President’s Message

Today, July 23, my resolve and physical limits were tested. But that is getting ahead of the story. Let me first go back to the two exciting meetings that I had last Thursday, July 17 – the Rotary Club of Manila’s Weekly Membership Meeting and the Rotary Club of Davao’s Anniversary and Induction Ceremony.

During the lunchtime weekly membership meeting at the Manila Polo Club, Manila Rotarians and guests were treated to an interesting and encouraging speech of Mayor Isko Moreno, Manila’s newly elected chief executive (after a 3-year absence). The good mayor, who is RCM’s honorary member, arrived early and socialized with and engaged in animated discussion with Manila Rotarians and guests. During his speech, he gave a comprehensive report of his action plan for the city and what he has thus far accomplished to rehabilitate and bring Manila back on track to financial stability and progress.

After the meeting, I had to quickly go to the airport to catch my flight for Davao (which was delayed) to attend the 87th Anniversary and Induction Ceremony of the Rotary Club of Davao. As RCM’s daughter club, RC Davao is the first club in Mindanao with a rich history. Today, it continues to celebrate and cherish the special and unique foundational bond that it has with the Rotary Club of Manila.

I was thus pleased that RC Davao invited me as guest of honor and speaker, and I took it as an opportunity to address their members and the other guests present. In my talk, I pushed for joint meetings and projects. I also highlighted our two clubs’ unique relationship, emphasizing that “our relationship is more than just a mother-daughter club. It is a living expression of Rotary’s spirit — a connection grounded in mutual respect, collaboration, and the desire to make a difference in the communities we serve. Across islands and regions, we are united by one purpose: to be instruments of peace, development, and transformation. Together, our two clubs bridge not just Luzon and Mindanao, but generations of Rotarians committed to building a better Philippines.”

The woeful weather over the past few days has again brought some hardships to our poor communities. The powerful southwest monsoon has brought moderate to intense rainfall across Metro Manila and western Luzon and has dislocated hundreds of families across cities and provinces -- areas that are covered by RI District 3810. This is why our District, under the leadership of Governor Mary Mei Rodrigo, is working hard to make Rotary’s presence felt in the various communities in need.

Now I go back to my story about my resolve being tested today, July 23. You see, I was nursing a fever and was planning to rest the whole day. As it happened, RCM and a few other Manila-based clubs pooled their resources and bought plastic bed mats which were delivered in the morning. These mats had to be promptly distributed to the evacuees in two barangays in Tondo, Manila. So, with my wife (Myls) in tow, I trooped to Barangay 128 and 105 to cause the distribution of the much-needed sleeping mats to about 80 families.

Tomorrow, another distribution of grocery packs will be undertaken in Rosario, Cavite (where families of fisherfolks are severely affected). RCM, together with clubs from the Cavite area, will be targeting 180-200 families. All these efforts are meant to complement the massive and inspiring relief operations of the District led by our dear Governor. RCM has also contributed to this district-wide effort which is impressively being undertaken by the various clubs of the District.

I salute all volunteers who came forward and stepped outside their comfort zone to help those who are in need. To all Rotarians and compassionate volunteers, kudos to you for your tireless efforts in the face of disaster, as these are truly a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.

All these initiatives – of the District and the cluster of clubs – eloquently show that even in the worst of times, kindness and unity prevail. This is “service above self” in its finest.