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Cover of Balita issue 4107
The official publication of the Rotary Club of Manila

Balita · Issue No. 4107

Thursday, 24 September 2026 · 12th Weekly Membership Meeting

Guest of honor and speaker: Atty. Maria Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon, Former Commissioner, Commission on Elections

This issue covers the editorial on elections and accountability, the introduction of guest speaker Atty. Maria Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon, a feature report on Mayor Roseller Rodriguez's address on the Pax Silica project in Capas, the Mid-Autumn Festival Dice Game fellowship, the nominees for the 2027-2028 Board of Directors election, an In Focus profile of Rotarian John Simon, district induction events, and a reprinted news column by PP Artemio Panganiban.

10 stories
Editorial · pp. 6–13

Elections, Accountability, and the Health of Institutions

An editorial argues that clean, credible elections and strong accountability mechanisms together determine the health of any institution, from Rotary clubs to nations.

Guest speaker · pp. 14–19

Atty. Maria Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon: Lawyer • Public Servant • Governance, Women's Rights & PWD Advocate

A distinguished Filipino lawyer, public servant, educator, and advocate whose career spans law, government auditing, elections, public administration, women's rights, disability rights, and good governance.

Weekly meeting · pp. 20–55

What Is Built in Capas Should Also Build Capas

Mayor Roseller "Boots" Rodriguez brings the host community's voice into the national conversation on Pax Silica

Fellowship · pp. 56–69

Mid-Autumn Festival Dice Game Fellowship

Rotary Club of Manila held its Mid-Autumn Festival Dice Game Fellowship, featuring the Pua Tiong Chiu dice game, prizes for winners, and cash and in-kind donations.

Club administration · pp. 76–83

Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Manila for Rotary Year 2027–2028

Eight nominees are up for election to the Rotary Club of Manila Board of Directors for Rotary Year 2027–2028.

In Focus · pp. 84–87

Rotarian John Simon

A Rotarian shares his hopes for a dinner conversation with the President, plus his hobbies, guiding advice, and bucket-list dreams.

District · pp. 88–93

9th Induction and 10th Handover Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Manila Supreme 198

DGN Hermie Esguerra and PDG Rudy Bediones attended the ceremonies on September 17, 2026, at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

District · pp. 94–95

55th Handover and Induction Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of University District Manila

DGN Hermie Esguerra and President Reggie Yu attended the 55th Handover and Induction Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of University District Manila, daughter club of the Rotary Club of Manila.

District · pp. 96–97

PDG Rudy Bediones Attends On to Barcelona

PDG Rudy Bediones received a certificate as Major Co-Host at the On to Barcelona event held at Casino Español in Ermita, Manila.

In the news
In the news · pp. 104–109

Why is Vietnam's economy growing faster than ours?

A look at Vietnam's investment boom and what the Philippines can learn from its speed and decisiveness in attracting foreign capital.