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The Rotaract Club of Makati recently garnered several awards during the annual Groundbreaking and Excellent Accomplishment of Rotaractors (GEAR) Awards Night. The event, which celebrated the exceptional contributions of Rotaract Clubs across the Philippines, took place on May 11, 2024, at Pines View Hotel in Baguio. It was attended by RAC Makati President Emmanuel Adrian Manuel, Immediate Past President Nico Dela Cruz, the club’s past presidents PP April Jan Sembrano, PP Prame Rose Cato, and PP Mark Gil Cato, as well as Treasurer Princess Angielette Pol and Director Karylle Dotaro. Organized by the Pilipinas Rotaract Multi-District Organization (MDIO), the GEAR Awards honor Rotaractors and Rotaract Clubs across the Philippines that lead the way in advancing Rotary International's causes and making a significant impact on Filipino communities through their service initiatives. RAC Makati, once again proved its dedication and passion to serving the community as it bagged multiple recognitions: • Exemplary Club Award with Silver Distinction • Merry Little Hands - Exemplary Project Finalist for Water Sanitation and Hygiene Category • Rotaract Insights: Capturing Action and Passion RiCAP ▪ Gold Distinction for "We Empower" ▪ Silver Distinction for "We Promote Peace" ▪ Silver Distinction for "We Connect" • Special Citations: ▪ Pilipinas Rotaract Branding Academy for R.Y. 2023-2024 ▪ Celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the 1st Rotaract Club in the Philippines • Individual Recognitions Meritorious Service Awards: ▪ PP Mark Gil Cato ▪ PP AJ Sembrano Rotaract Service Tenure Recognition: ▪ PP Mark Gil Cato ▪ PP Kash Gana ▪ PP Prame Cato ▪ Dir. Joseph Carlo Tan RAC Makati expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its partners in service: its twin Rotaract clubs nationwide, youth and local civic organizations, DRR Naomi Kaye Padrelanan, the RC Makati Secretariat, and most especially its sponsoring Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Makati, for their trust and unwavering support to the club. These recognitions further inspire the club to strengthen its commitment to championing the aspirations of Rotary through serving the community.

The need for clean water is an urgent and pressing issue—one that affects millions of people worldwide. Globally, one in three people lack access to safe drinking water, a staggering statistic that underscores the gravity of this problem. In the Philippines, the situation is similarly dire, with one in ten Filipinos still without access to improved water sources. Recognizing the critical importance of addressing this issue, Rotary International has made providing clean water one of its seven areas of focus. In response, RC Makati partnered with Waves for Water to provide 210 units of MVP filters, making clean water available to over 1,000 households in four barangays in Presentacion, Camarines Sur—Brgy. Bantugan, Bitaogoan, Bulalacao, and Lidong. The project was coordinated with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) as support for their Campaign Against Malnutrition. Arriving in the morning of May 14 to the scenic view of Mt. Mayon, PE Keith & Rachel Harrison and Dir. Bom & Amy Villatuya flew to Bicol to personally participate in the formal launch and turnover of the project. From Legazpi airport, the Harrisons traveled over five hours by land, while the Villatuyas took over three hours to reach the Presentacion Municipal Hall, where they were treated to lunch before a courtesy visit with Mayor Alicia Deleña. After a quick meeting where the partners shared their messages and a demonstration by Waves for Water, the team proceeded to the project site in Brgy. Bulalacao, the second site of distribution for that day. The team participated in the program with Dir. Bom helping out in the orientation on water and sanitation, Ann Amy on how to set up their filters, and Ann Rachel on the demo on producing clean water. PE Keith shared his message with Ann Rachel translating it to the delight of the crowd. In this site, 50 MVP water filters were distributed. The MVP water filter has a 1-million-gallon capacity, is gravity-fed (requiring no electricity), and is easy to maintain. It can be used for a minimum of five years. These MVP water filters eliminate the need to store water and reduce the possibility of water contamination after the filtration process. They remove bacteria, including those causing cholera, botulism, typhoid, amoebic dysentery, E. coli, coliform bacteria, streptococcus, and salmonella, among others. The next day, Dir. Bom and Amy continued to participate in the mission, helping out in the deployment of 69 filters in Brgy. Lidong for 342 households. The partnership with Waves for Water was forged on April 2 during the luncheon meeting of the Club, as endorsed by the MAP through its former president Atty. Dick Du-Baladad, who spoke to the club as a guest speaker during the luncheon meeting on August 22 last year. The Club’s support for the Water and Sanitation area of focus extends beyond this initiative. RC Makati has been involved in a Level 3 water system under the 3H Water project in San Fernando, Pampanga, which has already expanded to Tarlac and Ilocos Sur. Additionally, the club has undertaken several smaller water projects in Zamboanga and Ilocos, reflecting its ongoing commitment to providing clean water and improving sanitation in various communities. Through these efforts, RC Makati continues to demonstrate its dedication to addressing critical needs and creating lasting, positive impacts in the communities it serves.

Answering Rotary International Pres. Gordon McInally's imperative to prioritize mental health, RC Makati has embarked on innovative endeavors aimed at tackling the mental health challenges faced by today's youth. Through a strategic alliance with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF), the club has arranged pioneering programs that not only confront these issues head-on but also empower student leaders and educators to emerge as frontline advocates within their communities. RC Makati’s partnership with NGF led to the introduction of the “SuPEER Heroes Training Program” at Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati. This program, conducted over four days starting on March 9 and spanning two weekends, aimed to equip 60 student leaders and 10 educators with the skills necessary to address mental health issues among their peers. The “SuPEER Heroes Training Program” includes ten meticulously designed modules: Self-Awareness, Communication Skills, Goal Setting, Gratitude, Self-Care, Resilience, Basic Helping Skills, Love Languages, Mental Health First Aid, and Mindfulness Therapy. These modules were designed to enhance participants' understanding of themselves and others, improve their relationship management, and provide them with effective tools for peer support. The program emphasized a cascading model of knowledge transfer, encouraging participants to share their learning with their peers. RC Makati supported this initiative with a P500,000 commitment, which included providing meals and snacks for the seminar. Extending the Reach to STI College Pampanga Building on the success of the initial training, RC Makati expanded the SuPEER Heroes Training Program to STI College Pampanga. The workshop, held on April 27-28 and May 4-5, saw the participation of 72 individuals, including 36 students and teachers from STI San Fernando and STI Angeles. Conducted by NGF’s team of licensed mental health professionals, the program focused on combating depression and self-harm through a peer support network. Esteemed guests such as PP JunJun Dayrit, Pres. Bing Matoto’s son Nicky, PE Keith Harrison, and Rachel Harrison graced the event. Keynote addresses were delivered by NGF’s founder Jean Goulbourn and chairman Dr. Romeo Enriquez, MD, a noted neurologist and psychiatrist from Angles University Medical Center. The SuPEER Heroes program creates a safe space for young adults to express their emotions and thoughts, often more comfortably shared with peers than adults. Such initiatives not only respond to global calls for mental health prioritization but also serve as a catalyst for positive change, nurturing compassionate young leaders.

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Who can forget that memorable concert entitled “The Best of Broadway and the Classics” last February 2. It was an evening of celebration, love, and nostalgia that featured the enduring allure of Broadway and classic tunes—all for a worthy cause. Among the many organizations that were supported by this concert event helmed by PP Eddie Yap was the Sisters of Mary in Silang, Cavite. At the Club's luncheon meeting at the Peninsula Manila on May 7, a significant partnership was forged. VP Howie Calleja, on behalf of RC Makati, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Sister Teresita Sumalabe, the Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer of Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc., representing the Sisters of Mary. This MoA signing, witnessed by Dir. Rodrigo Segura for the Club and Sister Mylene B. Arambulo for the Sisters of Mary, symbolizes the shared commitment to the cause of education and empowerment. The generous donation from RC Makati will have a profound impact on the Sisters of Mary. It will enable the procurement of ten (10) desktop computers, totaling P560,000, to enhance the Sisters of Mary's Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Training program. This program is a crucial step in equipping Senior High School students with the skills and resources needed to excel in CNC careers, empowering them to succeed in their chosen fields. RC Makati's support for the Sisters of Mary goes beyond the computer donation. The Club will also bring the SuPEER Heroes Facilitating Training Program, in partnership with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, to the Sisters of Mary School in Cavite. This program, valued at P500,000, is a testament to our commitment to enriching the educational experience at the institution. It will benefit over eighty (80) student leaders and teachers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in their communities. The total funding for these initiatives amounts to over P1 million, showcasing RC Makati's commitment to supporting education and empowering youth. This support was made possible through the success of "The Best of Broadway" fundraising concert, co-organized by RC Makati and RC Makati Premier District and produced by PP Eddie. The Sisters of Mary is renowned for its work in establishing Boystowns and Girlstowns which serve as boarding schools for deserving students from impoverished backgrounds. The institution provides comprehensive support, including food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and quality secondary education focused on a technical-vocational curriculum, all free of charge. Aside from the support to the Sisters of Mary, the two other beneficiary organizations which the concert had supported were: Dualtech, where the Club sponsored 15 scholars, and facilitated the procurement of modern CNC equipment for a global grant; and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, where the Club funded two SuPEER Heroes programs, one at Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati and another at STI in Pampanga. The third site will be at the Sisters of Mary.

Two is better than one. No truer is that adage when the RC Makati and Medilines, Inc. joined forces and collaborated on the Adopt an Angel project of the San Pedro Calungsod Parish in Poblacion, Muntinlupa. The intrepid team of RC Makati led by PE Keith Harrison, PN Eddie Galvez, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, incoming Director Boy Arteche, and PP Louie Aseoche went to Muntinlupa on May 8 to visit the parish and meet the beneficiaries of the Adopt An Angel Project. Joining them were Ms. Maria Patricia Villar-Yambing, CEO of Mediline, and Karen Nillo. During the short program, messages were given by Rev. Fr. Willie Ramos, PE Keith and Ms. Patricia -- all expressing gratefulness for the opportunity to render service and help the marginalized. The Club turned over two months' supply of chocolate drinks and powdered milk for the 146 special children in need. Medilines, on the other hand, provided fifteen (15) wheelchairs requested by the parish, to the needy special kids. The connection with Medilines was bridged through PP Louie, an independent director of said company which provides quality medical equipment in the country. The request from San Pedro Calungsod was coursed through Pres. Bing Matoto by Fr. Willie who was the Chaplain when he made a pilgrimage trip to the Holy Land.ector in the company while the request from San Pedro Calungsod was coursed through Pres. Bing Matoto, who knew Fr. Willie as their Chaplain in a pilgrimage trip to the Holy Land.

A small band of RCM golfers gathered to have one last chance to qualify for the 2023-24 Tournament of Champions. President Bing Matoto led the team including Dir. Johnny Ang, Leo de Leon, Dir. Rodrigo Segura, Bitoy Lon, IPP Michael Escaler and PE Keith Harrison. We were there to take on the South course at Canlubang Golf Club. To qualify, a team needs to finish in the top three on the day aggregating the top four scores of members in the team. This time we made it!! Finishing second in the, all important, team competition. The day itself was extremely well organized by RC Makati Premier District (with some kind support from our own Angie and Rhia). The organizers gave us breakfast, carts, caddies, golf draw gifts, major lucky draw prizes, ice cold saki (and beer), a fantastic buffet lunch, live entertainment, a golf course in very good condition given the dry conditions, a welcoming and fun experience and so much more. I think we can safely say the best organized of the 4 Governor’s Cup competitions this Rotary year (nothing to do with us playing well enough to qualify)!! We had notable individual prizes being won. President Bing was second runner up in the Class C competition. Rodrigo was first runner up in the Class A competition with a Gross 79. Many congratulations to both of you, rumor has it you have already been invited to join the Professional Senior Tour! Special mention also to Johnny who shot an excellent 82. In addition to the golf, Pres Bing recruited the performer to sing at our recent Friday Night Lights (good decision) and I won a raffle prize. Ang galing nating that day!! So now on to the serious matter of the Tournament of Champions at Forest Hills on 24 May 2024. Beating the current holders, RC Makati-West, will not be easy but with the expected arrival of new RCM team golf shirts (currently prototypes are going though final modelling by Gov Pepz) and a strong member turnout we can look forward to the finals with much confidence. Fore!!!!

The Club’s incoming leadership team, led by President-Elect Keith Harrison, played a crucial role by participating in the District Training Assembly (DTA) at the Bellevue Manila in Filinvest, Alabang, on April 27. The team, composed of incoming directors Boy Arteche, PN Eddie Galvez, and Andy Mañalac, along with incoming officers Paolo Turno, PP Fred Parungao, and Sonny Tambunting Jr., were joined by advisers PDG Sid Garcia, PDG Pepz Bengzon (who will serve as Vice-Governor), and PP Louie Aseoche (who would serve as Assistant Governor) for the upcoming Rotary year. The DTA served as a platform for incoming club and district officers to align with the inspiring vision of incoming District Governor Prescy Yulo. Key areas of focus outlined by Yulo, which are set to shape the upcoming Rotary year, included a 10% growth in membership, the establishment of 10 new clubs, a target TRF contribution of $900K, and a focus on Maternal and Child Health, particularly the First 1,000 days and teenage pregnancy. Other notable speakers at the event included PRID Guiller Tumangan, who delivered a special message, and PDG Chacha Camacho, who discussed the Rotary Action Plan framework. The program featured three breakout sessions: (1) Vibrant Club module and membership goals; (2) Administrative matters, Financial practices, and fellowship and sports; (3) Service projects goals, TRF goals, and Public Image. During the closing session, PDG Sid Garcia, treasurer and trustee of the Philippine Rotary Media Foundation, introduced the Philippine Rotary Magazine’s Communication Hub. Additionally, a presentation on the RI Convention 2028 was delivered by PDG Sid in his capacity as the Vice-Chair of the Organizing Committee, marking the first time that the Philippines will host the convention. To support such a milestone event, the district approved a mandatory contribution of PhP500.00 from all Rotarians in District 3830 to support the hosting of the convention. The mandatory contribution will also be cascaded to the other districts in the Philippines. Before the adjournment, PDG Pepz Bengzon provided a comprehensive synthesis of the event, excellently summarizing the key points and discussions from the half-day and breakout sessions. This synthesis gave participants a clear overview of the entire event, even for sessions they did not attend. The event concluded with a dinner, raffle prizes, and a fellowship filled with singing and dancing, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the attendees.

RC Makati recently organized two impactful breast and cervical cancer screening missions in April, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to community health and wellness. On April 17th, the 11th cancer screening mission took place at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, followed by the 12th cancer screening mission on April 30th at Sto. Niño Gala Covered Court, Payatas, Quezon City. Led by PP Cesar Campos, the committee chairman, alongside with his daughter Maribee Campos-Lamers, PN Eddie Galvez, Boy Arteche, Paolo Turno and baby rotarians Martin Revita, and Patrick Parungao, these missions aimed to provide accessible and free screening services to women in need. Partnering with the Philippine Cancer Society, the club facilitated the screening process, ensuring that nearly a hundred women were screened at each mission. The screening missions followed a structured program flow to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Participants were required to fill out registration forms upon arrival, enabling medical specialists to assess their eligibility for screening. PP Cesar, along with other Rotarians, delivered welcome messages to the beneficiaries, emphasizing the significance of the project as a global grant initiative supported by the RC Makati Premier District. PN Eddie also addressed the participants, stressing the importance of early detection and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to provide free screening services. The club donated P20,000 to the Philippine Cancer Society to further support their advocacy. As part of the initiative's holistic approach, a representative from the Philippine Cancer Society provided a brief orientation to participants, enhancing their understanding of breast and cervical cancer.