Published in the Kaunlaran Newsletter on October 13, 2026. Governor’s Visit and First 100 Days Today is a special day for RC Makati as we warmly welcome our District Governor, Jaz Limon, for her official Governor’s Visit. This occasion is even more meaningful as we mark the first 100 days of our Rotary Year under the theme “Create Lasting Impact.” As we prepared our report for the Governor’s Visit, I initially thought we would have very little to present, considering that it has only been a little over three months since we began this journey. But as I went through our activity report, I was pleasantly surprised—and truly proud—of how much we have already accomplished. From impactful projects that have reached communities and touched lives to the active engagement of our members in service and fellowship, we have certainly accomplished a great deal in such a short time. These achievements are a testament to what we can do when we work together with a shared purpose. But while we have done a lot, there is still so much more to be done. We are only at the beginning of our journey, and I hope each of you will continue to walk alongside me as we pursue more meaningful projects, strengthen our fellowship, and create lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who has joined us today to welcome DG Jaz and demonstrate our Club’s strong solidarity with District 3830. Your presence reflects our collective commitment to the broader mission of Rotary. We have always taken pride in being a premier Rotary Club—not just in our District, but in our Zone, and perhaps even in the world! Of course, that distinction comes with great responsibility. We must continue to lead by example, raise the bar in service, and inspire others through our actions. Let us celebrate what we have accomplished in our first 100 days, but more importantly, look forward to what we can achieve together in the days ahead. D3830 Membership Workshop Membership has always been one of the greatest strengths of our Club. We have maintained a membership of over 100 for many years, with steady growth over the past six years. Today, we stand at 145 members, putting us on track toward our strategic goal of reaching 200 members in the next five years. Last Saturday, I had the privilege of sharing our Club’s best practices in membership engagement and retention during the D3830 Membership Workshop. I was happy to share some of the strategies that have worked well for us, including our cluster system, regular fellowship activities, actively involving new members, and, most importantly, recognizing that membership retention begins at the recruitment stage. I would like to recognize IPDG Reggie Nolido for skillfully facilitating the discussion, as well as Dir. CB Rivilla, who represented our Club in a similar workshop in Parañaque last month. It was a meaningful opportunity to share what we do at RC Makati and contribute to strengthening membership across the District. After all, part of our vision as a premier Club is not only to grow stronger ourselves but also to help other Rotary clubs grow and succeed. Action-Packed Saturday It seems that Saturdays have become Rotary Days for many of us, with multiple activities happening almost simultaneously! As mentioned, we co-hosted the District Membership Workshop at our Clubhouse. We also found time to welcome our visiting Rotarians from RC Delhi Southend, who toured our Clubhouse and had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with DG Jaz. Meanwhile, our AI Academy team, led by Dir. Roger Collantes, held a mentoring session with our Bridgeway participants and AI interns, providing guidance and support for their ongoing projects. Right after the membership workshop, we headed to Rotary Homes Parañaque for the ceremonial turnover of a heavy-duty industrial ceiling fan for the Rotary Homes Multipurpose Hall, a joint initiative of RC Makati, RC Parañaque St. Andrew, and RC Las Piñas South. At the same time, another group of our members led by Sec/Dir. Nikko Dayrit was at Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School to attend the induction ceremony of its Interact Club, supporting and encouraging our young leaders as they begin their Rotary journey. It was certainly a hectic Saturday, but a very fulfilling one! I am truly grateful to all our members who took the time to participate in these activities. Seeing our members spread across different venues, all working toward the same spirit of service, reminds me of the strength and commitment of our Club. This is what makes RC Makati special—we may be busy, but we always find time to serve! D3830 Oktoberfest Last Friday, we joined the fun and festivities of the D3830 Oktoberfest, which our Club proudly supported as a Silver Sponsor. It was a wonderful evening of fellowship with fellow Rotarians across the District, and we were also happy to host our visiting Rotarians from RC Delhi Southend, who joined us for the celebration. We also took the opportunity to promote our very own RC Makati Oktoberfest happening this Friday, October 16, at the RC Makati Clubhouse! If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, please do so now! It promises to be another fun-filled evening of music, dancing, and fellowship, all for a meaningful cause as proceeds will support Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. So come, bring your friends, enjoy the evening, and help us make a difference while having fun. See you on Friday! Upcoming Activities Please be advised that we will have no regular meeting on October 20, as we will be observing our Service Project Week. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to plan, organize, and carry out projects and activities under your respective directorates. Our next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, October 27, for a luncheon at Makati Shangri-La, with Cats Jalandoni as our guest speaker. Thank you for your continued trust, support, and dedication. Together, let us continue to Create Lasting Impact!

When RC Makati makes a commitment, it sees it through. On October 3, 2026, RC Makati fulfilled its support to the Rotary Homes Muntinlupa project with the turnover of the final 12 housing units, completing all 40 houses originally pledged by the Club. The project began during the term of PP Peter Manzano, when RC Makati committed ₱10 million as the sole sponsor of 40 houses. However, delays caused by the onset of the pandemic, right-of-way issues with the subdivision owners, and rising construction costs meant that the original funding could only complete 28 units. Determined not to leave the remaining 12 families behind, the Club carried forward ₱1.8 million in unutilized funds during the term of PP Keith Harrison, complemented by an additional ₱1 million allocation during the presidency of IPP Eddie Galvez, to finance the construction of the remaining houses. The formal turnover, emceed by Dir. Patrick Parungao, began with the ribbon-cutting led by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Cong. Jimmy Fresnedi, PDG Sid Garcia, Pres. Chris Ferareza and RHDFI Chair PP John Vinta. Rev. Fr. Abraham Ma. Velasquez, OSM, then blessed the 12 housing units. Mayor Biazon affirmed the City Government’s commitment to working with Rotary and the residents to make the community a better place to live and a permanent home for the families. He expressed hope that the children growing up in Rotary Homes would enjoy happy memories and remember Rotary’s contribution to their lives. He also thanked everyone who helped make the project possible. Cong. Fresnedi encouraged the beneficiaries of the 40 housing units donated by RC Makati to embrace a renewed outlook on life as they settle into their new community. Acknowledging the daily hardships that families face nowadays, he urged the residents to take pride in their new homes, maintain cleanliness, and observe community rules. He expressed hope that the housing project would inspire greater discipline and shared responsibility in caring for their surroundings. PP Baby Bunye thereafter presented a brief overview of Rotary Homes Muntinlupa and the history and the partnerships that were forged behind the housing project. For PDG Sid Garcia, the Rotary Homes Foundation’s Chairman Emeritus, the completion of the 40 homes represented the fulfilment of a dream of the families who used to reside along the lakeshore of Laguna de Bay. He emphasized that a home provides security, stability and dignity, giving parents and children a stronger foundation for the future. He recalled his late friend Mar Canonigo, whose life changed after receiving help to secure a home. That stability enabled him to pursue employment, support his family and send his children to school. PDG Sid expressed hope that the same opportunities would open for the Rotary Homes families. He encouraged them to look beyond their individual homes, care for their neighbours and build a responsible homeowners association where the spirit of bayanihan remains alive. Pres. Chris Ferareza, meanwhile, emphasized that RC Makati’s commitment continues beyond the turnover. He explained that the Rotary Community Corps (RCC) Malasakit was organized to help residents work together, care for their community and take the lead in its development, with the Club providing guidance and support. He encouraged residents to support their RCC President and shared his vision of vegetable trellises and common spaces where children could play and where the elderly could rest. These spaces could also help provide food and improve the environment. With unity and active participation, he expressed confidence that Rotary Homes Muntinlupa could become a model community for Metro Manila. The ceremonial turnover and acceptance of the housing units followed the messages. RC Makati also distributed food bags and rice worth P1,000 each to the beneficiaries. Joining Pres. Chris were PP JunJun Dayrit, PP Louie Aseoche, PP Keith Harrison, Boy Arteche, Sean Georget, Chris and Jen Edwards with their daughter Kianna. RHDFI representatives included PP John Vinta and CP Glenn Gooco of RC Parañaque St. Andrew; PP Baby Bunye of RC Muntinlupa; PP Lilibeth dela Cruz and PP Lea Recomite of RC Parañaque Metro; and Trustee Ms. Bea Tan. RCC Malasakit President Vicky Manjares and the 40 housing beneficiaries also joined the celebration. The day also marked the oath-taking of RCC Malasakit members before Mayor Biazon. Chartered by Rotary International on July 26, 2026, RCC Malasakit is the Club’s third sponsored Rotary Community Corps (RCC) and its first for RY 2026–27. On behalf of the community, Vicky Manjares received the official certificate from Rotary International, presented by Pres. Chris Ferareza. The members also signed a Memorandum of Commitment, affirming their willingness to collaborate with RC Makati in improving their lives, developing livelihood opportunities and taking an active role in their community’s progress. With the 40 homes completed, the next chapter focuses on strengthening the community taking shape around them. Plans include installing a Rotary Wheel marker and conducting an orientation on establishing a cooperative, with the assistance of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). These efforts aim to nurture a community where families care for their homes, neighbors support one another, and residents work together to improve their lives and livelihood. For RC Makati, a promise made is a promise kept, no matter how long it takes. The completion of Rotary Homes Muntinlupa demonstrates how successive Club administrations can work together to fulfill commitments, ensure sustainability, and Create Lasting Impact.

RC Makati continues to expand its community healthcare initiatives by partnering with organizations that share its commitment to providing accessible medical services to underserved communities. One such partnership is with Hospital on Wheels (HOW), an organization introduced to the Club by Dir. Bom Villatuya. This led to discussions between HOW and Dir. Tony Lopez, who oversees the Club’s Disease Prevention and Treatment initiatives, to explore possible areas of collaboration. The partnership came to fruition on October 3, 2026, when Hospital on Wheels conducted a medical mission at the Guadalupe Nuevo Covered Court in Makati City, serving 758 patients through free surgical, medical, dental, and optical services. Supported by the Club, the mission brought together volunteer healthcare professionals led by Dr. Juan “Jim” Sanchez, founder and head of Hospital on Wheels (HOW). The team provided care to residents who may otherwise find struggles with having access to hospitals or afford the cost of treatment, with its mobile surgical facility that allows patients to undergo procedures within their community. Since its first mission in Quezon City on September 17, 2007, HOW has brought free healthcare to underserved communities across the Philippines. According to its organizational profile, the team has completed 441 missions and performed more than 44,000 surgeries. Its work is guided by the belief that healthcare is a right and that poverty, distance, or lack of facilities should not prevent anyone from receiving treatment. HOW’s surgical services include the removal of tumors and cysts, hernia repair, cleft lip repair, and other corrective procedures, with most surgeries performed under nerve blocks or local anesthesia. Its broader services include medical consultations, health education, dental care, vision screening, and free reading glasses. These services are made possible through volunteer healthcare teams and the support of donors and community partners. After attending the housing turnover and RCC Malasakit oath-taking in Muntinlupa, Pres. Chris Ferareza, accompanied by his daughter Kris, joined Dir. Bom Villatuya, Dir. Tony Lopez, and Rtn. Boy Arteche at the mission. Disaster Relief Chair Nicky Ramos visited earlier in the day to observe the services and support the activity. The RCM members also met other HOW volunteers, including August Vergara and PP Allan Asi of RC Maharlika Quezon City. Also present was Fr. Caloy Reyes, parish priest of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where the full-scale mission was held. Dr. Sanchez gave the Club members a tour inside the Hospital on Wheels bus, explaining how the mobile facility operates and how the volunteer medical team performs surgical procedures within its equipped space. The visit gave members a closer look at how the team brings surgical care directly to patients who need it. The mission also provided hands-on learning opportunities for future healthcare professionals. Ten surgical residents, eleven medical students, and four nursing students participated, gaining experience alongside the volunteer team while helping attend to patients. For the hundreds of residents served that day, the mission meant access to medical attention without the burden of treatment costs. Through its support, RC Makati helped HOW continue its work in bringing free care to communities and improving lives, one patient at a time.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rxOSiH8QpAgXnJuTzfFIdb-oHIVCbWDp/view?usp=sharing

September was a month of service, action, and fellowship for RC Makati. From disaster relief and community development to education, youth engagement, leadership, and fellowship, our members stayed on the move—creating meaningful impact in communities and beyond.

Prof. Balbieran, Infrastructure and Critical Minerals Specialist of the Center for Research and Communication, University of Asia and the Pacific, discussed “FROM SETBACK TO SPRINGBOARD: Seizing the 2027 Great Rebound for Lasting Impact.” He shared insights on the Philippine economic outlook, restoring trust, and preparing for opportunities in infrastructure, digital transformation, AI, skills development, and investment as the country moves toward a potential rebound in 2027.

Published in the Kaunlaran Newsletter on October 6, 2026. Welcome, October! We begin October with a special joint meeting with our mother club, RC Pasay. Following RC Pasay’s Induction at Hilton Manila last October 1, where we had the opportunity to reconnect and strengthen our fellowship, discussions naturally led to the idea of holding a joint meeting. Thank you, Pres. Markley, for readily accepting our invitation and for helping make this gathering possible. During said induction, PP Gil Yuson shared RC Pasay’s pride in the achievements of its daughter club, highlighting RC Makati’s financial strength and robust membership as indicators of its success. We are grateful for those kind words, which also remind us of our responsibility to use our strength and resources for greater service. Tonight, we are also pleased to welcome Prof. Ronilo Balbieran, who will speak on the topic, “From Setback to Springboard: Seizing the 2027 Great Rebound for Lasting Impact.” To accommodate his schedule, we have adjusted our usual meeting format and gathered this evening for dinner. We look forward to hearing his insights on the Philippine economy and the opportunities that lie ahead. Family Day “The kids had fun. Thank you!” “Actully, we all had fun!” “Thank you for organizing this Family Day!” These were some of the words I heard from our members and Anns who joined our first Family Day. It was a perfect Sunday to bring our Rotary families and fur babies together in celebration of St. Francis of Assisi’s Day. The event started with Holy Mass, followed by pets strutting down the green carpet for the Paw-shion Show and receiving their special blessing. Then came the games and magic show, which even our members and Anns enthusiastically joined! My heartfelt thanks to Chris & Jennife Edwards for conceptualizing and organizing this very successful Family Day and for agreeing to organize one or two more for RY2026-27, each with a different concept. So please join us next time. We promise, it will be fun! Fully-loaded Saturday In RC Makati, we have so much to do and sometimes to get it done, it will take a whole day for several activities just like what our last Saturday was. The day began at Rotary Homes Muntinlupa, where we formally turned over 12 newly constructed homes, completing RC Makati’s commitment to provide 40 houses for the community through a project fully funded by the Club. We also formally chartered RCC Malasakit, composed of community residents and family members, and presented its Charter Certificate while inducting its first set of officers. As PDG Sid Garcia emphasized in his remarks, our commitment does not end with providing homes. Beyond shelter, we aim to empower the community with the tools, organization, and opportunities needed to build a more sustainable future. After Muntinlupa, we returned to our Clubhouse to join our AI Academy team in meeting with participants of the Bridgeway Program, who are now deployed across various partner companies. The session provided an opportunity to hear about their experiences, guide them through the challenges they are encountering in the workplace, and support them as they continue applying their skills in real-world settings. Then, in the afternoon, we participated in the Hospital on Wheels Mission in Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati, sponsored by RC Makati. The mission addressed the medical and surgical needs of 758 patients, providing essential healthcare services to community residents. It was another meaningful example of Rotary’s commitment to responding to immediate needs while promoting healthier and more resilient communities. District Activities Last September 26, we had the privilege of hosting The Rotary Foundation Seminar at our Clubhouse, with Tony Lambino, President of Ayala Foundation, serving as keynote speaker. His insights enriched our understanding of service and impact, and we thank all those who took the time to participate and contribute to the success of the event. I encourage our members to continue participating in District-initiated activities. These gatherings give us opportunities to learn more about Rotary, exchange ideas, and see best practices from other clubs that we can bring back to RC Makati. On October 10, we will once again open our Clubhouse to the District as we host the Cluster Membership Workshop. I will be one of the panelists. I hope many of you can join us and show our support to the district. MCS Bar Crawl If you have not visited Makati Cinema Square recently, now is a great time to rediscover it. Once known primarily for its retail shops and hobby stores, MCS has evolved into a vibrant destination for food, entertainment, and nightlife. We are grateful to PP Carlo Rufino for introducing us to what the new MCS has to offer and for hosting a memorable fellowship on September 24. The evening began with a Michelin-starred BBQ dinner, followed by a guided tour of MCS, including stories from its colorful history, a visit to PP Carlo’s “man cave,” and a bar-hopping experience from the ground floor down to the basement. It was an enjoyable evening of fellowship, and we hope to do it again soon, with even more members joining the fun. Farewell, Rtn. Mon Over the weekend, we received the sad news of the passing of our longtime member, Rtn. Ramon “Mon” Diokno. Last night, our Club came together in a memorial Mass to pray for him, honor his memory, and pay our final respects. I had the privilege of serving with Mon on the Board, though I had only a few opportunities to interact with him closely. I came to know him as a quiet, humble, and private individual whose kindness was evident not through words, but through his actions. This was affirmed during last night’s eulogies, as we heard heartfelt stories that reflected the kind of person he was and the many contributions he made to our Club over the years, often without seeking recognition. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Makati, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. We are grateful for his friendship, service, and steadfast commitment to Rotary. Farewell, Rtn. Mon. Your quiet presence and lasting contributions will be fondly remembered, and you will be greatly missed. Upcoming Activities I hope you can join us and participate in our upcoming activities. This Saturday, we have two meaningful service activities taking place almost simultaneously. At 2:00 PM, we will induct the new members of our Interact Club at General Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati, welcoming another generation of young leaders committed to service. Then, at 2:30 PM, we will join the turnover of a heavy-duty fan at Rotary Homes Parañaque, a project that RC Makati proudly supported as a funding partner. We look forward to participating in both activities as we continue creating lasting impact in our communities. So, take your pick! If Youth Service is your passion, join the Interact Induction and help inspire these young people to become the leaders they dream to be. If community development is closer to your heart, join us at Rotary Homes Parañaque and see how we can continue improving lives and building a more sustainable community. Then, next Tuesday, we will hold the Governor’s Visit at the RC Makati Clubhouse, with DG Jaz Limon as our guest of honor. During the dinner meeting, we will present what RC Makati has accomplished during our first 100 days, as well as our plans and priorities for the next three quarters. I hope to see many of you there as we show the strength of our membership and the significant progress of our projects.

Reaching the Dumagat-Remontado communities of Laiban and Mamuyao in Tanay, Rizal was no ordinary trip. It took nearly an entire day—crossing eight rivers, navigating rough mountain roads, and foot-trekking portions of the route—to reach the communities. But for RC Makati, the journey was important: to meet the Indigenous Peoples where they live, see their situation firsthand, listen to their concerns, and work with them in identifying possible solutions to the challenges they face every day. On September 24, RC Makati, led by Pres. Chris Ferareza, together with PP Freddie Borromeo and Hope Mission Chair Nicky Ramos, visited Barangays Laiban and Mamuyao as part of the continuing community assessment for the Club’s BERDE Program. Joining them were representatives from the Rotary Club of Tanay, led by Pres. Mart Gerones and Rtn. Mildred Uy; Rotaract Club of Makati representatives Pres. Princess Pol, Karylle Dotaro, John Tulaña, and Ron Saquing; and Rotaract Club of Rising Tanay CP Justin Uy. Also participating in the visit were UP Land Grant Management Officer Rey Lorida, Romeo Porciuncula of Tanay’s Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and Trina Tuazon of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP IV-A). Building on the Club’s Food Share Program, implemented in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi and launched in the area in July, the visit explored how livelihood assistance could help Dumagat-Remontado families strengthen their farming activities and develop more sustainable sources of income. Rather than simply bringing predetermined assistance, the visit focused on listening and learning directly from the communities. Through dialogues with residents and community leaders, as well as a personal visit to their farms, the delegation gained a closer understanding of their day-to-day realities, available resources, farming practices, challenges, and aspirations. The Rotaractors also conducted a community needs assessment using a tool they developed to gather information on the residents’ existing resources, challenges, and livelihood priorities. The assessment provided community members an opportunity to identify their own concerns and share what they believe would help improve their livelihoods. By entrusting this responsibility to its Rotaractors and giving them the opportunity to see Rotarians in action, RC Makati is cultivating the next generation of leaders, consistent with its strategic pillar of mobilizing young ethical and service-oriented leaders. Listening to the Farmers of Laiban In Barangay Laiban, the delegation met with Food Share Program beneficiaries and community leaders, including Indigenous Peoples leader May Bacos and representatives of the Samahan ng mga Magsasakang Dumagat- Remontados ng Laiban (SuMaDuReLa). RAC member Karylle introduced the purpose of the assessment, while Pres. Chris and Pres. Mart of RC Tanay addressed the participants. Farmers described their largely manual planting methods and the crops they grow, including okra, squash, and mustard greens. During the discussion, ube emerged as a potential high-value livelihood crop, given its current market demand. UP Land Grant Management Officer Rey will work with RC Makati in providing training on ube cultivation, helping community members acquire the technical knowledge and skills needed to explore this livelihood opportunity. The farm visit revealed a pressing concern: insufficient water for cultivation despite a potential river source during summer. The discussions underscored the need for a suitable water solution, with RC Tanay committing to oversee ground-level coordination and implementation. Participants also explored the possibility of a community-shared carabao and farm implements to assist with farm work. They recognized that such support would require an experienced local caretaker, a fair and equitable schedule for use, and clear responsibilities for feeding, maintenance, and animal welfare. Following the farm visit and community assessment at the Tribal Hall, the delegation shared lunch with their hosts. Residents prepared tinolang native na manok and fried tilapia, complemented by beef kaldereta and pinapaitan brought by PP Freddie Borromeo. The meal offered a warm opportunity for fellowship and further conversation with the community. Exploring Livelihood Opportunities in Mamuyao In Barangay Mamuyao, the dialogue continued with farmers and community representatives, including Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Adelina dela Cruz. Residents shared how adverse weather had damaged crops such as string beans, beans, and okra. They identified a solar pump as a priority need to improve access to water during summer, subject to further assessment of its feasibility. Ube and turmeric were identified as promising livelihood opportunities that could help enhance the income and improve the quality of life of families within the community. The exchange highlighted the value of technical guidance on planting, crop care, harvesting, and potential processing. Before investing in equipment, participants recognized the need to establish production capacity, maintain records, and understand market and transportation requirements. For the proposed community-shared carabao and farm implements, community members expressed their willingness to prepare an agreement covering its care and use. A designated caretaker, proper rest periods, and an equitable borrowing schedule and rotation of usage would be essential to making the arrangement work. For Laiban and Mamuyao, this could mean more than simply providing farm inputs. The findings from the community assessment will help RC Makati and its partners determine the appropriate combination of agricultural training, improved water access, shared farm resources, and livelihood development that can make farming more productive and sustainable. The visit reinforced an important principle behind BERDE – solutions should be developed with the community and in consultation with its residents, based on its resources, priorities, capabilities, and vision for the future. BERDE (Building Edible, Resilient, and Dynamic Environments) is a sustainability initiative of RC Makati this Rotary year that aims to promote greater self-sufficiency among the communities the Club serves. Through productive green spaces, climate-smart agricultural practices, technical training, and active community participation, BERDE seeks to strengthen food security, environmental stewardship, livelihood opportunities, and community resilience. The program focuses on identified solutions such as Aquaponics, Community Cooperative Formation, and Community Vegetable Gardening. The Dumagat-Remontado communities of Laiban and Mamuyao fall under the Community Vegetable Gardening component, building on their existing farming practices while addressing challenges that limit their productivity and livelihood opportunities. By listening first and planning together, RC Makati hopes to help the Dumagat-Remontado farmers build not only more productive farms, but communities that are increasingly self-sustaining, resilient, and empowered to create opportunities from the resources around them. Hope Mobile Proves Awesome Resilience With the rough terrain and multiple river crossings along the way, Hope Mobile was once again put to the test—this time, its 4x4 capability proved invaluable in reaching the remote communities and exceeded expectations. Thank you, Mazda Philippines, for helping RC Makati go the extra mile—quite literally—to reach the communities we serve!

For 60 families in Padre Garcia, Batangas, the next six months will bring regular rice assistance and support for growing food at home. Building on the encouraging results of last year’s program, RC Makati launched a new cycle of the Food Share Program on September 18, 2026, in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi, DSWD CALABARZON, and the Municipal Government of Padre Garcia. The program will assist families from Barangays Maugat East and Maugat West. Each beneficiary family will receive 20 kilograms of rice every two months. The Municipal Government of Padre Garcia pledged an additional five kilograms per family for each distribution, bringing the total rice assistance to 25 kilograms every two months during the six-month program period. Seedlings were also distributed to encourage families to establish home gardens and grow food for their households. The RC Makati delegation included Pres. Chris Ferareza, PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, Rtn. Lester Kiong, Chum Aquino, and Meg Rivilla. They were joined by representatives of RC Padre Garcia, led by Pres. David Talusig, with PE/Sec. Yvette Trinidad and Christie Vidal, as well as Kabisig ng Kalahi President Vicky Wieneke and Food Share Program Project Coordinator Jen Alawi. The activity was also attended by Padre Garcia Mayor Celsa Rivera and Vice Mayor Micko Rivera, officers from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and a representative from DSWD CALABARZON. These offices will help coordinate the program and monitor the participating families. In his message to the beneficiaries, Pres. Chris Ferareza encouraged parents to find simple ways to make nutritious food more appealing to children, such as blending vegetables into familiar dishes or presenting meals creatively. He acknowledged that children may be reluctant to eat healthy food and emphasized the role of parents in helping them develop better eating habits. He also discussed possible collaboration with RC Padre Garcia on forming cooperatives to improve access to nutritious food. Further discussions with local authorities are planned to explore how these initiatives could help families work together to meet their nutritional needs. After the partners and Pres. Chris Ferareza delivered their messages, the first distribution of sacks of rice was held for the 60 participating families. This is the second consecutive year that RC Makati has supported the Food Share Program in Padre Garcia, following the previous cycle launched in August 2025 during the term of IPP Eddie Galvez. Encouraging progress among last year’s beneficiaries prompted the Club and its partners to extend the program to another group of families this Rotary year. RC Makati provided PHP200,000 for the purchase of rice and the organization and implementation of the current program. Each partner has a specific role in carrying out the program. Kabisig ng Kalahi leads its implementation and coordination, manages the funds, and keeps RC Makati updated on its progress. DSWD CALABARZON helps validate the selected communities, orient the LGU, and monitor the program. The Municipal Government of Padre Garcia and the participating barangays help identify qualified families, coordinate activities, and oversee beneficiaries’ participation. The Food Share Program also encourages families to take an active role in improving their circumstances. Vegetable gardening, proper nutrition, agriculture, and other enrichment and livelihood activities are integrated into the program to help participating families work toward greater food security and self-reliance. This is the second Food Share Program supported by RC Makati this Rotary year, following the launch in Tanay, Rizal, in July 2026. The Club is now extending its support to the Tanay communities through the BERDE Program. Following the launch, PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo hosted lunch at Tomyang Restaurant in Padre Garcia.

While most of us have enjoyed several days of sunshine and floodwaters have subsided in most affected areas across Metro Manila, some communities in Bulacan remain submerged, with families continuing to struggle with the prolonged effects of flooding. One of these communities reached out to the Rotary Club of Makati through PP Bimbo Mills, seeking assistance for families still in urgent need. Responding to the call, the Club’s Hope Mission team traveled to Calumpit, Bulacan, on September 25 to bring much-needed relief to 200 flood-affected families at the Purok 1 Frances Evacuation Center. Leading the mission was Pres. Chris Ferareza, together with Hope Mission Chair Nicky Ramos, Boy Arteche, and Notsky Lou. The team made its way to Calumpit aboard Hope Mobile and three other vehicles, carrying relief supplies for distribution. Upon arrival, the team immediately went to work, unloading food packs, mats, blankets, and bottled water. Before the distribution, Pres. Chris delivered a brief message to the beneficiaries, emphasizing that the mission was not only about providing basic necessities but also about bringing hope and reassurance to families enduring difficult circumstances. Hope Mission Chair Nicky Ramos, on the other hand, shared that the Club was very happy to be able to extend help to the affected families, especially at a time when many were still dealing with the lingering effects of the flooding. The team then distributed the relief goods, including food packs, mats and blankets, and bottled water donated by Bali Pure through PP Tito Panlilio. PP Bimbo Mills also contributed P30,000 financial support for this mission. The Hope Mission was conducted in coordination with the Rotary Club of E-North Bulacan, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the local barangay, whose support helped facilitate the distribution to affected families. CLTV36 and the Daily Tribune were also present to cover the relief effort, helping bring media’s attention to the continuing situation of communities still affected by flooding. The Calumpit mission reminds us that even when floodwaters have subsided and normalcy has begun to return in some areas, the repercussions of a disaster continue to weigh heavily on affected communities. Through Hope Mission, RC Makati remains committed to reaching out to those still recovering, bringing not only much-needed relief but also hope, compassion, and the assurance that they are remembered and supported on their journey toward recovery.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UXPVkUghl76UdlXPP-canrosz-SuHHYI/view?usp=sharing

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐄 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲, 𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐥 🌱 The Rotary Club of Makati conducted a community needs assessment in Barangays Laiban and Mamuyao, Tanay, Rizal, as part of the proposed BERDE Program — Building Edible, Resilient, and Dynamic Environments. Together with representatives from RC Tanay, the Tanay LGU, and NCIP, the team met with members of the communities to better understand their current farming practices, available resources, livelihood needs, and the challenges they face in sustaining agricultural activities. In Barangay Laiban, the team crossed eight rivers to reach the community, where access to electricity and internet remains limited. Similar conditions were observed in Barangay Mamuyao. Despite these challenges, the communities continue to rely on farming as an important source of livelihood. The assessment included dialogues with community leaders and residents, farm visits, and discussions on possible livelihood support, such as vegetable farming, ube and citronella production, native pig raising, farming implements, and proposed carabao assistance for shared community use. The visit is an important step in developing a livelihood program that is responsive to the actual needs, capacities, and priorities of the communities while promoting shared responsibility, sustainability, and long-term food security. The BERDE Program is being developed as an additional livelihood component of the Rotary Club of Makati’s Food Share Program in Tanay, Rizal. #RCMakati #BERDEProgram #HOPEMOBILE #RotaryClubofMakati #createlasingimpact #PeopleOfAction