The Nation’s Advocate: Lessons of Service from Solicitor General Berberabe

MANILA Polo Club, September 4, 2025 — It was a Thursday afternoon brimming with the spirit of Rotary, as two of the nation’s most influential clubs — the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) and the Rotary Club of Makati (RC Makati) — came together in a historic joint weekly membership meeting at the elegant Manila Polo Club.

The occasion, held on September 4 at exactly 12:15 PM, brought together distinguished leaders, business stalwarts, legal luminaries, and dedicated Rotarians for an afternoon that was equal parts fellowship, celebration, and inspiration.

Opening Formalities and Fellowship

The session was gracefully moderated by Vice-President Ricardo “Ricky” S.B. Guevara, who kept the proceedings crisp yet convivial.

The meeting was formally called to order by President Raoul C. Creencia of RCM and President Eduardo “Eddie” H. Galvez of RC Makati, symbolizing the unifying bond of the two powerhouse clubs.

Following tradition, District Secretary and Past President Luis Angel G. Aseoche (RC Makati) led the invocation with solemnity, before the assembly rose for the Philippine National Anthem and the stirring hymns of both clubs — the RCM World-Famous Chorale leading their home hymn and RC Makati’s members giving voice to their own.

Director Roger Collantes (RC Makati) led the community in reciting the timeless Four-Way Test, grounding the afternoon in Rotary’s ethical compass.

Celebrations of Life and Love

The meeting also served as a celebration of milestones. RCM honored Rtn. Emilio Gonzales-LaO, who marked his birthday on August 30. RC Makati in turn celebrated birthdays of DS/PP Louie Aseoche (Sept. 4), as well as Rotary Anns Caling Young (Sept. 4), Bessie Cruz (Sept. 5), and Joyce Dizon (Sept. 6).

Love was not forgotten — Past President Jun Jun and Cecille Dayrit were recognized for their upcoming wedding anniversary on September 7. The RCM Chorale filled the air with the cheerful notes of Maligayang Bati and Happy Birthday, sealing the moment in harmony.

President’s Time and Shared Programs

Both club presidents took turns addressing the assembly. President Eddie Galvez of RC Makati and President Raoul Creencia of RCM shared their visions, underscored by two video presentations: one highlighting August accomplishments, and another showcasing the transformative LEAP Program/Project.

A highlight of the afternoon was the MOA and Supplemental Agreement signing, marking a partnership between the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR), the Rotary Club of Manila, and the Philippine Institute of Arbitrators, Inc. (PIArb). Signing the agreement were Atty. Margaret Raizza Andaman (Executive Director V, OADR), President Raoul Creencia (RCM), and Atty. Dranyl Jared P. Amoroso (President, PIArb).

District Secretary General/Past President Hermie Esguerra proudly presented IPP Jujut Enriquez as a finalist in the Regional Public Image Awards 2025, a recognition that further elevated the prestige of RCM in the region.

A Guest of Honor with Gravitas

Introduced with warmth by Club Secretary Antonilo “Anton” Mauricio, the afternoon’s Guest of Honor and Speaker, Solicitor General Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, took to the podium. Her address was nothing short of riveting — a personal narrative woven with candor, humor, humility, and the moral fortitude that has defined her career.

From her unlikely beginnings as the first female instructor at UP’s Department of Philosophy, to her corporate tenure at Procter & Gamble, and later her transformative leadership as CEO of the Pag-ibig Fund, she shared lessons in integrity, courage, and perseverance.

Berberabe’s recollections of her tenure in government — navigating Senate probes, doubling loan ceilings, expanding nationwide housing branches, and defending institutional integrity — resonated deeply with her audience. She spoke of courage in the face of pressure, of doing what is right “even when no one is looking,” and of her unwavering conviction that law must always serve the nation rather than political expediency.

Her recent ascent as the nation’s Solicitor General provided the crowning arc of her story. With sincerity, she shared her hopes for institutional strengthening, legal training for OSG lawyers, digitization of case records, and above all, ensuring the transparency and integrity of the Office of the Solicitor General.

In one of the most poignant moments of her talk, she shifted from professional triumphs to her role as a mother, introducing her daughter Jamie Christine — summa cum laude in Mathematics and a two-time SEA Games gold medalist in karate — as her greatest pride. The hall filled with admiration as she recalled her daughter’s words on unconditional love, a testament to resilience both in public service and in personal life.

The Solicitor General’s candid reflections — peppered with humor, anecdotes of family, and her prayer for “courage and wisdom” — left the audience moved and inspired.

Open Forum and Honors

An open forum allowed Rotarians to engage her further, before Presidents Creencia and Galvez jointly presented the Certificate of Appreciation — a token of gratitude befitting her powerful message.

Club Elections: A New Chapter for RCM

The afternoon also bore witness to an important moment in RCM’s own history. Past President Arsenio “Archit” Bartolome, Chair of the Elections Committee, announced the results of the annual elections. From among 13 nominees, 8 emerged victorious — led by Past Vice President and past RCMFI Chairman Reginald T. Yu, who was elected President-elect with an overwhelming 86 votes. Past Treasurer Karlo M. Castro followed closely as Vice President-elect with 82 votes. Out of 94 votes cast, the results reflected not only democratic strength but also the trust placed in RCM’s next line of leadership.

Closing and Benediction of Fellowship

At exactly 2:00 PM, the gavel was struck for adjournment by Presidents Creencia and Galvez, closing the meeting that had been a rare convergence of legacy and leadership between two of the nation’s most prominent Rotary clubs.

The 6th Weekly Membership Meeting of RCM, in fellowship with RC Makati, will be remembered as more than just another Thursday gathering — it was a testament to Rotary’s enduring values of Service Above Self, strengthened through partnerships, celebrated milestones, inspired addresses, and the promise of leadership renewed.