President's Diary
President Hermie Esguerra looks back on 2022 and recounts the activities and meetings he attended from December 9, 2022 until yesterday.
My dear fellow Manila Rotarians,
As I look back on year 2022, I can’t help but feel proud of all that we have accomplished at the Rotary Club of Manila. From providing community service and relief operations in areas affected by natural disasters to organizing events focusing on Rotary's Areas of Focus, we have made a real difference in our local community and beyond. We have also had some great successes this past year—from new members joining us to achieving several goals within the organization. It is truly an honor to serve as president for such a wonderful group of people who are dedicated to making positive change in the world.
As we move into 2023, I am filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. I am confident that together we will continue working towards creating a better future through service and fellowship. Here's looking forward to another successful year!
Meanwhile, here are some of the activities we organized and the events and meetings I attended from December 9, 2022 until yesterday.
Meeting to Prepare for the Press Launch of Rotary's Global Grant # 2344386 Rotary Vision Care Project
Friday, 9 December 2022
We had a virtual meeting to prepare for the press launch on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Lakbay Museo, Ayala Malls, Parañaque City. During the press launch, we will announce our forthcoming service opportunity for public school children/youth in 15 government schools in Manila to be given improved eye vision thru Rotary's Global Grant # 2344386 Rotary Vision Care project. Also in the meeting were Dir. Albert Alday, Grant Chair Aries Balanay, Interact Chairman Lance Tan and ES Anna Kun Toledo.
District 3810 Christmas Anime Party
Saturday, 10 December 2022, 6:00 p.m.
Colorful, festive, merry and bright. District 3810 Christmas party at the Manila Hotel hosted by Governor Joyce Ambray and her District Executive Committee. Thank you, Gov. Rudy Bediones, for sharing our photos.
Courtesy call with DOLE Secretary for TOWER Awards
Monday, 12 December 2022
Together with People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) executives, we had a courtesy call with the Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary for The Outstanding Workers of the Republic Awards (TOWER Awards). The TOWER (The Outstanding Workers of the Republic) Awards is a legacy project of the Rotary Club of Manila and the first in Asia. For the past thirty years, RCM has been dedicated to honoring and recognizing outstanding blue-collar and white-collar (non-supervisory) workers in our country. We appreciate their contribution to economic development by providing a skilled workforce that propels us forward. That is why we launched this annual search for remarkable workers who are essential components of our country's manpower capacity. RCM project partnerships are with the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Meeting with Physicians for Peace, RC Manila's Partner for the Rotary Vision Care Project
Monday, 12 December 2022
Grant Chair Aries Balanay and I met with Physicians for Peace, headed by Gov. Lyne Abanilla, to discuss the press launch of the Rotary Vision Care Project under Global Grant GG 2344386. The press launch was scheduled on December 14, 2022 in Lakbay Museo, Ayala Mall, Macapagal Blvd., Parañaque City.
Inspection of the Four-Way Test marker at Isabelo Delos Reyes Elementary School
Monday, 12 December 2022
Grant Chair Aries Balanay and I inspected the Four-Way Test marker at Isabelo Delos Reyes Elementary School in Tondo, Manila. School Principal Ms. Eleodora Vergara joined us at the inspection. This was part of our preparation for the launch of the Global Grant Vision Care Project on January 10, 2022. It was also a site inspection of the possible installation of the WASH project.
In the afternoon, I delivered a brief talk to the 242 teachers of Isabelo Delos Reyes Elementary Schools about the launching of the Vision Care Program for the elementary pupils and teachers in the school, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). With me were School Principal Ms. Eleodora Vergara and Grant Chair Aries Balanay.
District 3810 Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, 13 December 2022, 5:00 p.m.
I joined the Rotary International District 3810 Executive Committee on December 13, 2022 held at Conrad Manila. Members of the District Executive Committee received a gift from me and DG Joyce Ambray.
24th Handover and Induction Ceremony of RC Hiyas ng Maynila
Tuesday, 13 December 2022, 6:00 p.m.
I attended the 24th Handover and Induction Ceremony of RC Hiyas ng Maynila at the University of Perpetual Help in Biñan, Laguna.
Received a Plaque of Appreciation from the Department of Education
Tuesday, 13 December 2022
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Manila, Grant Chair Aries Balanay and I proudly received the Plaque of Appreciation from the Department of Education (DepEd) for our Club's continued love and support to all learners. The awarding was held at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, Mandaluyong City. The Plaque of Appreciation was signed by Hon. Sara Z. Duterte, Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, Secretary Department of Education, given by DepEd Usec. Gerald L. Chan and DepEd Dir. Edel Carag.
Press Launch of Rotary Vision Care Project to Provide Free Eye Screening and Eyeglasses to Children in the City of Manila
Wednesday, 14 December 2022, 10:00 a.m.
We are proud to join forces with Rotary International District 3810, Rotary International District 3450, and Rotary International District 3310 to deliver much- needed eye care assistance through their joint initiative – the Rotary Vision Care Project. This mission, funded by Global Grant 2344386, will provide children, parents and educators in fifteen schools in the City of Manila with complimentary eye testing and eyeglasses. We are excited to offer free eye care services in Manila through the Rotary Vision Care Project, and we would like to express our deepest appreciation for the generous support provided by Rotary International District 3810, Rotary International District 3450, and Rotary International District 3310 for their commitment to the Rotary Vision Care Project. Our shared goal of fostering healthier communities drives us to achieve success together. We look forward to this exciting venture!
The Rotary Club of Kowloon East and the Rotary Club of Singapore are international partners on this project, with Physicians for Peace providing a cooperating organization role.
Champion Team Christmas Party
Wednesday, 14 December 2022, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
I joined the Champion Team Christmas Party with the Champion PDG Liza Elorde, Class Presidents and District Officers Fellowship at Elorde Grand Ballroom in Paranaque City, hosted by the Elorde Family.
Meeting with RC San Francisco 2 USA for the Proposed Global Grant for Cleft Lip/ Palate Project
Thursday, 15 December 2022 10:00 a.m.
We had a Zoom meeting for the proposed Global Grant for Cleft Lip and Palate Project with RC San Francisco 2 USA. Also in attendance were Grant Chairman Aries Balanay, International Relations Chairman PD Nick Locsin and Ambassador to RC San Francisco/PAS Joel Valdes.
Meeting with the Department of Education for the Proposed Global Grant for Cleft Lip/Palate Project
Friday, 16 December 2022 10:00 a.m.
We had a virtual meeting with Rolly Villar Soriano and Jing Llana from the Department of Education on December 16, 2022 to discuss the proposed Global Grant for Cleft Lip/Palate project. With me at the meeting were Grant Chair Aries Balanay, Cleft Project Chair PAS Joel Valdes, ES Anna Kun Toledo and EA Amy Babiano.
RCM Community Oral Health Program Mithing Pangarap Educational Foundation Inc. Christmas Party 2022 and Oral Health Awareness
Saturday, 17 December 2022, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This event, held on the second floor of Gawad Kalinga Building Paradise Height, Rodriguez St., Balut, Tondo, Manila, is the start of our Community Oral Health Program. It will be followed up with dental missions in January 2023. Let us significantly impact the health of each of these children while giving them a special Christmas 2022 celebration and a future they can truly smile about!
Also in attendance were SAA Jason Bogovich and Laura Bogovich, PE/Dir. Raffy Alunan, Rtn. Emilio Gonzales La'O, Disease Treatment and Prevention Chairman PD John Cutter, and Rtn. Ronald Martinez.
Rotary District 3810 Presidents-Elect Christmas Party
Saturday, 17 December 2022, 6:00 p.m.
I attended the Rotary District 3810’s 4th Presidents-Elect Fellowship and Christmas Party with Governor Joyce Ambray, DGE Lai dela Cruz, District Officers and Presidents-Elect at Century Park Sheraton.
Christmas Party with First Class Presidents (FCP) and Governor Joyce Ambray
Saturday 17 December 2022
I joined the Christmas Party with the First Class Presidents (FCP), Governor Joyce Ambray, PDG Rudy Bediones and Lady Sharon at Heritage Hotel.
Fifth Special Board Meeting
Tuesday, 20 December 2022
We had the Fifth Special Board Meeting last December 20, 2022 at the Boardroom of Conrad Manila. I happily hosted lunch at China Blue after the Board meeting.
Meeting with Korea RI District 3630 and RI District 3810 about Global Grant on Supporting the Environment
Tuesday, 20 December 2022
I had a meeting with Korea Rotary International District 3630 represented by DRFC/PDG Lee, RI District 3810 Governor Joyce Ambray and SDG Jay Jang regarding another Global Grant on supporting the environment—a grant to purchase an Aquatic Trash Skimmer that will collect the water hyacinth and trashes trapped by the floating trash barriers that we donated to DENR-PRCMO to clean up the tributaries and esteros (estuaries) of Pasig River. This project will be a joint undertaking/ Global Grant of RC Manila and our Korean sister club, RC Sang Ju Central, Korea. Another Memorandum of Agreement between RCM and DENR-PRCMO is necessary in order to lodge a Global Grant to RI.
Coordination Meeting to Prepare for the Launching of the Rotary Vision Care Project
Monday, 2 January 2023, 9:00 a.m.
We had a coordination meeting to prepare for the launching of the Rotary Vision Care project that will start with Isabelo Delos Santos Elementary School in Tondo, Manila. Present with me during the meeting were Grant Chair Aries Balanay, Physician for Peace Team - PDG Lyne Abanilla and Sister Vida, Isabelo delos Santos Elementary School Principal Ms. Eleodora B. Vergara and project school coordinator Ms. Louella Cheng. Also present were RCM Secretariat ES Anna Kun Toledo and EA Amy Babiano.
7th District 3810 Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, 3 January 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.
I attended the 7th District Executive Committee Meeting which was held via Zoom. The agenda included the updates on the TRF and Membership, Mid-Year Review updates, District Conference 2023, and the upcoming District activities (Early Act and InterAct Assembly, Chinese New Year, District Shootout, District Sportsfest, Vocational Seminar, Youth Conference, and District Valentine Fellowship.
Global Grant Meeting
Tuesday, 3 January 2023, 9:00 p.m.
I had a meeting with Grant Chair Aries Balanay and District Senior Deputy Governor Jay Jhang for a Global Grant Project—an initiative together with RC Sang Ju Central of District 3620 of South Korea—for the donation of Aquatic Trash Skimmer, an equipment that cleans up floating solid wastes in reservoirs, rivers, lakes and seashores.
Food Tasting at Manila Hotel for the Membership Meeting
Friday, 6 January 2022, 12:00 p.m.
House Chairman PD Art Lopez, Program Chairman PD Amading Valdez and I attended the food tasting meeting at the Ipil Room, Manila Hotel in preparation for the Membership Meeting on January 12. Manila Hotel’s Banquet Event Manager Kenneth Bermudez joined the food tasting.
District 3810 Monthly Meeting and New Year Party
Saturday, 7 January 2022
District Governor Joyce Ambray and I hosted the District Monthly Meeting and Phenomenal Leaders Family New Year Party on January 7 at Esguerra Farms.
During the meeting, RC Manila received the following awards:
Achievement Award for Top 1 in TRF Annual Fund Program with Absolute Giving of $3,333,.30 for the month of December 2022
Top 3 in Membership Development for the month December 2022
Top 1 in Membership increase in absolute
Mobile WASH and Internet Connectivity Project Update
Sunday, 8 January 2023
The Mobile WASH and Internet Connectivity project—a joint initiative of RC Manila, RC Paco and RC Lauhana, Hawaii and built by the engineers at Esguerra Farms— was transported from Lipa to RC Paco Manila for final branding and commissioning. The official turnover will be announced soon. Project cost: P650,000
Brainstorming Meeting with Outboxed Media Production for the Rotary Public Imaging Campaign
Sunday, 8 January 2023
Together with Grant Committee Chairman Aries Balanay, we had a brainstorming session for the Rotary Public Imaging Campaign with Outboxed Media Production, represented by Ms. Rossel Taberna and Ms. Luhvi.
First implementation of Global Grant #2344386 Rotary Vision Care Project
Tuesday, 10 January 2023
I am happy to announce that we had our first implementation of the Rotary Vision Care last Tuesday, January 10th, at the Isabelo de los Reyes Elemetary School in Tondo, Manila. Our cooperating organization, Physicians for Peace , conducted an orientation seminar for the teachers and students, which was followed by Pre-Screening, Refraction, and Framing activities.
Second implementation of Global Grant #2344386 Rotary Vision Care Project
Wednesday, 11 January 2023
Yesterday, we were at J.P. Rizal Elementary School, the second school where we implemented the Global Grant #2344386 Rotary Vision Care Project.
My fellow Rotarians, we happily ended 2022 with a bang and excitedly started 2023 with plenty of energy and activities. Let us continue our journey of service and leadership together this New Year!
Yours in Rotary Service,
Pres. Hermie Esguerra
I am happy to share the entire schedule of the Global Grant #2344386 Rotary Vision Care project implementation for those who wish to join us.
Guest of Honor & Speaker's Profile
Editor's Note