Every club president has a pet project, one that reflects his most ardent advocacy and a cause he wants to contribute to in a significant way. Pres. Jun Jun Dayrit has chosen as his signature project the rehabilitation and reformation of drug dependents, a hot topic that has grabbed and continues to dwell in the national consciousness, given the attention it has received as the centerpiece of the government’s peace and order campaign. The Club is partnering with the Archdiocese of Manila for its parish-based drug rehab program, “Sanlakbay Para sa Pagbabagong Buhay” (One Journey Towards a New Life). The beneficiaries are drug dependents who had earlier surrendered to authorities under the Philippine National Police’s Oplan Tokhang. Pres. Jun Jun agrees with the Sanlakbay stand that drug dependency is best beaten with rehab, not with punitive action. It is a process that takes longer and requires more of the intangibles that in time grow deep roots—a strong support system that offers patience and unconditional/non-judgmental love, and, of course, spiritual grounding. For its initial salvo, the Club has made a substantial donation worth nearly P600,000 to Caritas Manila, which is tasked with running the program. Turned over to Sanlakbay head Fr. Bobby de la Cruz last September 29 were: a brand-new Suzuki utility vehicle purchased with the help of PN Bimbo Mills, a laptop, a printer, and a 55-inch smart TV. Helping with the program’s material needs is only the beginning of the Club’s engagement with Sanlakbay. Pres. Jun Jun sees our role expanding to embrace values formation, psycho-social counseling, skills training, and livelihood and job placement assistance. Pres. Jun Jun assured the beneficiaries of the Club’s support and assistance in their journey towards renewal and reformation. Joining Pres. Jun Jun at the Caritas Manila office in Pandacan were: Dir. Chris Ferareza, Dir. Peter Manzano, Jun Arceo and Louie Aseoche. They got to meet and talk to some of the project beneficiaries, two of whom shared their Sanlakbay stories, and establish ties with the Sanlakbay staff over merienda hosted by Caritas.

We're all in this together. No matter how dark one’s past, no one is hopeless. Those two powerful messages resonated loud and clear at the San Sebastian Church on October 21 as over 400 former drug dependents gathered to hear a Mass celebrated by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to mark the first anniversary of Sanlakbay (One Journey), the Archdiocese of Manila’s active response to the drugs problem in the country. The first message was demonstrated by the coming together of a number of entities, notably the Catholic Church, represented by Cardinal Tagle and Caritas Manila; the PNP, represented by NCRPO Chief Oscar Agbayalde, and Rotary, represented by Rotary Club of Makati Pres. Jun Jun Dayrit. The second message was proclaimed from the pulpit by Cardinal Tagle in a homily that welcomed the drug surrenderees in the Church’s loving embrace. Also involved in the program are the Dept. of Health, Ateneo and the University of Sto. Tomas. With Pres. Jun Jun were PN Bimbo Mills, Dir. Chris Ferarreza, Dir. Peter Manzano, Derrick Tan, Bong Gumban and First Ann Cecille. One of the highlights of the program was the turnover by Pres. Jun Jun of the Club’s donation to the rehabilitation effort–a brand new van, laptop, printer and smart TV—to Caritas, which is running the program. On hand to accept the goods were Cardinal Tagle and Fr. Bobby de la Cruz, minister of Sanlakbay. Some 400 loaves of Gardenia bread from RC Alabang were distributed to the guests. Since the start of the program a year ago, a total of 139 former drug dependents, who surrendered to police authorities under PNPO’s Oplan Tokhang, have graduated from the program, among them 52 from four parishes who graduated last Saturday. At present, there are 12 parishes enlisted in the program, with 18 more expressing intention to sign up. The program is rooted on the Church conviction that rehabilitation, not punishment, is the better option in getting substance abusers to turn a new leaf.

That’s right, Yosi Kadiri, is here again, spreading the dire message that smoking is bad because it causes cancer and leads to death. The relaunch took place on November 25 at the Manuel A. Roxas High school in Paco, Manila, with Pres. Jun Jun Dayrit, IPP David Ackerman, Community Service Dir. Chris Ferareza and Louie Aseoche in attendance. Also there to give support to the project were four members of the San Beda Red Lions Basketball Varsity Team that won the championship in the NCAA. The Club first launched the anti-smoking campaign in March 2017 during the term of IPP David. Held at the Tandang Sora National High School in Quezon City, it revived “Yosi Kadiri,” the mascot that was at the front line of the Dept. of Health’s nationwide anti-smoking campaign in the early 90s under Sec. Juan Flavier. The event was graced by 39 Bb. Pilipinas candidates and included an on-the-spot art contest and a students’ forum that raised awareness of the evils of smoking. On June 23, the campaign was brought to V. Mapa National High School in Manila, with seven Ms. Philippines Earth candidates in attendance. The anti-smoking information campaign was the club’s signature project last year. A personal advocacy of IPP David, it was spurred by his father’s death from lung cancer caused by smoking. David’s father was Irving “Irv” Ackerman, a long-time member of the club who passed away in 2008. As luck would have it, the campaign has received a big push from an unexpected source at an unexpected time—Executive Order No. 26, which bans smoking in public places and requires the designation of smoking areas in buildings, malls, arcades, parks, and other areas.

On January 31, Pres. Jun Jun Dayrit and PDG Pepito Bengzon joined IPP David Ackerman at the Florentino Torres High School in Tondo, Manila to launch another run of the anti-smoking campaign, “Ang Pagbabalik ni Yosi Kadiri.” IPP David is the initiator and chair of the project. The launch was also graced by Ms. Jessica Marasigan, Ms. Philippines Earth - Water 2017, her presence a fulfilment of the commitment of the Ms. Philippines Earth organization to support the project as a partner. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the evils of smoking, especially among the youth—those who are deep in the habit, those who just picked it up, and those who are likely to yield to peer pressure and start the habit. IPP David is passionate about this campaign because smoking was at the root of the disease—lung cancer-- that claimed the life of his father, RCMakati member Irv Ackerman. It is a fate he wouldn’t want the youth to suffer. The Rotarian trio pitched their anti-smoking message to 200 seventh graders, who are vulnerable to peer group influences. They warned that smoking has been proven to cause a host of diseases, including COPD, stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer —in other words, smoking can affect their health and pose a danger to their lives. The program included an on-the-spot poster making contest and a Q&A which offered cash prizes to the winners. This was the second run of the campaign this year. The first, addressed to 300 Gr. 7 students, took place on November 25, 2017 at the Manuel Roxas High School in Paco, Manila.

The supplemental feeding program, which has nursed to health thousands of young children in many schools and communities, extended its reach to Antipolo on March 2 with the launch of two modules for 60 kids in Brgy. Cupang and Brgy. Dalig. The kids will be under the feeding program for some 120 days or six months, until September. For this run, we are teaming up with the city government of Antipolo, DTI’s National Competitive Council, and our long-term partners, Kabisig ng Kalahi and Mead Johnson. It was a well-attended launch, with Pres. Jun Jun & Cecille Dayrit, PDG Tony & Angela Quila, PND Peter Manzano, Wash & Pizza Lou, Anns Tesha Garcia with a friend, Yvonne Kuan with two grandchildren, Caling Young, Cecile Varela, Menchu Pascual and Vicky Cantada, and of course, Feeding Committee chair PP Freddie Borromeo & Ann Jojo. Mrs. Andrea Ynares, wife of Antipolo Mayor Jun Ynares, thanked the Club on behalf of her husband for bringing the feeding program to their town, and appealed to the children’s parents to take full advantage of the project by making sure their children turn up for feeding every day for the prescribed 120 days. PP Freddie spoke of the ill effects of poor nutrition on children and the benefits of proper nutrition as delivered by the feeding program, not the least of which is the mental development that will allow the child to finish school. For his part, Pres. Jun Jun emphasized the importance of the program and its role in making the kids healthy enough to grow up to become productive members of the community. After the program in Antipolo, the group motored to Mabitac, Laguna for a visit to the farm of PP Roland & Caling Young, where they—joined by Gani & Teody Buenaflor--enjoyed a sumptuous lunch, took a tour of the farm, and were treated to loot bags filled with the organic fruits of a rich earth.

With nutrition being one of the Club’s strongest advocacies, it is no wonder that supplemental feeding for undernourished children has been among our longest-running projects. We just entered into another of its incarnations—feeding and gardening, with Phil Atkins, an Australian and friend of Dir. Mike Escaler, as primary advocate and proponent. It was Dir. Mike, who has been supporting the project for 15 years, who recommended the project to the Club for funding assistance. At last week’s meeting, we handed to Phil a check for P50,000 representing our contribution as project partner. And last Wednesday, May 9, Pres. Jun Jun Dayrit and Dir. Mike motored to Zambales to visit the site and personally observe project. The project is anchored on organic vegetable gardening, forward-integrated with a feeding program for 600 school children at the San Isidro Elementary School in Castillejos, Zambales. Phil hopes to expand the coverage to serve and additional 300 to 500 children. The organic garden covers half a hectare of land, where they grow a variety of vegetables such as ampalaya (bitter gourd), tomato, eggplant, okra, pechay (local bok choy), cucumber, lettuce, and broccoli, among others. They use composting to produce organic fertilizer and the produce they harvest is used as ingredients for the meals they serve the kids three times a week. The project has several components: training on organic gardening, establishment of a nursery, establishment of a composting facility, and rehabilitation of an existing water system. In addition, there’s active community participation, with the parents given responsibility for operating and maintaining the garden and the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist serving as project implementor. Total funding has come up to P155,800, P50,000 from RC Makati, the rest from Rotary Clubs and Rotarians in his home country, Australia.

August is habagat season in the country, when the southwest monsoon comes a-visiting, with predictable regularity and familiar cruelty. This year, habagat kept its schedule, striking throughout August with rains without letup that led to flooding in many parts of the metro. The weekend of August 12-13 was particularly wet, raising fears that the Marikina river would overflow its banks again as it does year after year. It was déjà vu once again for the residents of Marikina, who had been traumatized by the wrath of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009. With the river rising to 20.4 meters, just 2.3 meters below Ondoy level, floods set in again, prompting over 4,000 families to flee their homes and move to the evacuation centers set up by the city government. The Club’s Disaster Response team headed by Community Service PE/Dir. Bimbo Mills and Chairman Chris Ferareza quickly went to work. On the 13th, they deployed CoS Ron Dotaro and Richard Manilag to Marikina to assess the situation and determine the most immediate yet-unmet needs. From their observation and from information gathered from school heads on the ground, they found out that the need for food was already abundantly met, with donations received and forthcoming from a number of organizations. The school heads recommended that the Club send in sleeping mats, blankets and mattresses, as most of the evacuees were making do with cartons for beds. With the need identified, the committee sent out calls for help to Club members. One of the earliest responders was Dir. Derrick Tan, who quickly sent 300 bath towels and 120 bedsheets from St. Giles Hotel. From previous donations, the committee also gathered four big boxes of old clothes, and two balikbayan boxes from PRID Paing Hechanova. The committee then approved the purchase of 100 mattresses using funds from the Disaster Relief budget. With everything settled, on August 14, Chair Chris and the staff braved the rush hour traffic for a two-hour-plus trip from Makati to Marikina to personally distribute the much-needed beddings. Upon arrival at around 8PM, the sight of a kid, sound asleep on a make-shift bed made up of cartons, greeted them. They knew at once that the goods they had brought would be put to good use. All in all, they were able to turn over the blankets, towels and mats to some 400 families temporarily sheltered in the Concepcion Integrated School.

We went a-traveling last month and made the most of the service week that is devoted to activities under the umbrella of Community Service. On August 21, a national holiday (Ninoy Aquino Day), Pres. Fred Pascual led a group of Rotarians and Anns on a trip to Porac, Pampanga to kick-start the “I Am Super” outreach program, a joint undertaking of RC Makati, the Yes Pinoy Foundation (YPF), and RC Makati Business District. It was a well-attended out-of-town trip, with 10 other Rotarians and five Anns signing up: PP David & Mache Ackerman, Dir. Louie & Tess Aseoche, IPP Jun Jun & Cecille Dayrit, Chris Ferareza, Ai-Ai Galvez, Ira & Julie Kiener, Don Lino, PN Peter & Pam Manzano, Dir. Philip Soliven, and Dir. Bom Villatuya. The activity aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of natural disasters among students, train them in disaster preparedness, and equip them with the means—material and mental—to save themselves and perhaps others. The program, which took place at the Villa Maria Integrated School, started with a welcome message by Porac Mayor Condralito de la Cruz. The 64 sixth-grader beneficiaries fanned out to the classrooms for a workshop on disaster preparedness where they were oriented on the purpose, contents and care of the GoBags that they would later receive. The lectures focused on the life-saving uses of the GoBags in times of natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Porac and the rest of Pampanga are vulnerable to such natural calamities as floods, landslides and, because of its proximity to Pinatubo, volcanic eruptions and pyroclastic flows as well. The GoBags are actually hooded backpacks that contain learners’ materials and emergency kits with flashlight, whistle, medicines kits, water and some snacks, each item proven to be a handy tool to have in a tight situation. The students had inspiring words to bring home. There was Norman King, inspiration personified. An Aeta, Norman worked his way through school, all to way to a degree in Behavioral Science from the University of the Philippines, no less. Drawing from experience, he advised the kids to do as they’re told by their parents and teachers, to study hard and not give up. He also told them to keep in mind the how-to lessons in disaster preparedness they had learned in the workshop and to take good care of their life-saver GoBags. Pres. Fred introduced the kids to RC Makati and its service programs, explaining that the reason for its partnership with Yes Pinoy Foundation is that their goals and mission are well aligned: to serve communities. PP David explained the connection between the Club and YPF, and noted how there were more volunteers than students—64 vs.80—a happenstance that he said bodes well for the project. He also echoed Norman’s counsel to take care of the bags. For his part, Dingdong Dantes told the kids that Norman was his idol and should be theirs too, a role model they should emulate. He advised them to dream and work hard to turn it into reality and promised that they would be back for Phase 2. The project also has a livelihood component under which the community will undergo training in the manufacture of the GoBags that are central to the IamSuper program. The Club has earmarked P800K for the project, which is chaired by PP David Ackerman, project proponent. He is working with Dingdong Dantes of the Yes Pinoy Foundation and RCMBD. The project covers three of Rotary’s six areas of focus: Basic Education & Literacy, Peace and Conflict Prevention & Resolution, and Economic & Community Development. PP David is planning to apply for a global grant for the project. The day ended in Subic with lunch hosted by Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda for all the volunteers.

The Last Angel Gift-Giving Project has achieved another milestone this year in its mission to bring joy to underprivileged children. With a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries and a substantial amount raised in donations, this year's project has made another impact on the communities that we serve. The project, which is an annual tradition of the Rotary Club of Makati, provided gifts and support to children in need during the holiday season, reaching an astounding total of 3,096 beneficiaries. Behind the success of this year's Last Angel Project is the leadership and dedication of IPP Michael & Papat Escaler, who served as the chair couple for the project. They spearheaded the planning, gift selection, scheduling, and fundraising efforts, ensuring that every aspect of the project was meticulously executed to bring joy to the children. What sets this year's project apart is the thoughtful addition of storybooks for each beneficiary, carefully selected by IPFA Papat. This initiative aims to instill the love of reading among the children and inspire them to envision a brighter future through the power of imagination. The gift-giving festivities commenced on November 17 at Rawang Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal, where RC Makati handed out presents to 91 students enrolled in the club's complementary feeding program. As December unfolded, the RCM Clubhouse in Guadalupe Viejo became a hub of generosity as 80 kids from the Club-sponsored RCC Bukluran and 75 kids from Happy Barangay in Guadalupe received gifts. The occasion was made even more special with a Christmas party organized by the Rotaract Club of Makati, featuring games, entertainment, and Jollibee kiddie meals. The next day, RC Makati distributed gifts to 100 kids in two Gawad Kalinga sites in Brgy. Pinagsama, Taguig. On December 5th, Last Angel gifts reached southern Luzon with the distribution of gifts to 34 students of Gajo Elementary School, located on a remote island in Sorsogon, Bicol. On December 6th, RC Makati visited Malibay, Pasay City, to bring smiles to the faces of 330 children from San Juan Nepomuceno School. The following day, RC Makati's generosity extended to the Stepping Stone School in Sucat, Paranaque, where 114 students were the grateful recipients of the club's gifts. The timing was perfect as it coincided with the school's Christmas party, creating a festive atmosphere filled with joy and excitement. On December 9th, RC Makati visited Bahay Maria in Bel-Air, Makati, to share their warmth and generosity with 19 children. The kids were also treated to Jollibee kiddie meals. The gift-giving efforts shifted towards the beneficiaries of the nutrition programs on December 10th, with 100 children under the Caritas Manila feeding program at the Santuario de San Vicente de Paul Shrine of the Poor in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, and 50 kids from Holy Family Parish in San Andres Bukid, Manila, beneficiaries of the RCM for Babies program in partnership with Lazarus Kitchen, were all provided with gifts. Continuing their altruistic efforts, on December 11th, RC Makati delivered gift bags to 125 wards of Marillac Hills National Training School for Girls. These young women, who are undergoing rehabilitation due to experiences of sexual abuse, trafficking, or conflict with the law, received thoughtful gifts of sleepwear and bath towels, tailored to their individual wish lists. On December 13th, RC Makati distributed gifts for 20 Bantay Bata wards under the care of the MSWD in Tejeros, Makati, and 17 boys at the Makati Youth Home. The gifts provided were carefully selected based on the recipients' wish lists, ensuring that each individual received items that would bring them comfort and joy during the holiday season. On December 14th, the club's efforts reached Pasig and San Juan, where 92 children at the Makabata School Foundation in Brgy. Sta Lucia, Pasig, and 87 children at the White Cross Orphanage in San Juan received thoughtful gifts and meals. The following day, December 15th, the project extended its reach to Manila, where 90 children at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pandacan, Manila, and 110 children from GK Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila, were the recipients of the club's generosity. On December 16th, the focus turned to the 152 children of the PNP Makati, who were delighted to receive gifts. Continuing their efforts, on December 17th, 120 children from two Gawad Kalinga communities – GK Sunshineville in Las Pinas and GK Tatalon in Quezon City – were the recipients of the club's kindness. Undeterred by the busy holiday schedule, the project persisted on December 19th when RC Makati led the distribution efforts for 84 children at GK Laura in Bagumbayan, Taguig, another Gawad Kalinga site. The spirit of giving continued on December 20th when RC Makati represented the Club in the distribution of gifts to 120 kids in St. Claire Parish. The momentum of kindness didn't wane as the 21st brought a flurry of activities. In the morning, 32 female wards of the Laura Vicuna Foundation received gifts based on their wish list that includes school supplies and hygiene kits. Each kids were given also slippers donated by Rtn. Taba Samson. In the afternoon, RC Makati went to distribute gifts to 264 kids of Talon Elementary School in Amadeo, Cavite. This event coincided with the formal turnover of a renovated school room, a joint effort with RC Las Pinas, showcasing the impact of collaboration in community service. On December 22nd, RC Makati distributed gifts to 110 children in Caloocan. The children and volunteers were treated to a Jollibee meal, adding an extra layer of joy to the occasion. As the holiday drew nearer, the project traveled to Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, just two days before Christmas, to distribute gifts to 100 children enrolled in the recently completed feeding program. RC Narvacan, the brother club, sponsored a Jollibee kiddie party for the kids, creating a festive atmosphere and spreading cheer in the community. Not resting after the holidays, the RCM team was back on the road just four days after Christmas, bringing smiles to 236 children in Rotary Homes Paranaque. Teaming up with RC Paranaque St. Andrew, the club not only provided gifts but also made a significant contribution of P20K for the media noche package, ensuring that each family in the community could partake in the New Year's Eve celebration. The spirit of giving continued into the new year as RC Makati distributed gifts to 150 kids at the Transfiguration Church in Sitio Lower Pintor, San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal. The children and volunteers were treated to a delightful meal of spaghetti and chicken, accompanied by tetra pack juice. Looking ahead, the spirit of generosity will extend into February as the distribution continues to reach even more children. The upcoming distributions will serve 40 kids in Cabuyao, Laguna, 67 kids at Angelita Zobel Elementary School, and 139 kids at Balibago Elementary School, both in Calatagan, Batangas. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors and partners who made this year's Last Angel Project possible. Your generosity has brought smiles to the faces of thousands of children, and we are truly grateful for your support. From all of us at the Rotary Club of Makati, thank you for helping us spread joy and hope to those in need. Together, we can make a difference in our communities.