RC Makati, Rex Bookstore partners in ‘Books Across the Seas’ program

THE CIRCUIT

Rex Bookstore has pledged to donate to the Rotary Club of Makati’s ‘Books Across the Seas’ program, one of the Club’s longest-running initiatives which has ignited a passion for reading among students, fostering a culture of literacy in schools

RC Makati, Rex Bookstore partners in ‘Books Across the Seas’ program — The Rotary Club of Makati and Rex Bookstore have agreed to partner in RC Makati’s ‘Books Across the Sea’ Program. Shown during the memorandum of agreement signing at the Peninsula Manila last 26 September 2023 are (from left) Honorary RC Makati member James Savage; Andrew Stephen Bendero, general manager, Rex Group of Companies’ Shared Support Services, RC Makati president Bing Matoto, and RC Makati director Rodrigo Segura. | PHOTOgraph courtesy of RC Makati

The Rotary Club of Makati has marked a significant milestone in its long-standing "Books Across the Seas" program or BATS through a strategic partnership with Rex Bookstore.

Last Tuesday, 26 September 2023, a memorandum of agreement was signed during the Club's luncheon meeting at the Conservatory of The Peninsula Manila, solidifying Rex Bookstore's role as a major contributor to the program.

Andrew Stephen Bendero, general manager of Rex Group of Companies' Shared Support Services, represented Rex Bookstore Inc. in the MoA signing, while the Rotary Club of Makati was represented by RC Makati President, Bing Matoto. The momentous occasion was witnessed by Director Rodrigo Segura and Jay Savage.

The newly inked agreement cements Rex Bookstore's commitment to the Rotary Club of Makati's BATS program, as the company has agreed to generously donate books to support the initiative.

One of the Rotary Club of Makati's longest-running projects, the BATS program dates back to 1988, when it was established.

Over the years, this initiative has distributed more than 16 million books nationwide, benefiting schools across the Philippines.

Priority has been given to schools in remote areas and those affected by natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides and earthquakes.

The program's impact goes beyond the mere provision of textbooks and reference materials. It has ignited a passion for reading among students, fostering a culture of literacy in schools.

Additionally, it has equipped Philippine teachers with valuable instructional resources and empowered school administrators with enhanced management skills.

With the partnership with Rex Bookstore Inc., the Rotary Club of Makati aims to expand the reach of the BATS program. This ambitious objective will require the collaboration of more Rotary Clubs and partner organizations to facilitate the distribution of books to schools and libraries in need.

To request books for your adopted school or institution, please contact the Rotary Club of Makati via email at rcm3830@gmail.com or access the online request form at https://forms.gle/T8ceVyC8fjQqZCHK7. Support for the project can help spread knowledge and inspire a lifelong love for learning among the nation's youth.