Odette HADR Initiatives

Rotary Club of Manila Board of Directors Accomplishment Report

Immediately after “Odette” ravaged the country on December 17-18, 2021 President Chito Zaldarriaga and PE Hermie Esguerra launched on December 19 an RCM fund-raiser for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). PE Hermie bankrolled P567,000 for relief goods to be brought to Cebu. He authorized the release of P50,000 for the purchase of medicines and P50,000 for the operating expenses of a medical team to be dispatched to Negros Island. DE Raffy Alunan organized both efforts. The total amount raised from RCM members for this initiative was P1.024-million.

A. Relief Goods (December 20-21, 2021)

1. PE Hermie purchased 2,000 blankets, 2,000 native mats, 2,000 slippers, 8 portable solar-powered generators on December 20. This comprised the shipment for Cebu which was arranged with the Philippine Navy.

2. Military coordinator for DE Raffy was Maj. Inaki Jose (PMR) with the office of the AFP Chief of Staff, General Andres Centino through Col Demy Zagala (PA), and the Philippine Navy through Capt. Jonathan Zata (PN). He also coordinated for previous RCM medical missions to Marawi in 2017.

3. The goods were packed at 101 Hotel near the Mall of Asia which was overseen by Star Rotarians led by Mike Albaña, Inov Talusan and Xavy Zialcita. From there it was delivered to the Philippine Navy Headquarters on Roxas Boulevard on December 21.

4. The RCM delegation led by Presidents Chito and Hermie were on hand at PN Hqs. witnessed by the Flag Officer in Charge Vice-Admiral Adelius Bordado.

5. The goods were escorted by Philippine Navy personnel and Star Rotarians to Pier 13, South Harbor, and loaded on board BRP 601 “Tarlac”.

6. The goods were consigned to RCM Cebu c/o of its President, Jacob Ong. The ship arrived the following night on the 22nd and received by RCC on the 23rd.

7. Zero costs were incurred for the goods transported by BRP 601.

8. Letters of commendation are requested for all those involved in this effort.

B. Medical Mission

1. DE Raffy revived the 2017 Marawi medical team to augment local medical teams in southern Negros Island in the last week of December 2021.

2. By January 3, a 10-man team composed of 5 doctors and 5 nurses was formed by Capt. Sharon Reyes MD, CEO of Alejandro Clinic. Coordination was carried out by Maj Inaki Jose with Col Acmad Omar (OLA, PAF), under the office of the AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino; and by DE Raffy with SND Delfin Lorenzana. Follow-ups were later done by Capt. Reyes.

3. 34 assorted cartons of medicines, vitamins and medical supplies worth P100,000 were assembled by Capt Reyes from the P50,000 cash donation by RCM and from other donors through Endurun.

4. Anna Kun Toledo and the Secretariat provided valuable backup support.

5. The January flight to Dumaguete via a PAF C-295 was canceled as 7 out of 10 from the team were sidelined by the Omicron virus.

6. We switched to Plan B which was to find a local medical unit in Dumaguete to handle RCM’s medical mission.

7. One Rescue was tapped on January 5. It’s headed by Dr. Kenneth Koo who also joined RCM’s 2017 medical missions in Marawi.

8. Mr. Gaspar Villegas of Tanjay, Negros Oriental, coordinated with the LGUs of Dumaguete, Bais and Manjuyod.

9. On January 16, Sunday, a C-295 flight delivered our medical cargo to Dumaguete which was received by One Rescue. Zero costs were incurred for the goods transported by C-295.

10. Medical missions will be carried out in Bais and Manjuyod. Appropriate data will be provided by One Rescue once the missions are over.

11. Letters of commendation are requested for all those involved in this effort.

Attached are pictures marked Annex A, B and C

Rafael M. Alunan III, DE 2022-23

Annex A: Relief Goods

Annex B: Medical Mission

Annex C: Prime Movers

President Chito Zaldarriaga, President-Elect Hermie Esguerra, Capt. Sharon Reyes, M.D. (PAR), RCM ES Anna Kun Toledo, Maj. Kenneth Koo, M.D. (PAR), Gaspar Villegas, Tanjay LGU

From left to right: Col. Raffy Alunan (PAR), Maj. Iñaki Jose (PMCR), Col. Acmad Omar (PAF)