Rotary Club of Makati reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation with a significant contribution to the Reef Buds project in Bauan, Batangas.

Launched last 18 November 2023, the initiative is aligned with Rotary's Areas of Focus, specifically in terms of protecting the environment and restoring marine ecosystems.

Led by president-nominee Keith Harrison, Director Winston Uy, and baby Rotarians Anton Cabrera and Michael Hsu, a delegation from RC Makati traveled nearly three hours to Bauan, Batangas, for the official launch of the Reef Buds project.

The event, which was held at the Destino Resort, featured a program attended by various Rotary Clubs, partners and supporters.

Collaborative effort

During the program, Top Gun president Jo Sarmiento, past district governor Joji Tan, and past president Gigi Uy from RCM Dasmariñas, the lead Club for the project, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts.

PN Keith Harrison, representing RC Makati, conveyed the Club's pride in supporting the initiative and emphasized the global unity demonstrated by Rotary Clubs from different countries.

The delegation then visited the Reef Buds site along the beach, where individual nameplates acknowledged vital partners and contributors. A symbolic blessing preceded photo opportunities, capturing the enthusiasm and unity of the participants.

Significant step

Highlight of the day was the deployment of Reef Buds into Balayan Bay via motorboat, marking a significant step towards the restoration of marine ecosystems in the area.

After Taal Volcano exploded, first in January, 2020, followed by smaller eruptions in July 2021 and then on March, 2022, Bauan, Batangas faced environmental challenges, impacting fish populations and affecting the community's food security.

The Reef Buds project aims to counteract these effects, fostering the revival of marine life and support for eco-marine tourism in the region.

The Global Grant project, spearheaded by RCM Dasmariñas, garnered contributions from international partners such as RC Kuala Lumpur Greater Metro, RC Pantai Valley, and RC Bangsar from Malaysia, as well as RC Singapore.

Locally, RC Makati, RC Circuit Makati and RCM Business District, all part of District 3830, stand as proud partners in this environmental conservation effort.

RC Makati's active participation

RC Makati actively participated by deploying 200 artificial reef buds in Balayan Bay. The $40,589 Global Grant, with a $3,100 contribution from RC Makati, aims to breathe new life into the marine ecosystem.

This support was committed during the term of RC Makati past president Louie Aseoche in RY2021-22 and saw fruition in the funding disbursed last Rotary year under the leadership of Immediate past president Michael Escaler.

RC Makati's commitment to conservation efforts extends beyond Balayan Bay. In Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, over 280 buds have been deployed, marking a signature project during the term of PP Peter Manzano in Rotary Year 2020-21.

Conservation footprint

Expanding its conservation footprint, RC Makati also established a new site in Padre Burgos, Quezon, last year under Rtn. Ferdie Ordoveza's leadership, deploying 120 buds.

Reef Buds are artificial reefs invented by the late Austrian geoscientist, Dr. Harald Kremnitz and Filipino Benjamin Tayag Jr.. A recipient of the World Bank Country Development Marketplace contest award in March, 2006, these artificial reefs are used as an effective way of reviving severely-damaged near shore marine ecosystems.

As RC Makati continues to champion environmental conservation, these initiatives demonstrate the club's dedication to making a positive impact on marine ecosystems and fostering a sustainable future.