7th WMM Recap: Empowering Change: A Glimpse of the Future with Innovation and Inspiration

ON September 5, 2024, the Rotary Club of Manila held its 7th Weekly Membership Meeting at the elegant Dusit Thani Manila. The event, which started at 12:30 PM, was a testament to the club's commitment to both community service and professional excellence. Past Director Amado “Amading” D. Valdez graciously moderated the meeting, ensuring a seamless flow of activities.

The Meeting Unfolds

The day began with registration at 11:00 AM, followed by a brief pre-meeting gathering. At 12:15 PM, Vice-President Joel C. Valdes called the meeting to order, setting a tone of formality and enthusiasm. The invocation, led by Past Assistant Treasurer Karlo Eugene Josef “Karlo” M. Castro, was followed by an audio-visual presentation of the Philippine National Anthem, which was rendered by RCM members. This was complemented by the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn performed by the renowned RCM World Famous Music Chorale.

Rtn. Paul Kho then led the members in reciting the Four-Way Test, a cornerstone of Rotary’s ethical guidelines. The acknowledgment of guests, another highlight of the meeting, was handled with warmth and cordiality by Past Director Amado “Amading” D. Valdez.

Celebrating Milestones

The meeting took a celebratory turn as the members sang the Welcome Song, again performed by the RCM World Famous Music Chorale. Special attention was given to birthday celebrants for the month of September, including Rtn. John Tan, STAR Rtn. Chris Bello, and Rtn. Aldous Alingog. The celebratory atmosphere was heightened with a rendition of the "Maligayang Bati" or "Happy Birthday" song, creating a festive ambiance.

President’s Address

At 12:30 PM, Vice-President Joel C. Valdes delivered the President’s Time address, reflecting on the club’s recent achievements and outlining future initiatives. His speech emphasized the importance of collective effort and the impact of Rotary’s programs on the community.

A Vision for the Future: Engr. Edgar B. Saavedra’s Keynote

The highlight of the meeting was the keynote address by Engr. Edgar B. Saavedra, Founder and Chair of the Megawide – Citicore Group. Known for his significant contributions to engineering and infrastructure in the Philippines, Saavedra’s speech provided valuable insights into the future of renewable energy and infrastructure development.

Saavedra began by reflecting on his company's journey from participating in public-private partnership (PPP) projects to becoming a leader in renewable energy. He shared anecdotes about the challenges and successes in executing projects like the Mactan Cebu International Airport and the construction of 10,000 classrooms across the country. His experiences underscored a commitment to not only achieving business goals but also contributing to societal development.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability

A significant portion of Saavedra's address focused on the renewable energy sector. He elaborated on the strategic shifts Megawide has made, including the divestment from certain ventures to concentrate on core areas like solar energy. Saavedra discussed the establishment and growth of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC), which went public in June 2024 with an impressive PHP 5.3 billion IPO. CREC's aim to expand its capacity to 5 gigawatts in the next five years exemplifies Saavedra’s forward-thinking approach.

Saavedra’s keynote also touched upon the challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy sector. He highlighted the need for increased investment in solar and wind energy, the importance of battery storage systems, and the broader goal of achieving a 50% renewable energy mix by 2040. His insights into the geopolitical and economic factors influencing energy markets provided a comprehensive view of the sector’s dynamics.

Induction of New Members

Following the keynote address, the meeting proceeded with the induction of new members. VP Joel C. Valdes introduced and welcomed new members Jonas R. Gonzalez and Valentino S. Bagatsing. The ceremony underscored the club's growth and the continuous influx of new talent and perspectives.

Closing and Reflections

The meeting concluded at 2:00 PM with closing remarks and adjournment by VP Joel C. Valdes. The 7th Weekly Membership Meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila was a remarkable event, blending formal proceedings with inspiring discussions and celebrations. The contributions of Engr. Edgar B. Saavedra and the club’s ongoing initiatives were a testament to Rotary's enduring impact on both local and global scales.