President’s Diary

My dear fellow Manila Rotarians,

As I write my final message as President of the Rotary Club of Manila, I am grateful and filled with pride. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your president, and I sincerely appreciate the trust and support you have extended to me throughout this Rotary Year 2022-2023.

Over the past year, we have faced challenges, celebrated victories, and most importantly, we have helped and touched lives many people in our communities who need help. Together, we have imagined Rotary as a force for positive change and successfully brought that vision to life. We have raised funds for worthy causes, we have volunteered our time and skills, and we have made a difference in our community and beyond. Each one of you has played an important role in these achievements, and for that, I am grateful.

For the last time, I am happy to share with you the activities and meetings I attended during the past week as your President. I have dedicated a lot of time and effort in the past weeks preparing for our 45th Weekly Membership Meeting and Valedictory Address, ensuring that it will be a memorable and meaningful event as we end RY 2022-2023.

9th Regular Board Meeting

Thursday, 22 June 2023

We had our 9th Regular Board Meeting last Thursday at Raffles Makati. At the meeting with me were VP Reggie Yu, Dir. Albert Alday, Dir. Jujut Enriquez, Dir. Johnny Chotrani, Dir. Hans Palacios, AS Mike Albaña, Treas. Karlo Castro, SAA Nagi Zeitouni, and AT PJ Garcia.

Global Grant (GG2348049) Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery Mission Project

Friday, 23 June 2023, 9:00am

I am happy to announce the launch of our Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery Mission Project, which began on June 23 at Sta. Ana Hospital, Manila. Through the Rotary International Global Grant (GG2348049), we aim to provide life-changing surgeries to at least 60 children affected by cleft lip and palate deformities. Our project goes beyond surgery, addressing comprehensive care needs, including pre and post-operative evaluations, surgery, and follow-up care. We are proud to partner with Operation Smile Philippines, a renowned international medical organization, to transform the lives of these children and improve maternal and child health in the Philippines.

I want to express my gratitude to Global Grant Chairman Aries Balanay and Project Chairman Joel Valdes and the members who have supported this mission for their unwavering dedication. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the cooperating entities, including Operation Smile Philippines, Rotary International District 3810, Rotary International District 5150, Rotary Club of San Bruno, Rotary Club of Sangju-Central, Huaqiao Foundation Limited, Rotary District 5150, Charitable Fund 504, Sta. Ana Hospital, as well as the local government unit of the City of Manila, who have made this project possible. Together, we are committed to ensuring that no child is denied a normal life due to these inborn deficiencies.

In closing, I want to thank you once again, my fellow Manila Rotarians, for your support, dedication and friendship. I would like to request your continued support for the future leaders of RC Manila, just as you have supported me. As I bang the final adjournment today for RY 2022-2023, let us embrace our club’s noble role as the First in Asia and the mother of all clubs in the Philippines. Let us all continue to serve, make a difference, and uphold the values of Rotary. Here's to many more years of service, fellowship and impact.

Mabuhay ang Rotary Club of Manila! Mabuhay ang Manila Rotarians! Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Yours in Rotary Service, Pres. Hermie Esguerra