Rotary Club of Manila Concludes Rotary Year with Meaningful 35th Weekly Membership Meeting

THE Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) gathered at the Manila Polo Club for its 35th Weekly Membership Meeting of Rotary Year 2025–2026, an afternoon marked by reflection, accountability, and inspiration. The meeting featured two highly anticipated presentations: the year-end report of the RCManila Foundation, Inc. (RCMFI) delivered by Chairman PDG Alexander P. Cureg, and the Classification Talk of Star Rotarian Manuel E. “AJ” Pangilinan, Chief Executive Officer of Finasiatech Corporation.

Presided over by Rotary Club of Manila President Raoul C. Creencia, the meeting brought together members, guests, and trustees to celebrate a year of accomplishments while looking toward new opportunities for service and leadership.

President Raoul Highlights Club Initiatives

In his message to the membership, President Raoul Creencia shared updates on key club initiatives and ongoing projects, including preparations for the forthcoming RCM Golf Cup and various service activities supported by the Rotary Club of Manila Foundation. The gathering also included presentations related to the club’s fundraising efforts, underscoring the importance of sustainable resource generation in advancing Rotary’s mission of service above self.

Trustee and Treasurer Michael Roxas presented the Foundation’s financial report, providing members with an overview of the organization’s fiscal position before the presentation of the Foundation’s comprehensive year-end accomplishments.

Special Report: PDG Alex Cureg Presents Transformative Year-End Report of the RCManila Foundation

The centerpiece of the meeting was the valedictory presentation of PDG Alexander P. Cureg, who reflected on a year defined by organizational reform, strengthened governance, financial stewardship, and impactful humanitarian service.

Building a Culture of Accountability and Transparency

PDG Cureg opened his report by expressing gratitude to the Board of Trustees for embracing a culture rooted in responsibility, accountabi lity, and transparency. He noted that when the Board assumed leadership, the Foundation faced significant administrative and operational challenges. Rather than allowing these issues to persist, the Board undertook a comprehensive effort to rebuild and strengthen the institution.

Through a series of reforms, the Foundation clarified its institutional identity as a resource-generating organization whose primary mission is to support the service projects of the Rotary Club of Manila. This distinction enabled the Foundation to align its governance structure, compliance requirements, and operational priorities more effectively.

The Board also streamlined personnel and administrative processes, improved office protocols, and instituted performance measures that restored discipline and accountability within the organization.

Modernizing Foundation Operations

One of the year’s notable accomplishments was the digitalization of Foundation records. By transitioning documents and institutional files into a centralized digital archive, the Foundation preserved its institutional memory and improved accessibility, efficiency, and continuity for future leaders.

Complementing this initiative was the adoption of a new Manual of Operations, which established clear governance standards and practical procedures for the organization. Designed to be both comprehensive and user-friendly, the manual provides a framework for sustaining good governance practices well into the future.

Strengthening Project Evaluation and Governance

Recognizing the importance of responsible stewardship, the Foundation implemented a more rigorous project evaluation and monitoring framework.

Under this system, all funding requests were subjected to objective scoring criteria, ensuring alignment with Foundation priorities, regulatory compliance, and measurable social impact. Enhanced reporting requirements were likewise introduced to guarantee transparency and accountability in the utilization of Foundation resources.

These reforms represented a significant step toward ensuring that every peso entrusted to the Foundation generates meaningful and measurable benefits for communities in need.

Financial Stewardship and Long-Term Sustainability

Financial discipline remained a cornerstone of the Foundation’s strategy throughout the year.

Among its major achievements was the successful renewal of the Foundation’s authority to issue tax deductible donation certificates, a development that strengthens its ability to attract philanthropic support. The Foundation also resolved long-standing compliance concerns and improved its accounting and financial reporting systems through enhanced internal controls and professionalized financial management practices.

To preserve and grow donor resources responsibly, the Foundation invested ₱5 million in a low-risk time deposit, generating additional income while safeguarding principal funds. This prudent approach reflects the Board’s commitment to balancing stability with sustainability.

The Legacy Endowment Fund Gains Momentum

A highlight of the Chairman’s report was the continued growth of the Legacy Endowment Fund, an initiative envisioned to secure the long-term financial future of the Foundation.

Supported by generous contributions from Rotarians, benefactors, and fundraising activities, the fund has already generated substantial support and continues to serve as a permanent financial pillar for future humanitarian initiatives.

PDG Cureg emphasized that the Legacy Endowment Fund represents more than a fundraising initiative—it is a commitment to ensuring that future generations of Rotarians will have the resources necessary to continue serving communities and responding to societal needs.

Humanitarian Projects Across the Nation

The Foundation’s humanitarian reach expanded significantly during the Rotary year, supporting projects across multiple sectors and communities.

Among the most impactful initiatives was a major cleft lip and palate surgical mission that transformed the lives of dozens of children and families. The Foundation also supported numerous disaster relief operations in communities affected by severe weather disturbances, providing emergency assistance, medicines, relief goods, and rehabilitation support.

Other funded projects included scholarship programs, literacy and teacher-training initiatives, medical outreach activities, animal welfare programs, and community development efforts implemented in partnership with Rotary clubs and civic organizations throughout the country.

Collectively, these projects demonstrated the Foundation’s commitment to addressing diverse social needs while remaining faithful to Rotary’s core values of service and compassion.

Growing Membership and Institutional Strength

The Foundation also experienced steady membership growth during the year, welcoming new members and strengthening its network of supporters.

PDG Cureg credited the accomplishments of the Foundation not to any single individual, but to the collective dedication of trustees, officers, members, volunteers, and benefactors who worked together to advance its mission.

As he concluded his report, he expressed confidence that the incoming leadership would continue the reforms and momentum established during the year, ensuring that the Foundation remains a strong and trusted vehicle for Rotary service.

Star Rotarian Manuel “AJ” Pangilinan Shares His Entrepreneurial Journey

The second major highlight of the afternoon was the Classification Talk delivered by Star Rotarian Manuel E. “AJ” Pangilinan, Chief Executive Officer of Finasiatech Corporation.

Introduced by Secretary Anton Mauricio, Pangilinan offered members a candid and engaging overview of his personal background, business ventures, and vision for the future of sustainable transportation in the Philippines.

Family Roots and Personal Background

Pangilinan began by thanking President Raoul Creencia and the members of the Rotary Club of Manila for welcoming him into the organization.

He shared insights into his family background, noting his connection to the well-known Pangilinan family and introducing members to the close-knit family environment that shaped his personal values and entrepreneurial mindset.

His presentation highlighted the importance of family, perseverance, and long-term relationships as guiding principles throughout his professional journey.

From Residential Real Estate to Strategic Office Development

Tracing the evolution of his business career, Pangilinan recounted how his real estate enterprise began in 2006 with a focus on residential development before expanding into commercial and retail projects.

Working with major retail operators and corporate clients, the company eventually shifted its focus toward office-space development and leasing through Mepangilinan Real Estate Brokerage Corporation (MREB Corp.).

Unlike traditional developers that generate income primarily from construction activities, Pangilinan’s model centers on long-term built-to suit office developments designed specifically for the needs of tenants. These projects are supported by multi-year lease agreements that provide predictable and sustainable revenue streams.

Today, the company has successfully completed thousands of square meters of office developments and maintains a substantial pipeline of future projects, serving prominent business process outsourcing and corporate clients.

Leadership in the BPO Industry

Beyond real estate, Pangilinan shared his active involvement in the business process outsourcing sector.

As an officer of the Contact Center industry’s SME Council, he works alongside companies ranging from emerging enterprises to some of the world’s largest technology and customer-service organizations.

He highlighted the sector’s tremendous contribution to the Philippine economy, noting its role as one of the country’s largest employers and a critical driver of economic growth.

His involvement in both real estate and the BPO sector has provided unique insights into workplace development, workforce needs, and the future of business infrastructure in the Philippines.

Driving the Future of Electric Mobility

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Pangilinan’s presentation was his discussion of Finasiatech Corporation’s electric mobility initiatives.

Through the PickApp Mobility Ecosystem, the company is working to accelerate the transition from traditional fuel-powered transportation toward sustainable electric alternatives.

Rather than focusing on private automobiles, Finasiatech concentrates on the mass market, particularly tricycles and other community-based transport systems. The company collaborates directly with transport cooperatives and TODAs to provide accessible and practical electrification solutions.

A key innovation is its battery-leasing model, which significantly lowers the financial barriers for drivers by eliminating large upfront costs while ensuring long-term operational sustainability.

Pangilinan shared how the company has already expanded its operations into several cities and municipalities and continues to develop charging infrastructure and integrated transport solutions.

He also discussed efforts to connect electric buses, electric tricycles, and commuter transport systems into a seamless mobility ecosystem, helping address transportation challenges while promoting environmental sustainability.

Entrepreneurship with Purpose

Throughout his presentation, Pangilinan emphasized that successful entrepreneurship should create value not only for investors and clients but also for communities.

His ventures in office-space development help businesses grow and create employment opportunities, while his mobility initiatives seek to improve transportation, reduce emissions, and enhance the quality of life for ordinary Filipinos.

Members responded enthusiastically to his presentation, engaging him in a lively discussion during the open forum and gaining valuable insights into emerging opportunities in real estate, technology, and sustainable mobility.

A Fitting Conclusion to a Productive Rotary Year

The 35th Weekly Membership Meeting served as an appropriate culmination of Rotary Year 2025 2026. Through the RCManila Foundation’s impressive accomplishments under the leadership of PDG Alex Cureg and the inspiring entrepreneurial journey shared by Star Rotarian AJ Pangilinan, members were reminded that meaningful impact is achieved through sound stewardship, visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to service.

As the Rotary Club of Manila prepares to embark on a new Rotary year, the meeting reaffirmed the enduring strength of Asia’s First Rotary Club and the collective determination of its members to continue creating positive and lasting impact in the communities they serve.