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On September 14, a massive fire devastated Tondo, Manila, leaving over 2,000 families homeless and in desperate need of assistance. Immediately, the Rotary Club of Makati’s Disaster Relief Committee sprang into action. President Keith Harrison reached out to Ms. Jane Walker of the Upskills+ Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping the Tondo community, to assess the needs of those affected. Within just seven days of the fire, RC Makati organized a relief mission to provide essential aid to the families still struggling to rebuild their lives. On September 21, RC Makati’s Director Johnny Ang, along with our Rotaractors, set out for Tondo in a coaster filled with much-needed supplies. In partnership with Upskills+, they provided mats and blankets to 240 families, who had been sleeping on makeshift surfaces, as well as 30 grocery packs for the families of Upskills+ scholars. These small comforts brought relief to those who had lost nearly everything, offering a glimmer of hope as they begin to rebuild. RC Makati stands ready, always prepared to assist the marginalized, especially when disaster strikes—whether natural or man-made. Together, we can make a difference. RC Makati, always at the forefront of service, lending a hand to those in need.

As the saying goes, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” With this guiding principle, RC Makati hosted the first Pre-President Elect Training Seminar (Pre-PETS) on September 7, 2024, at the 3rd floor of the Paing Hechanova Creativity Center at the RC Makati Clubhouse in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati. Although we are still in the first quarter of the current Rotary year, the incoming presidents, or President-Elects (PEs), for Rotary Year 2025-26 have already begun their training to ensure that they are fully prepared for their leadership roles starting July 1, 2025. These PEs will share the leadership spotlight with DGE Reggie Nolido, who will be the incoming governor. A total of 56 President-Elects from 120 Rotary clubs in District 3830 gathered for an engaging afternoon and evening filled with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build camaraderie in preparation for the upcoming term. The program commenced with a prayer from PE Eddie Galvez. PP Carlo Rufino, the Pre-PETS 1 Chair, then addressed the group, saying how fortunate they are to have DGE Reggie as their governor, praising his competence and dedication to leading the district effectively. For the first activity, the PEs gave a two-minute introduction of themselves, which was video recorded. Each PE shared an object—either a tangible item or an illustration—that best represents their identity and how they wish others to perceive them. After this, the group was divided into six teams for a breakout session focused on reflective discussions. They explored questions such as: “Why am I in Rotary?” “What do I like about Rotary and my Rotary Club?” and “Imagine it’s June 30, 2026—the last day of your term as president of your club. What are you feeling?” Back in the main hall, each group presented their discussions in a lively manner, incorporating singing, dancing, and role-playing that entertained and delighted the audience. The event concluded with a heartfelt closing message from DGE Reggie, who expressed his gratitude for the PEs’ presence and active engagement in the activities. He posed a reflective question to the group about how they feel as future presidents. DGE Reggie shared a personal story from his college days, where he spent time with fishermen who had little but maintained a keen sense of community and support for one another. He emphasized that as presidents, their primary responsibility is to take care of their clubs and to nurture them to reach their fullest potential. He reminded them that while they may sometimes feel alone in their leadership journey, this feeling will be assuaged by the belief that there is a supportive community that will help them thrive and succeed. PP Louie Aseoche, the incoming District Secretary, along with Anns Sue Ann Nolido, the incoming First Lady of the District, and Cat Rufino, were there to show support to DGE Reggie and the PEs. RC Makati hosted the event by sponsoring meals and providing the venue for both the main program and the breakout sessions. The District Training team, led by Rotary Academy Director John Vinta and District Learning Facilitator PDG JoJi Tan, were there to make sure that the event would be a successful and enriching experience for all the attendees.

As the pioneering Rotary Club in Makati, RC Makati stands as the “mother” Club, with all Rotary clubs in the district tracing their roots back to us. For nearly 60 years, RC Makati has played a key role in expanding Rotary’s membership through the creation of daughter clubs, thus strengthening Rotary’s mission and service reach. On September 18, 2024, RC Makati, in collaboration with RC Makati Premier District, proudly co-chartered its 13th daughter club, RC AIM. The charter presentation took place at the Communication Foundation for Asia in Sampaloc, Manila, marking another significant step in fostering Rotary’s future leadership. There to witness the momentous occasion were Pres. Keith Harrison and PP JunJun Dayrit along with Pres. Eric Quiason and PP Raissa Hechanova-Posadas of RC Makati Premier District and DG Prescy Yulo and IPDG Jay Tambunting. RC AIM is composed of a dynamic group of young professionals, all alumni of the prestigious Asian Institute of Management (AIM) with Charter President Jake Que. This connection was initiated by PP JunJun Dayrit, alumni president of AIM, who personally endorsed the club’s formation, recognizing the potential and dedication of its members. RC AIM officially received its charter on June 12, 2024, an achievement that stands as one of the membership milestones during the term of IPP Bing Matoto. The establishment of RC AIM promises to bring new energy, leadership, and commitment to Rotary’s cause, further expanding Rotary’s influence through innovative service projects and community leadership.

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Each year, we invite students at the Philippine Institute for the Deaf (PID) to join us for our meetings. And on those occasions that the club is graced by their presence, those amazing deaf students would try their very best to express their gratitude for our unyielding support in words that most of us would strain to understand. But their messages of thanks, even the dreams they share, are both resonant and clear and almost invariably tug at the heartstrings of those in attendance. These are touching moments that have happened year after year since 1994 for 30 years now. This yearly ritual of sharing and gratitude again transpired last September 10, during the Club’s luncheon meeting at the Peninsula Manila. Ethan Rivera, one of RC Makati’s scholars, addressed the members and guests as part of the program. During the same event, the Club turned over P950,000.00 to support the scholarships of 19 deaf and needy students. Representing the Club were Pres. Keith Harrison, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, and PP Cesar Campos, who serves as the Committee Chairman for the project. Ms. Julie Esguerra, PID’s President and Executive Director, graciously received the donation on behalf of the school. The amount will cover 50% of the tuition fees for the learners, as well as individualized one-on-one speech therapy sessions for each scholar. In this long-standing partnership between RC Makati and PID , our Club has made substantial contributions to PID’s mission of teaching deaf children to communicate using the spoken language rather than traditional hand signals. The club’s first project with PID involved the setting up of a classroom equipped with a group hearing aid system. Since then, RCM has continuously supported the school by securing a TRF grant for auditory and speech development equipment, providing scholarships, and contributing to the students’ annual musical programs. Currently, six of the club’s scholars are participating in PID’s Immersion Program, fulfilling their on-the-job training requirements for graduation, as mandated by the Department of Education. They are set to complete this training by February 2025, returning to school for graduation in March. Meanwhile, the remaining 13 students would continue their academic journey at PID courtesy of the ongoing support provided by the Teach the Deaf to Speak Program. RCM’s dedication to empowering the hearing-impaired has allowed many students to transition into mainstream schools, graduate from college, find employment, and even return to PID as faculty members, highlighting the transformative impact of this project.

As part of District 3830’s ongoing efforts to inform and engage Rotarians about Rotary’s impactful programs, The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Workshop was held on September 7, 2024, at the A. Venue Hotel. This annual event is designed to deepen Rotarians’ understanding and appreciation of TRF’s global initiatives and how their support directly contributes to life-changing humanitarian projects. There to learn more about TRF were Pres. Keith Harrison, Asst. Secretary Paolo Turno, PDG Pepz Bengzon, DGE Reggie Nolido, and new members George Haxton, Aaron Mempin, and Roy Moss. The program kicked off with welcome remarks from PDG Al Montecillo, District Rotary Foundation Chair, followed by a message from DG Prescy Yulo. A very informational presentation by PDG Jun Farcon, Zone 10A Endowment/Major Gift Adviser, who shared his inspiring journey and emphasized how contributions to Rotary help drive life-changing humanitarian projects. PDG Marilou Co, Zone 10A End Polio Coordinator, provided updates on Rotary’s ongoing fight against polio, noting the Philippines’ significant contributions to the cause. DDRFC Mildred Vitangcol shared insights on district goals, while PDG Penny Policarpio discussed best practices for achieving annual goals and promoting the Every Year Every Rotarian (EREY) campaign. The workshop also featured a lively panel discussion moderated by DGE Reggie Nolido, with panelists PP Caloy Mateo, PP Nikki Gilladoga, and PP John Vinta sharing personal stories on why they support TRF and their innovative fundraising approaches. Gretchen Laurel, TRF Fund Specialist, gave a session on navigating Rotary Central for tracking club donations, and the event concluded with a pledging session facilitated by PP Sweetie Gardiner. RC Makati remains a leading supporter of TRF, with over $2 million in total contributions—the highest in the district and among the top in the country. This year, 33 members have already pledged as Paul Harris Fellows (PHF), continuing the club’s strong tradition of supporting Rotary’s mission.

As part of Rotary’s commitment to protecting the environment—one of the Seven Areas of Focus—RC Makati participated in the Climate Change Summit titled “Bagong Teknolohiya sa Nagbabagong Klima Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” on September 18 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. Representing RC Makati were PDG Pepz Bengzon, Roger Collantes, First Ann Rachel Harrison, CoS Ron Dotaro, and our Rotaractors. The program commenced at 1PM and featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Dr. Dexter Buted from the Philippine Coconut Authority and ASec. Virgilio Lazaga of the Cooperative Development Authority. A notable moment was when Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin was honored with the rank of Apo Musang Sultan by Climate Change Commission Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz. Organized by the Climate Change Commission, the summit highlighted a technology expo showcasing the latest gadgets and tech solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation, featuring leading tech companies from across the country. CP Mache Ackeman from RC Makati Business District and also an ambassador of the Climate Change Commission, led the Pledge of Commitment for Net Zero by 2050, with her daughter, Emilia, proudly participating in the pledge. RC Makati remains committed to environmental sustainability and looks forward to implementing the insights gained from this summit in our future projects and initiatives. Together, we can work towards a greener and more sustainable future for all.

On September 7, 2024, PP Freddie Borromeo, IPP Bing Matoto, and CB Rivilla embarked on a mission of compassion to support families affected by recent challenges in Tanay, Rizal. Their efforts focused on providing essential relief to displaced families temporarily sheltered in local schools. The first stop of the day was at Ilaya Elementary School, where 44 families were staying. With warm smiles and a sense of duty, PP Freddie, IPP Bing, and CB distributed mats and blankets to these families, ensuring they had some comfort during their stay. The team took time to speak with the residents, offering not just material aid but emotional support as well. Following this, the group moved to their second destination: Sunrise Development School of Tanay. Here, they distributed food packs to 100 families who had sought temporary refuge at the school. The food packs, designed to provide sustenance for the families in the short term, were received with gratitude by the beneficiaries. They spent time with the families, reinforcing the community’s resilience in the face of adversity. After the successful relief distribution, PP Freddie hosted a well-deserved lunch at Rambulls in Tanay. The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the day’s activities, celebrate the spirit of service, and reinforce the bonds of fellowship and compassion.

From August 29 to September 2, 2024, Pres. Keith and First-Ann Rachel Harrison embarked on a meaningful journey to Indonesia as part of the Help the Children 2024 project, an initiative focused on improving the lives of underprivileged children in Malang and Batu. Their trip, filled with impactful activities, brought together a global community of rotary clubs and individuals dedicated to service. The journey began on Thursday, August 29, with Pres. Keith and First-Ann Rachel travelled to Singapore before heading to Indonesia. On Friday, August 30, they arrived in Surabaya and joined a convoy of 10 vehicles, escorted by local police, for the drive to Malang. Along the way, the group exchanged banners and stopped for lunch, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow rotarians and local hosts. The first stop in Batu was at four of the ten partner schools in the region. The group, greeted by a vibrant street procession in the picturesque countryside surrounded by rice fields and mountains, delivered essential supplies, including school clothing and equipment. After the formal handovers and entertainment by the local community, the day concluded with an official reception at Batu’s City Hall, where local dignitaries warmly welcomed the visiting Rotarians. The following morning, the group visited the Bhakti Luhur orphanage, home to over 500 children with disabilities, cared for by Roman Catholic nuns. Another 1,500 children are supported in other centers outside Malang. The group was treated to heartwarming performances by the physically and mentally challenged residents. Following the entertainment, the visitors toured the campus, which also serves as a home to 500 carers, teachers, and spiritual guides. They explored classrooms, therapy rooms, and vocational training areas where children are taught skills such as batik cloth making—an activity that especially caught the interest of First Ann Rachel. They also visited the Global Grant project (GG2454428), which focuses on intensive training for 45 speech and occupational therapists. This initiative, designed to upskill the therapists working with the children, will benefit not only the Malang center but also 70 smaller locations across the country. Pres. Keith, First Ann Rachel, and representatives from RC Malang Central, RC Kuching Central, RC Singapore, RC Rizal West, and partners from Taiwan engaged in productive discussions with the nuns, ensuring the project’s success. In the afternoon, the group visited more partner schools in the Malang area, where the Help the Children project reached 1,500 children, provided teacher training, and supported vocational skills training for parents. The commitment to education and support for families in these communities was evident through these efforts. Later that day, the group had the opportunity to visit the site of a hospital under construction by the Isk Tolaram Foundation, spearheaded by Mohan Vaswani’s family group. This three-story structure will house clinics for eye surgery, dialysis, special needs therapy, and diagnostics. The discussions around the future of this hospital emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare in the region. The evening was a grand celebration, hosted by Rtn Mohan Vaswani and his wife Kawita at their beautiful home in Batu. The gathering was filled with speeches from participants, marking the culmination of an inspiring weekend of service and collaboration. On Sunday, after a farewell brunch hosted by the Vaswanis, attendees made their way to the airport. Some traveled to Malaysia, Bali, or Singapore, while Pres. Keith and First-Ann Rachel connected through Singapore overnight, arriving home at 6:30 am on Monday morning. Despite their exhaustion, they returned with a deep sense of fulfillment, having been part of a project that brought real change and hope to the children and communities of Indonesia.

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