President’s Diary

Dear Fellow Manila Rotarians,

It has been another productive week for the Rotary Club of Manila, and I am pleased to share that we are continuing to work on our community service projects. I am very proud of the work that our Club is doing, and I know that we are making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

I would like to encourage everyone to continue supporting our projects and invite others to join the Rotary Club of Manila. We are always looking for new members who are passionate about giving back to the community. Meanwhile, here are some of the highlights from the past seven days' events and activities that I attended.

Rotary Club of Dasmariñas Cavite's 31st Handover and 32nd Induction Ceremonies (Wednesday, August 3, 5:00 p.m.)

I attended the 31st Handover and 32nd Induction Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Dasmariñas Cavite. It was great to witness the Club officers and members work together to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

RCM RY 2022-2023 5th Weekly Membership Meeting (Thursday, August 4, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

I presided over the RCM RY 2022-2023 5th Weekly Membership Meeting. We had a Classification Talk by STAR Rtn. Michael Raymond "Micray" Gonzales while Sports Committee Chairman Nagi Zeitouni presented the Sports Program. We also conducted nominations for the RY 2023-2024 Board of Directors.

Meeting with Personnel Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) (Thursday, August 4, 3:00 p.m.)

Personnel Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) invited us to a Zoom meeting which was also attended by President Ellen Pulido, PP Lucy Tariela, Sarah Niguas (PMAP Manager for Research and Publication), Rene Gener (PMAP Executive Director) and Richard Mamuyac (PMAP Training Manager). We discussed the following during the meeting:

Long-term partnership between PMAP and RCM. At the moment, our collaboration is only on an ad hoc basis and we would like to formalize it.

Also, the TOWER Awards planning requires more time.

We agreed to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). PMAP plans to make a presentation to RCM on the other professional services and advocacies they are doing.

I informed them that the TOWER Awards will still be chaired by PP Susing Pineda and the ceremony will be held on April 27, 2023, as approved by the RCM BOD. They will email us the proposed Partnership Agreement.

It was a productive meeting and we are looking forward to further strengthening our partnership with PMAP.

Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee Virtual Meeting (Friday, August 5, 2:00 p.m.)

I attended the meeting of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee via Zoom with Hon. Secretary Carlito "Charlie" Galvez (Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity). Also present during the virtual meeting were Dir. Raffy Alunan, Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee Chairman/PD Issam Eldebs and Co-Chairman/SAA Nagi Zeitouni.

First Friday Mass for August 2022 (Friday, August 5, 5:30 p.m.)

The Rotary Club of Manila held the traditional First Friday Mass via Zoom, officiated by Rev. Fr. Larry Tan, SBD. I was in charge of reciting the Prayer for Spiritual Communion. Also present were PP Boy Guevara (Commentator), VP Reggie Yu (led the Intercessory Prayer), Rtn. Willie Pelino (First Reading and Responsorial Psalm), PVP Farid Schoucair (Prayer of the Faithful), Rtn. Romy Nones (led the Prayer for Oratio Imperata ), PAS Henry Go (led the First Friday Novena Prayer), PDG Obet Pagdanganan, PP Frank Evaristo, PP Francis Juico, PD Oscar del Rosario Sr., PD Bebot Pineda, PD Phillip Ong, PT Chito Tagaysay, PDSAA Tony Lopa, Rtn. Alvin Ampil, Rtn. Anton Mauricio and STAR Rtn. Richard Everingham.

Memorial Service for Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos (Saturday, August 6)

Manila Rotarians attended the necrological service for Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos. I delivered the Opening Remarks and presented the Rotary name badge of His Excellency/ Rtn. Fidel "Eddie" Ramos to the family through his grandson.

Preliminary Meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee (Monday, August 8, 9:00 a.m.)

I attended the preliminary meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee. Co-Chair / PAT Marcus Dee and ES Anna Kun Toledo were present during the meeting.

Rotary Information Committee Meeting (Monday, August 8, 2:00 p.m.)

I joined the Rotary Information Committee virtual briefing via Zoom for new membership invitees—Mr. Michael Roxas (Chairman & CEO, MOORE, Roxas, Cruz, Tagle and Co.) and Mr. Pablo Calles Arguelles (Sales and Marketing Manager - International Sales Head of Tabacalera Incorporada). Committee members present were Chairman/ PDG Obet Pagdanganan, PD Alvin Lacambacal, Rtn. Manny Blanco and Rtn. Romy Nones.

22nd Induction and 21st Handover Ceremonies of RC Malate Prime (Monday, August 8, 2:00 p.m.)

I attended the successful 22nd Induction and 21st Handover Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Malate Prime at East Ocean Palace in Parañaque City. I congratulate PLP Roland Lim on his new leadership role and wish him all the best during his term.

Meeting of the Economic and Community Development Committee (Tuesday, August 9, 10:00 a.m.)

The Economic and Community Development Committee had another virtual meeting following our initial discussion last Monday, August 8. Also in the meeting were Co- Chairman/PAT Marcus Dee as well as PD Oscar del Rosario Sr. and Rtn. Tony Meloto.

Meeting of Supporting the Environment Committee (Tuesday, August 9, 11:00 a.m.)

I attended the Zoom meeting of Supporting the Environment Committee, together with Dir. Hans Palacios (Director-in-Charge), DGN Jackie Rodriguez, PAS Henry Go, Rtn. Raf Dionisio and Rtn. Anton Mauricio.

RI District 3810 Monthly Meeting (Tuesday, August 9)

The Rotary District 3810 monthly meeting was held at Conrad Manila. Club presidents and officers from across the district attended. We were trained to follow a template in reporting so that we are all organized in submitting our progress to the District, who then submits the reports to Rotary International. All Club Presidents reported their clubs' accomplishments during the meeting. It was also a memorable occasion as the District recognized some clubs and leaders for their achievements.

During the event, the Rotary Club Manila received two recognitions: (1) Achievement Award for its outstanding achievement in Membership Development as Top 3 in membership increase with a total of 9 new members for the month of July 2022 and (2) Achievement Award for its outstanding achievement in The Rotary Foundation as Top 1 in Annual Fund Program ABSOLUTE for the month of July 2022.

I’m also honored to receive the “Certificate of Appreciation in appreciation of your generous support to The Rotary Foundation as Polio Plus Fund Donor for Rotary Year 2022-2023” . I would like to thank everyone who has helped us achieve these successes. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in the coming weeks and months.

Very truly yours, Herminio “Hermie” Esguerra, Phenomenal Leader President