1st WMM Recap: An Afternoon with Usec. Margaux Salcedo

The Four-Way Test, eloquently recited by PD Sixto “Noy” Benedicto, reminded everyone of the guiding principles that have long been the foundation of Rotary's mission. Vice President Joel C. Valdes, with a warm smile and welcoming demeanor, acknowledged the guests, adding a personal touch that made everyone feel at home. The Chorale's welcome song further infused the gathering with warmth and a sense of belonging.

Amidst the camaraderie, the club took a moment to celebrate the July birthday celebrants. The melodious strains of “Maligayang Bati / Happy Birthday” echoed through the hall, as members joined in the joyous occasion.

President Jujut Enriquez kicked off his inaugural “President's Time” by expressing gratitude, particularly to those present at the Board of Directors and Officers inauguration on July 11. He highlighted the Governor's challenge from District Governor (DG) Jackie Rodriguez, which includes increasing and retaining membership throughout the year. He also emphasized The Rotary Foundation (TRF) as one of the DG's challenges and noted that members with Paul Harris points can donate. He discussed the “Governor's Bonus,” which involves chartering a new club with a complete set of officers and implementing at least one project related to one of Rotary's seven areas of focus. He mentioned the application of RC Manila Expat, awaiting approval, with RCM's Rtn. Romy Nones acting as their adviser. He concluded by announcing the upcoming “ROCKYOKE” fellowship in early August.

A Talk to Remember: Undersecretary Margaux Marie V. Salcedo's Address

Undersecretary Salcedo began her address with a topic close to her heart, “God Before Country.” She captivated the audience with tales of her role as Functional Group Head of the Advocacy, Capacity Development, Economic Affairs, and Stakeholder Relations (ACES) Group, as well as her supervision of the Advocacy, Communications and Training Service of the Department of Budget and Management. Her narrative took a personal turn as she recounted her involvement with “Dominus Est,” an independent online Catholic evangelization ministry where she served as Editor-in-Chief. Since its inception on October 19, 2019, “Dominus Est” has garnered acclaim, winning the “Best Website” award from The Catholic Mass Media Awards for four consecutive years. Her passion for communication and capacity development was also evident in her leadership of the “DBM Bulletin,” the Department of Budget and Management's official newsletter.

With eloquence and insight, Salcedo painted a picture of the nation's economic landscape. She shared encouraging metrics from the 2023 Philippine Economic Briefing in Singapore, where she moderated alongside Antonio Joselito Lambino, Managing Director of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno of the Department of Finance. Key economic indicators, such as the projected decrease in inflation from 6% in 2023 to 2% by 2025, and an anticipated export growth from -4.0% in 2023 to 6.0% in 2025, were met with nods of approval from the audience.

Salcedo's articulation of the government's 8-point socioeconomic agenda resonated deeply. She emphasized goals that touched the very fabric of Filipino life: ensuring food security, reducing transport and logistics costs, lowering energy costs, improving healthcare, addressing learning losses, strengthening social protection, maintaining sound fiscal management, and enhancing bureaucratic efficiency. Her discussion of the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028, with its three pillars, provided a comprehensive roadmap for the nation's future.

With pride, Salcedo highlighted the Philippine GDP's 7.6 percent growth in the third quarter of 2022, and its continued expansion by 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2024, outpacing other Asia-Pacific countries. The World Bank's optimistic projection of the Philippines achieving upper-middle-income status by 2025-2026 was a testament to the nation's resilience and potential. Her involvement in the Department of Budget and Management Public Financial Management Competency Program for Local Government Unit Budget Officers in CALABARZON, and her advocacy for the “OGPINAS!” campaign, underscored her commitment to transparency and public participation in governance. She proudly noted that the International Budget Partnership had ranked the Philippines as number one in terms of transparency in Asia.

The Undersecretary's address took a spiritual turn as she briefly touched on the Synod of Synodality, a three-year journey of listening and dialogue initiated by Pope Francis. Her words echoed the Pope's vision of a synodal Church, one that learns through shared experiences and reflects on its mission in communion, participation, and openness.

The highlight of her address was a delightful surprise. With a voice full of emotion, Undersecretary Salcedo sang Louis Armstrong's classic “What a Wonderful World,” her heartfelt rendition bringing the audience to their feet, singing along in a moment of unity and joy.

Open Forum and Closing

An engaging open forum followed, featuring Past President Hermie Esguerra, Vice-President Joel Valdes, and Rotarian and Philippine Consul-General to Türkiye Jed Dayang. The lively exchange of ideas and insights further enriched the afternoon.

The meeting concluded with President Jujut Enriquez presenting a certificate of appreciation to Undersecretary Salcedo, a token of gratitude for her inspiring presence and valuable insights. As the clock struck 2:00 PM, the meeting was adjourned, leaving attendees with a sense of fulfillment and renewed purpose. The first Regular Weekly Membership Meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila was a resounding success, a blend of fellowship, learning, and inspiration that set a high standard for future gatherings. The club remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering informed and engaged leadership, dedicated to serving the community and the nation.