Philippine National Police's Mandate in Enforcing Unity

ON the afternoon of Thursday, March 20, 2025, the prestigious Manila Polo Club hosted the 26th Weekly Membership Meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM), a distinguished gathering of individuals united in the spirit of service and community-building. The meeting, held under the watchful guidance of Director-Elect Edwin H. Hernandez who ably moderated the meeting, was not merely a routine assembly but a celebration of the shared values that bind Rotarians together — a commitment to integrity, service, and the enduring belief that collective action can shape a brighter future.

As the clock struck 12:30 PM, the distinguished figure of President Eduardo "Jujut" Enriquez III rose to his feet, calling the meeting to order with a voice that resonated with both authority and warmth. His opening remarks set the tone for the gathering — a reflection of Rotary's core ethos, emphasizing the continued importance of unity and the collective responsibility each member bears in the pursuit of service above self.

The invocation, an essential part of every Rotary gathering, was delivered by the esteemed Rotarian Dr. Paul Anthony "Paul" T. Koh. His words were a call to reflection, invoking divine guidance for the work that lay ahead. As his prayer came to a close, a sense of reverence filled the room, binding the members together in a shared moment of spiritual connection.

Following this, the Philippine National Anthem played — a stirring reminder of the Rotarians' duty not just to their club but to the nation they serve. This was followed by the Manila Rotary Hymn, performed by the club’s renowned RCM World Famous Music Chorale, whose melodic harmonies stirred pride and unity among all present.

The program then proceeded with a moment of introspection, as STAR Rotarian Valentino “Val” S. Bagatsing, a distinguished member of the club, led the recitation of the Four-Way Test. With measured cadence, he spoke the guiding principles of Rotary that govern the thoughts, actions, and behaviors of every Rotarian: "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" These words, though familiar, never failed to provoke reflection on the high standards to which Rotarians hold themselves.

A special part of the program was dedicated to acknowledging the esteemed guests in attendance. This was followed by a warm and joyful rendition of the Maligayang Bati (Happy Birthday) song for Rotarian Kazu Nomura, whose birthday fell on March 17. The RCM World Famous Music Chorale graced the gathering once more with their harmonious voices, turning the moment into a celebratory occasion that reminded all present of the bonds of friendship and community that define Rotary.

When the time came for “President’s Time,” President Jujut Enriquez addressed the gathering. His words were both a reflection on the challenges faced by the club and an invitation to continue the work of service. With a tone that blended optimism with resolve, President Enriquez emphasized the need for continued dedication to the club’s mission — to serve humanity through unwavering integrity and to be agents of positive change in the world. His address resonated deeply with the members, inspiring them to reaffirm their commitment to the Rotary cause.

The next segment of the meeting, which many had been eagerly anticipating, was the induction of new members into the fold of the Rotary Club of Manila. The process of welcoming new members is always a significant occasion, one that signals the expansion of Rotary’s reach and the broadening of its impact. Past President Domingo "Boy" S.B. Guevara Jr. and Past Vice President Reginald "Reggie" T. Yu had the honor of introducing two distinguished individuals.

The first was Francisco Roberto D.C. Mauricio, the President and CEO of Lightning Finance Company (Finvolution Philippines) and the younger brother of RCMFI Trustee Anton Mauricio. Classified under Banking – Digital Banking, Mauricio's professional background and commitment to innovation made him an exemplary candidate for Rotary membership. His induction was not just a formality but a recognition of the growing role of technology and finance in fostering economic development and inclusion.

The second new member, Rowel Janson S. Ong, is the President of Hard Assets Express, Inc. His classification as Real Estate Professional Service-Agency speaks to the expanding influence of the real estate sector in shaping the country’s urban landscape. His dedication to excellence and service was evident as he took the oath of membership, pledging to uphold the values of Rotary and contribute to the community in meaningful ways.

With the new members officially inducted, the program took a poignant turn as Past Director, Dean Amado "Amading" Valdez eloquently introduced Police Major General Roderick Augustus "Rod" B. Alba, the Director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Police Community Relations, addressed the gathering. Major General Alba, stepping in for Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, the 28th Chief of the PNP, who had to attend an emergency Senate hearing that day, delivered a speech that was both deeply personal and profoundly insightful.

In his address, Major General Alba reflected on his 35 years of service in the PNP. He spoke candidly of the motivations that drove him to enter the service — a mix of patriotism and economic necessity. His words were grounded in humility and a genuine commitment to public service. "We enter the service to serve the country," he explained, acknowledging the many sacrifices made by those who wear the uniform. He also expressed pride in his long career, noting that while ranks and titles may fade, the honor of being a general in the PNP is an achievement that lasts a lifetime.

Major General Alba’s speech was also an opportunity to convey the message of the Chief PNP, Police General Marbil, who could not attend due to pressing national duties. His message provided a comprehensive update on the PNP's ongoing efforts to secure the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections. The PNP has been working closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and local government units (LGUs) to ensure a safe and peaceful election process, free from intimidation or violence.

Major General Alba shared detailed reports on the PNP’s operations, highlighting the identification of 403 election areas of concern, with a focus on high-risk regions such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The message also emphasized the PNP's commitment to fighting illegal firearms, with the success of Oplan Katok (a nationwide campaign to recover unregistered firearms), which has led to the confiscation and surrender of thousands of weapons. Additionally, the PNP’s efforts to combat kidnapping, cybercrime, and the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were highlighted as part of the PNP’s broader commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Filipino people.

As the address concluded, the members of the Rotary Club of Manila were left with a deeper understanding of the vital work being done by the PNP and the importance of collaboration between organizations like the Rotary Club and the police force. It was a moment of reflection on the shared responsibility of all sectors in contributing to the common good.

The floor was then opened for an engaging and dynamic open forum, where Rotarians had the opportunity to pose questions to Major General Alba. His candid responses further solidified the spirit of open dialogue and collaboration that Rotary champions. The exchange was not just an opportunity to address concerns but a reminder of the importance of communication and mutual respect in fostering effective partnerships.

As the meeting drew to a close, President Enriquez took a moment to present a Certificate of Appreciation to Major General Alba for his invaluable insights and contributions. The certificate, a symbol of the Rotary Club's gratitude, was a fitting tribute to the PNP’s dedication to public service.

Finally, with the agenda fully addressed and no further business on the table, President Enriquez formally adjourned the meeting, expressing his gratitude to all those who attended. The gathering had been a resounding success, further cementing the Rotary Club of Manila’s reputation as a pillar of service and community leadership. The members departed with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the shared vision of a safer, more just, and compassionate society, where service above self is not merely a motto but a way of life.