Valedictory Speech (RY 2025-2026)

Rotary Year 2025–2026

Fellow Rotarians, distinguished guests, our partners in service, and dear friends, I stand before you in gratitude.

I became President unexpectedly, RCMD Council of Past Presidents urgently requested  me over a bottle of Brenne Whisky courtesy of PP Philip Nazareno to take the helm just 12 hours before the first Pre-PELS. thank you, PP Philip, for the bad hangover PDG Joji Tan and I carried into the Pre-PELs

We celebrate tonight the collective achievement  of the Rotary Club of Makati Dasmariñas.

This evening, we reflect not only on what did , but at the legacy we have built together.

Throughout the year, the Council of Past Presidents was solid in their support. The calls of encouragement , and kindness, were invaluable especially during the term , I lost 2 dear sisters and 2 uncles.

That support, unwavering trust  were vital because our tasks and goals were not easy.. 

 Transformation is always challenged

The pace I set for the Board was grueling. We set out not only to preserve but for RCMD to thrive.

My gratitude to the RCMD Council of Past Presidents and my 2025-2026 Board , for the trust and support.

Growing Membership with Purpose

We began the year with 73 members. After  updating our roster and welcoming 10 new Rotarians, we closed the year with 75 active members—a net gain of two. Thank you PP Dada Cua for the effective campaign in membership 

More importantly, we strengthened the quality of membership. Every new member completed a New Member Learning Session /before induction, ensuring they understood Rotary’s values, opportunities, and responsibilities from the very beginning.  

Thank you to our Club Learning Facilitators, PDG Joji Tan and PP Juor Buted.

A Historic Year for The Rotary Foundation- 

We delivered the  most remarkable year in our club’s history for The Rotary Foundation.

Together, RCMD contributed approximately US$283,000, or ₱17.4 million, to The Rotary Foundation .

Our giving included an Arch Klumph Society contribution of US$250,000 by  PP Rhoda Salas, an Endowment Fund gift of US$25,000 by  PP Philip Nazaren ao, 

These extraordinary endowment gifts from PP Rhoda Salas and PP Philip Nazareno will continue to support education programs year after year. 

Further , We contributed Approximately US$6,000 to the Annual Fund exceeding the goal of $1,500, and about US$2,331  to PolioPlus, exceeding goal of $500. 

Thank you for rallying us, TRF Chair PDG Joji Tan.

We focused on Stewardship Through Sustainable Service

We successfully completed the implementation of our Environmental Global Grant, “Rehabilitation of Volcano-Damaged Marine Ecosystem with New Technology Artificial Reefs” in Bauan, Batangas.

This project restored hope to fishing communities with  the power of international Rotary partnerships . 

 As we prepare our Final Report, we are already working toward our next Global Grant, because in Rotary, every completed project becomes the foundation for an even greater program .

Service Above Self in Action

Service remained the heart of our club.

Across Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus, we implemented approximately 50 projects and programs, 

representing nearly ₱2.5 million in direct project funding/ complemented by approximately ₱1 million in non-cash contributions from our members and partners.

We set up a Tony Go - PGH Pediatric Cancer Legacy Fund of 2Million Pesos initially ,  which has now benefited 10 children with cancer 

We also expanded our network of collaboration through our sister club, RC suwon Junggang  and new sister clubs , RC Las Vegas Southwest, and  RC Vigan . They, together with our new program partners,  RC Makati Global, and RC Makati. have strengthened our ability to create meaningful and sustainable impact, especially in the Daloy potable water program 

We are An Engaged and Vibrant Club

A successful Rotary club is measured not only by attendance, but by membership engagement in all forms.

This year, approximately 80% of our members actively participated in fellowships, service projects, learning activities, district and club events.

Our regular meetings featured relevant and eductional topics , while our fellowship activities strengthened friendships .  Rotary flourishes when members enjoy serving together. 

Thank you, most outstanding RCMDer for this year, our Admin Chair PP Dada Cua.

 We Strengthened  Our Foundation with good governance..

Together, we conducted our strategic planning, refined club protocols, and amended our By-Laws to ensure that the RCMD  remains strong, relevant,  prepared and will thrive while keeping the club’s culture .

Endeavor led by Past Presidents Philip Nazareno , Inky Reyes , Juor Buted , Winston Yang , Jun Turla , Rhoda Salas and PDG Joji Tan 

Thank you to our now empowered  esteemed Council of Past Presidents .

We also strengthened our public image through:

• our website, rcmd3830.org, 

• the regular publication of Club 80+,

• consistent communication of our projects and achievements thru social media platforms such as   Tik-Tok, Instagram, YouTube and  Facebook, 

• reaching out to other Districts both locally and internationally , whereupon we were able to interact with 15 Rotary Districts globally.

Every story shared became an invitation for others to discover Rotary. 

Thank you, PDG Joji for website management and the ebulletin. 

Thank you, Dir Diane, for the public image reels and distribution. 

Thank you, Dir Vince, for the souvenir program publications and  RCMD facebook  management.

We Invested  in the Next Generation

One of our greatest responsibilities is to develop tomorrow’s leaders.

Through meaningful programs for our Interactors, Rotaractors, and our Erudite Satellite Club, we continued to invest in the youth who embody Rotary’s ideals of leadership, integrity, and service.

Having a seat in our table , where communication is direct , talents shared, their future is now/  as they are already making a difference .

Thank you Chair Trajan Alteus for your progressive approach .

Our Legacy is Service

Our success is measured in lives transformed.

• children who have better opportunities.

• communities that ,  are healthier ,  stronger, and empowered .

• friendships that crossed cultures and generations.

• members who found renewed purpose through service.

Those are the legacies that matter.

To our incoming President Lulu and officers as well as PE Jake Gacus and PN Jojo Magsalin, thank you for accepting the privilege and responsibility of leadership. 

You inherit a strong  club built on generosity, excellence, fellowship, and service. May you build upon this foundation and lead RCMD to even greater heights.

My last voice will be of gratitude –

Governor Reggie, thank you for your support, invaluable training, and encouragement for all UGPs, to reach dreams TOGETHER . 

 to members of our esteemd  Rotary Club of Makati Dasmariñas:

Thank you for your trust.

Together , we have strengthened a legacy that will continue to create lasting impact for years to come. We thrive.

We continue to ask ,  How can I serve with truth, and how can I serve effectively?

Thank you, and may God continue to bless the Rotary Club of Makati Dasmariñas.