthening community bonds. Previous waves have been successfully implemented in Bay, Laguna; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; Inabanga, Bohol; and Reina Mercedes, Isabela, with remarkable success—95% of participating families continue to grow their own produce. The project has likewise earned national recognition, receiving 1st Runner-Up in the Philippine Rotary Media Foundation, Inc. (PRMFI) Most Outstanding Environmental Project Awards in the Philippines for RY 2023–24. This Rotary year, the Club has extended its support to three communities in Sorsogon, further expanding the reach and impact of this meaningful sustainability initiative. The Insider Trip gave partners and supporters the opportunity to personally witness the positive outcomes of the program within the community. Participants were able to engage with beneficiary families, observe the progress of the backyard farming initiatives, and gain a deeper appreciation of how the project continues to empower households toward food security and long-term sustainability.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bg10Cm_XDWoyp8yCFW3g6ZhQI2hLUARb/view?usp=sharing

The Rotary Club of Makati marks a historic milestone with the first graduation of RC Makati AI Academy, honoring 70 scholars as Certified AI Practitioners. On February 28, 2026, Rotary didn’t just graduate a class—it launched ethical builders of the nation’s digital future.