Updates on Centennial Projects

Sari-Saring Aralan

The Planning Stages of “Sari-Saring Aralan” leading to the crafting of the Memorandum of Agreement with Ayala Foundation, Inc.

Latest Update: There will be a signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Rotary Club of Manila and Ayala Foundation, Inc., today, September 20, 2018, to formally launch the “Sari-Saring Aralan” project in cooperation with Grameen Australia Philippines Inc. and the City of Manila led by Mayor Joseph M. Ejercito Estrada.

The committee in charge of this laudable and innovative project is chaired by President Susing Pineda and co-chaired by PAT Hermie Esguerra, who are both signatories to the Memorandum of Agreement in behalf of the Rotary Club of Manila while Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan and Senior Director for Programs Joanna Duarte are the signatories in behalf of Ayala Foundation, Inc. Right after the signing of the agreement, Ayala Foundation President Ruel Maranan will brief Manila Rotarians on the project. A Php 500,000.00 check has already been issued to Ayala Foundation, Inc. and was given by President Susing Pineda during the Induction Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Manila last May 30, 2018 to launch this project.

100 Years of Rotary: An Art Celebration

Latest Update: The four-day exhibit was an overwhelming success as participating artists donated part of the proceeds of the sale for the coffers of the club to be used for any of its worthwhile service projects. Manila Rotarians gave their support to the project and the exhibit opening last September 13, 2018 was graced by Manila Rotarians, members of the diplomatic corps and art enthusiasts. Cocktails were courtesy of Via Mare while the wine was courtesy of Dir. Bobby Joseph.

Centennial Commemorative Stamps

Chair: PP Frank Evaristo. Latest update: Paid the remaining balance of Php 282,890.00. Stamps are ready for printing.

Seeds of Change by Rotary Club of Manila

Co-Chair BLA Amading Valdez met with the Entertainment City Management Corporation last September 14, 2018 at the Solaire Oasis Cafe regarding Seeds of Change by Rotary Club of Manila. Tree planting adviser Dr. Naomi Lachica was likewise present during the said meeting. Chair Rtn. Celso Abastillas was updated on the matter and he gave his valuable inputs while he was in China at that time.

Latest update: (from Chair Rtn. Celso Abastillas) AN INVITATION TO RCM TREE PLANTING CEREMONY: The recent big typhoon named Ompong (called Mangkhut internationally) that wrecked havoc to Northern Luzon and Southern China including Hong Kong, underscored the necessity of planting trees. Planting trees is actually the simplest and easiest way to fight global warming that causes super strong typhoons and hurricanes. It is unfortunate, however, that the simple question of what causes global warming and what to do about it has become highly politicized. Shall we ban from now on fossil fuel/coal power generation or shall we make all cars running on gas and diesel obsolete? This is a trillion-dollar question of course. It’s really not easy to answer, considering the consequences it will entail on the world economy.

On Friday (8.30am), September 28, 2018, the RCM Centennial Friendship Trees Committee is holding a ceremonial tree planting at the Rotonda of Okada Road/J.W. Diokno Extension. This is to launch the centennial tree planting project of RCM throughout the country. As discussed before during our Town Hall meeting, we will establish nurseries of tree seedlings in different parts of the country to be distributed for free. By this way, we believe that in our little way, we can contribute to the mitigation of the effects of climate change and global warming. By the way, did you know that a tree can absorb 48 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year? So be among those who will help reduce carbons in our planet. BE THERE AND PLANT TREES!

The Eco-Shirt design to be diatributed and used for the tree planting on September 28, 2018 at the Rotonda of Okada Road/J.W. Diokno Extension. The back portion will bear the print, “PLANT A TREE, BUILD A LEGACY”.

Staking of points on where to plant along Okada Road last September 19, 2018 in Parañaque City.

Rotary Club of Manila Centennial Choral Competition

Latest update: The scheduled separate meeting of the committee at 2:00pm today, September 20, 2018, will be part of the Steering Committee Meeting on the same day at the Gallery 1 of the New World Makati Hotel in Makati City.

One Rotary One Philippines One for Marawi

Latest update: Dir. Raffy Alunan, Chair, ONE ROTARY ONE PHILIPPINES ONE FOR MARAWI, was interviewed by anchor Nords Maguindanao over Radyo Pilipinas on Salaam Radio last September 17, 2018 regarding ONE ROTARY ONE PHILIPPINES ONE FOR MARAWI.

Other updates: (from Chair Dir. Raffy Alunan) A CALL FOR DONATIONS. Background: Ompong has wrought extensive damage in Northern and Central Luzon, and has caused the evacuation of over 32,000 families. We've gathered from government sources that the medical requirements for medical missions are as follows: oxycycline for leptospirosis, ointments for skin diseases, paracetamol, and CAMPOLAS kits that contain antibiotics, mefenamic acid, oral rehydration solution, lagundi and vitamin A; hygiene kits to flooded areas; treatment of drinking water; fogging operations in areas with dengue clustering, and medicines for gastroenteritis and diarrhea.

Taskings: Extension of this project to Central Luzon under ONE ROTARY ONE PHILIPPINES ONE FOR CENTRAL LUZON. Request PDG Lyne, Sr Eva, Dr Sharon, Dr Naomi, Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, PD Abe Pascual and Rtn. Hans Palacios to source donors for the above listed items. Find out from NDRRMC or OCD where One Rotary, One Philippines, One for Central Luzon can go to in Central Luzon to plug the gaps in medical services and relief delivery.

This is a shout out to the membership for cash donations for the purchase of medicines as a fallback to delays in donations for Ompong, Jolo and of course, Marawi. Need to raise an amount of P2-million from the membership to assure us of our operational requirements and medicine requirements every other month until June 2019. Gentle reminder for outstanding pledges from a few months back.

The Steering Committee held a meeting last September 13, 2018 at the Glasshouse of the New World Makati Hotel in Makati City. Present were PS Jorge Salazar, PP Ed Reyes, President Susing Pineda, Steering Committee Secretary-General Rtn. Romy Nones, Dir. Caloy Reyes, Dir. Jackie Rodriguez, PP Benny Laguesma, PDG Alex Cureg, Dir. Bobby Joseph and Club Secretary Alvin Lacambacal.