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Read more: https://tribune.net.ph/2024/07/23/my-rotary-journey-as-club-president-the-youth-3

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Read more : https://tribune.net.ph/2024/07/21/rc-makati-opens-4th-dorm-in-puerto-princesa

On June 24, RC Makati proudly inaugurated its fourth Dormitory Project at Palawan State University (PSU) in Puerto Princesa, a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to education and community development. A delegation from RC Makati, including President Bing Matoto, VP Howie Calleja, Directors Rodrigo Segura, Bom Villatuya, Winston Uy, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Louie Aseoche, PDG Pepz Bengzon, and incoming RAED Doris Ensomo, traveled to witness this momentous event." The day's events commenced with a quick lunch at the PSU Hotel with Atty. Leni Robredo, Chairperson and President of Angat Pinas Foundation. Following lunch, the delegation proceeded to the dormitory site for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by President Bing Matoto, Atty. Robredo, and Dr. Ramon Docto, President of Palawan State University. Rev. Fr. Francis Mark Guzman led the dormitory blessing, covering all areas from the main door to the well-equipped kitchen, study area, 20-bed double-decker room, and the comfort rooms. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the marker bearing the RC Makati logo and the symbolic turnover of the dormitory key to PSU officials. The formal program at the jam-packed PSU auditorium followed. In his message, President Bing emphasized the impact of the project on students and discussed potential future projects for the province. Atty. Leni Robredo shared how the partnership with RC Makati began, leading to a P1M commitment to Angat Buhay, which eventually funded the dorm project This project, funded by RC Makati at P2.2M, aims to address absenteeism caused by long travel distances. The dormitory will accommodate 20 female students from underprivileged backgrounds, providing a safe and conducive living environment for their studies. RC Makati's partnership with Angat Pinas Foundation has been instrumental in previous dormitory projects in Sumilao, Bukidnon; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; and Infanta, Quezon." RC Makati also partnered with RC Puerto Princesa for the purchase of necessities inside the dormitory, further strengthening the collaborative efforts within the Rotary network. This collaboration underscores RC Makati's unwavering commitment to education and community development. Plans are already underway for a fifth dormitory in the upcoming Rotary year, continuing the legacy of support and empowerment for students in need. RC Makati: Building Futures, One Dormitory at a Time.

RC Makati has added another feather in its cap with the remarkable achievement of the Feed Back program, which bagged 1st runner-up in the nationwide search conducted by the Philippine Rotary Media Foundation, Inc. (PRMFI) for the Most Outstanding Environmental Project Awards in the Philippines for RY2023-24. The awards were presented during the Awards & Turnover Night held on June 29 at the Palms Country Club in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Present to witness the triumph and receive the award were IPP Bing Matoto, PDG Tony Quila, PDG Sid & Tesha Garcia, who is also the vice-chair for the Environmental Awards, PDG Pepz Bengzon and partner Doris, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Bimbo Mills, Philip Soliven, who chairs the Feed Back program, PP Louie Aseoche, and PP Bimbo Mills. They were joined by representatives from ARK, Iris Alonso and Ode Soliven. The Feed Back program, in partnership with Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), focuses on establishing sustainable vegetable exchange programs in various communities. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also emphasizes that caring for the environment begins at home. In the Philippines, rural communities, home to 60 million people—half of the population—face severe environmental degradation. Encouraging eco-friendly practices like tree planting and coastal cleanups is challenging when over a third of these communities are impoverished, hungry, and desperate to find their next meal. This desperation often forces families into environmentally destructive acts like forest burning or dynamite fishing to earn income and feed their families. When basic survival is at stake, thinking about future environmental sustainability becomes nearly impossible. The Feed Back program addresses these challenges by empowering communities with the knowledge and resources to cultivate and exchange vegetables. This not only provides a sustainable source of nutrition but also fosters economic independence and community resilience. By improving food security, the program reduces the pressure on families to resort to environmentally harmful practices, thereby promoting long-term environmental sustainability. The road to the award was not easy. First, the Feed Back program had to win at the district level to be nominated at the national level. Besides the Feed Back program, two more RC Makati projects entered the top five at the district level—the BGC Greenway project chaired by PP Charlie Rufino and the Save Our Reefs project initiated by PP Peter Manzano. On April 2, District 3830 conducted its presentation of the top five finalists, where Philip Soliven and PP Louie Aseoche led the presentation for Feed Back. Following the win at the district level, Feed Back competed at the national level against nine other winners from other districts in the Philippines. This stage required us to submit presentations and videos showcasing our work. On June 9, at the Palms Country Club, PP Louie presented the program in front of the national judges, with assistance from Iris of ARK. RC Makati received a total cash prize of P250,000, with P50,000 coming from the district as the top winner and P200,000 from PRMFI as the 1st runner-up winner. This award would not have been possible without the support of our partner ARK through Ayesha Vera Uy, their CEO and Founder, as well as the support and guidance from our own district led by PDG Mildred Vitangcol, PP Doris Ensomo, and CP Danny Abinoja. This award again puts RC Makati in the nationwide spotlight and provides significant exposure to the Feed Back project, which will now be known to other Rotary clubs. This recognition is a testament to RC Makati’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. The Feed Back program has not only made a positive impact on the environment but has also set a benchmark for other Rotary clubs to follow.

Monday, July 1, marked the beginning of the new Rotary Year, and RC Makati was determined to kick it off with a vibrant celebration. Despite being a weekday, the club successfully organized their traditional Children’s Day in partnership with RC Paranaque St. Andrew at Rotary Homes Parañaque, embracing this year’s theme, “The Magic of Rotary.”. This special occasionaimed to celebrate the new Rotary Year by providing children with a day filled with joy, magic, and new experiences. For the third consecutive year, the rotary event saw collaboration with the Rotaract Clubs of Makati and Paranaque St. Andrew. The day’s activities were meticulously planned to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for the children. Different areas within the Rotary Homes compound hosted a variety of events tailored to various age groups. The diverse and simultaneous programs included storytelling, a magic show, educational seminars, and vocational talks, ensuring every child had a meaningful and engaging experience. The event saw enthusiastic participation from RC Makati, led by Pres. Keith Harrison, along with IPP Bing Matoto, PDG Sid Garcia, DGE Reggie Nolido, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Sec. Regi Ponferrada, Manny Padiernos, and James Bosch. RAC Makati members, headed by Pres. Hira Hermoso, PP AJ Sembrano, rotaractors Darlah and Vian Leonardo also played a crucial role in the day’s activities. Additionally, the event was graced by Gov. Prescy Yulo, Paranaque Mayor Eric Olivarez, and Congressman Edwin Olivarez. The Rotary Children’s Day targeted 200 children aged 5-10 years, who were treated to a captivating storytelling session and a mesmerizing magic show. The storytelling emphasized Anti-Bullying Awareness, a critical topic for young minds. Each child received a loot bag filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year, along with pre-loved storybooks from the Last Angel gift-giving project chaired by Ann Papat Escaler. These thoughtful loot bags were prepared and arranged by the dedicated members of RAC Makati. Girls aged 11-15 participated in a seminar on Mental Health Awareness and Teenage Pregnancy, providing them with essential knowledge and support. Boys aged 17-21 and selected parents engaged in a Youth Vocational Talk with Dualtech Foundation, highlighting career opportunities and vocational training. The event also included a health component, with free polio vaccines provided by the Paranaque Municipal Health Office. In addition, a Disaster Preparedness Seminar was conducted at the open court by the Don Galo Fire Fighters, ensuring that both children and parents are equipped with vital safety knowledge.

RC Makati has successfully inaugurated its fourth Dormitory Project, formally turning over the facility to the Palawan State University (PSU) in Puerto Princesa on June 24. Among those who flew in to witness the turnover were Pres. Bing Matoto, VP Howie Calleja, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Dir. Bom Villatuya, Dir. Winston Uy, PE Eddie Galvez, PP Louie Aseoche, and PDG Pepz Bengzon and incoming RAED Doris Ensomo. The day’s events commenced with a quick lunch at the PSU Hotel with the Chairperson and President of Angat Pinas Foundation, Atty. Leni Robredo. Thereafter, they proceeded to the dormitory site for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pres. Bing led the ribbon-cutting alongside Atty. Robredo and Dr. Ramon Docto, President of the Palawan State University. The dormitory blessing, led by Rev. Fr. Francis Mark Guzman, covered all areas of the facility, starting from the main door to the well-equipped kitchen, the study area furnished with computers, the 20-bed double-decker room complete with beddings, pillows, and mosquito nets, and the comfort rooms and shower area. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the marker bearing the RC Makati logo, followed by the symbolic turnover of the dormitory key to PSU officials. The team then moved on to the jam-packed PSU auditorium for the formal program of the event. In his message, Pres. Bing shared the impact this project will have on the students of the school and discussed potential future projects for the province. Atty. Leni shared the story of how the partnership with RC Makati was conceived and this was at the time when she was invited to be guest speaker of the club. Right after her talk, the Club committed P1M to Angat Buhay — one of the projects under Angat Pinas Foundation — which later on was earmarked for a dorm project after then President Fred Pascual, now the Secretary of DTI, noted that school dorms for students who lived in far-flung barangays were not being funded by the government. This project aims to address absenteeism caused by the significant distances students must travel from their homes to school. The PSU dormitory, funded by the RC Makati at P2.2M, will accommodate 20 female students from underprivileged backgrounds and remote areas, providing them with a safe and conducive living environment for their studies. RC Makati’s partnership with the Angat Pinas Foundation has been instrumental in previous dormitory projects in Sumilao, Bukidnon; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; and Infanta, Quezon. RC Makati also partnered with RC Puerto Princesa through Pres. Claudio Favila for the purchase of necessities inside the dormitory, further strengthening the collaborative efforts within the Rotary network. This collaboration with Angat Pinas underscores RC Makati’s unwavering commitment to education and community development. Plans are already underway for a fifth dormitory in the upcoming Rotary year, continuing the legacy of support and empowerment for students in need.

RC Makati, in partnership with P&A Grant Thornton, held a pivotal Sustainability Forum titled “Unwrapping Change: Transforming the Philippines from its Plastic Legacy Through EPR” on June 20, 2024. The event took place at the P&A Grant Thornton office in Makati and was also broadcast live via Microsoft Teams, attracting a diverse audience committed to environmental sustainability. The Philippines faces a critical issue with plastic pollution, generating an alarming 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually. A significant portion of this waste ends up in landfills and various water bodies, contributing to severe environmental degradation. The forum aimed to address this pressing issue by exploring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a strategic solution. The program began with an invocation led by Dir. Bom Villatuya, followed by messages from RC Makati Pres. Bing Matoto and Romualdo V. Murcia, Chairman and Managing Partner of P&A Grant Thornton. Keynote speaker Rina Neoh, Secretary General of the ESG Association of Malaysia, introduced by her spouse, Rtn. Roger Collantes, shared initiatives to reduce plastic waste. She urged Filipino companies to deploy plastic deposit machines, where the public can recycle plastic waste for monetary rewards or coins. Neoh also emphasized the need for the Philippine government to provide grants to companies selling eco-friendly products, noting that Malaysia has facilitated such transitions with grants for exhibition and market development. Atty. Jonas Leones, DENR Undersecretary, discussed recycling compliance data under EPR, which requires companies to report on the efficiency of their recycling programs. Leones noted that 917 companies and 298 micro, small, and medium enterprises have submitted their reports. The DENR expects increased investments in recycling technologies and community training programs by 2034, along with more aggressive public campaigns against single-use plastics by 2040. Following the resource speakers, a panel discussion moderated by Chris Ferareza, incoming Director and Vice President of RC Makati, and Chief Sustainability Officer and Partner for Advisory Services and Sustainability Leader of P&A Grant Thornton, featured several experts. Panelists included Commissioner Crispian Lao, Chairman of the National Solid Waste Management Commission and Founding President of PARMS; Elvin Ian Uy, Executive Director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress; Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director of PCX; Erica Cardoso, Managing Director of Evergreen Labs Philippines; Stanley Siahetiong, Energy Transition Manager of Shell Pilipinas Corporation; and representatives from the DENR Environmental Management Bureau, Engr. Esperanza Sajul and Atty. Ivy De Pedro. The panelists emphasized the need for collaboration and holistic action to change the Philippines’ plastic legacy. The forum concluded with the closing remarks of PE Keith Harrison, who highlighted the importance of changing mindsets about plastic waste management and sustainability through education. The event saw active participation, with over 250 online attendees and more than 40 in-person participants, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices.

The Food Share Program (FSP) stands as a collaborative initiative aimed at securing food access for vulnerable communities through partnerships involving local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community representatives. Targeting populations such as low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, the FSP redistributes surplus food from local sources to designated beneficiaries, facilitated by meticulous logistics overseen by LGUs. This program not only addresses immediate food insecurity but also fosters sustainability by promoting local food production and reducing waste through educational initiatives. Regular monitoring and evaluation ensure the program’s efficacy, guiding ongoing improvements based on feedback from stakeholders, thereby reinforcing its role in community development and resilience. On June 26, 2024, the RC Makati joined forces with Kabisig ng Kalahi, the Tanay LGU, and DSWD Region IV-A to inaugurate the Food Share Program at the Tanay Municipal Extension in Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. This collaborative initiative aims to tackle food insecurity by fostering partnerships between local government units (LGUs), NGOs, and community representatives, targeting vulnerable populations such as low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Romeo B. Cruz, the Municipal Agriculture Officer, setting a tone of camaraderie and purpose. Vicky Wieneke, President of Kabisig ng Kalahi, Inc., provided an insightful overview of the program’s objectives, highlighting its potential impact on the community’s well-being. Inspirational speeches followed from esteemed guests, including Hon. Rafael A. Tanjuatco, Municipal Mayor; PP Freddie Borromeo, Chairman of the Committee on Family, Health & Nutritional Program; Dir. Neil Makasiar; Dir. Brian Liu; Rtn. Boy Arteche; and Ms. Mylah Gatchalian, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, DSWD-Region IV-A. Part of the program was the signing of the Kasunduan, a formal commitment by all partners to uphold and support the Food Share Program. This was accompanied by the distribution of initial rice rations to 30 family representatives, each receiving 15 kilograms of rice. Over the next six months, these families will benefit from a total of 60 kilograms of rice, ensuring sustained support during scheduled distributions and additional contributions. Ann Jojo Borromeo and Ann Camille Makasiar also attended. Ms. Brecia Monje, OIC – MSWDO, delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the program’s community-centric approach and its potential to uplift local livelihoods. A group photo session captured the spirit of collaboration among partners and beneficiaries, highlighting a shared commitment to building a resilient and self-sufficient community. The ceremonial launch concluded with a convivial lunch hosted by PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo at Rambulls Tanay, reinforcing bonds and celebrating the promising start of a program dedicated to enhancing food security and promoting sustainable community development.