President's Diary

Dear fellow Manila Rotarians,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this week’s President’s Diary and share the activities and meetings that took place over the past few days. Many of our members have worked hard this week with enthusiasm and dedication, giving back to our community through Service Above Self. I am proud of all the efforts made by those who attended the RCM events throughout the week.

Vocational Training Team (VTT) Dental Hygienist Training on Preventing and Treating Oral Disease

Friday, 10 February 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

In celebration of National Dental Health Month and National Toothbrushing Day (February 3), RI District 3810 organized a dental mission in Barangay 649, Baseco, Port Area, Manila. This is a District Global Grant Partnership with RI District 2820 of Ibaraki Japan. The Vocational Training Team (VTT) from RID 2820 is composed of one Rotarian team leader, Phenomenal Leader Lady President Natsue Miyata, and 8 non-Rotarian members who are all dental hygienists. The VTT shared their knowledge on dental hygiene with our local dental hygienists.

This project is in cooperation with the Philippine Dental Hygienists Association and with the help of Rotarian Dr. Yoya Tarriela. This Dental Health Awareness | Disease Prevention and Treatment Program was also made possible in cooperation with the office of PP Mon Yupangco. Our Phenomenal Dentist Rotarians headed by CP Dra. Lally Ortega of our Chartered Club, the RC Manila Phenomenal Dentists, also assisted in the dental mission.

Dental Mission with Mithing Pangarap Educational Foundation at Smokey Mountain Elementary School in Tondo, Manila

Friday, 10 February 2023, 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

I joined the dental mission at Smokey Mountain Elementary School in Tondo, Manila which was organized by the Medical and Disease Prevention Committee headed by Chairman John Cutter and Co-Chair SAA Jason Bogovich. Also in attendance were Laura Bogovich, STAR Rtn. Aris Balanay and Rtn. Arik Carranceja who donated food packs and milk. Some volunteer dentist graduates of the National University were also present to assist.

The dental mission was a success, with children being provided with basic dental care and treatment, as well as developing databases for children for dental care. Furthermore, the children were taught about the importance of proper oral hygiene and disease prevention. It was a heartwarming experience to witness the children receiving the care and treatment they needed.

District 3810 Valentine’s Party

Friday, 10 February 2023, 6:30 p.m.

I attended the District Valentine’s Party at Le Pavilion which was attended by more than 650 Rotarians from the District. The event also served as a send-off fellowship for the Japanese Vocational Training Team of District 2820.

Rotary Club of Lucena's 73rd Founding Anniversary

Saturday, 11 February 2023

Last Saturday, February 11 marked the 73rd Founding Anniversary of our daughter Rotary club, the Rotary Club of Lucena. Sadly, due to my prior engagement in our District Valentine's Party on Friday night, I was not able to attend their celebration in person. However, it did not stop me from sending them well wishes and congratulations through a recorded video message.

Presentation of Signed Memorandum of Agreement with Onstrike Library Solutions Corporation

Monday, 13 February 2023

We had a presentation of the signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Rotary Club of Manila, represented by yours truly, and Onstrike Library Solutions Corporation, represented by Mr. Jerwyn Fernandez (President). Witnessing the presentation of MOA were Grant Chairman STAR Rtn. Aries Balanay, Rtn. Inov Talusan (Chairman, RCM Digitalization Committee), ES Anna Kun Toledo, EA Amy Ponsaran Babiano, and Onstrike team – Ms. Jessa Pascual, Ms. Grace Medina and Mr. Ram Migriño.

RCM Infomercial Project: the Rotary Four-Way Test

I am happy to share the “behind the scenes” photos of our infomercial project on the Rotary Four-Way Test which we were working on during the past weeks. This project will be launched on February 23, 2023, which is declared "National Rotary Day". The House of Representatives has officially recognized February 23rd as a special working holiday, known as "National Rotary Day", with Bills 2127, 2532, 3745, 4612 and 5009. Sponsoring HB 2127, Rep. Mark Go (Lone District, Baguio City) explained that this date coincides with the anniversary celebration of the Rotary Club of the Philippines. He said the measure recognizes the organization’s involvement in various socio-civic causes that contribute to nation-building.

The Rotary Club of Manila has been actively involved in a variety of projects and activities that are making an impact in the community. This week's activities are just some of the ways we can show how much dedication RCM puts into making sure its members make a difference in our society. Thank you for your continued support and together, let us make an even bigger impact to uplift the lives of our fellowmen. Let us continue to strive for excellence in achieving our mission of “Service Above Self”.

Yours in Rotary Service,