The searing heat of the summer of 2025 has not prevented the Rotary Club of Makati from vigorously pursuing the tail end of its various projects for Rotary Year 2024-2025 which ends on 30 June.

Amid the unusually hot, oven-like temperatures, a delegation of RCM Rotarians led by president Keith Harrison and president-elect Eddie Galvez flew into Albay last week to turn over a newly built dormitory to Bicol University to be used as accommodations for underprivileged female college students from far-flung areas who have to travel long hours to get to school.

This is the fifth dormitory provided by RCM to selected public universities and colleges across the country in cooperation with the Angat Buhay Foundation upon the request of former Vice President Leni Robredo during the term of past president Fred Pascual about five years ago, which has been pursued by RCM presidents until today.

As we landed in Daraga in the province of Albay, I was awed by the majestic Mayon Volcano that greeted us albeit its crown covered by clouds. A bit disappointed, I silently prayed that before we departed for home, we would be gifted with a full view of Mayon.

From the airport, we headed straight to Sorsogon City via an impressive, apparently newly built, sleek two-lane highway hugging the Sorsogon Gulf to inaugurate the renovated and modern toilets at the Sorsogon East Central Elementary School, a joint project with RC Las Piñas led by its president, Ronald Vilchez, a native son of Sorsogon and an alumnus of the very school.

As we motored back to Daraga, we were finally gifted with the sight I had prayed for — a full, unobstructed view of the perfectly cone-shaped Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the Philippines, erupting 52 times over the past 500 years.

The day, however, was not yet done as some of our more adventurous RCM members braved the rough mountain terrain of the foothills of Mayon riding on ATVs, four-wheel all-terrain oversized motorcycles, to get a much better view of the volcano.

Bright and early the next morning, we headed to Bicol University for the main reason for our trip — the turnover of the dormitory.

With the Bicol dorm project all wrapped up, the incoming board and advisers of Eddie next gathered at Anvaya Cove Golf and Sports Club in Morong, Bataan as the week wound down with some welcome relief from the heat and early downpours signaling the start of the rainy season to map out what RCM will be doing for Rotary Year 2025-2026 beginning 1 July.

And as with all projects, particularly those out of town, RCM never fails to combine service and fellowship. To prepare for the upcoming District 3830 Tournament of Champions on 30 June, which, modesty aside, includes RCM, the golf team hit the Anvaya links, reputedly one of the best in Asia, with its high grassland terrain adjoining the tropical rainforests of Bataan on one side and the vast West Philippine Sea as the backdrop on the other.

But, alas, as dusk fell, an intermittent heavy downpour and lightning forced us to stop. We had no choice but to retreat to the clubhouse for fellowship and dinner with the Anns who made the weekend much more lively and fun.

With our spirits fully charged and eager to serve, next came the very serious business of how to spread the generous bounty of talent and materials that RCM fortunately is bestowed with. To give all a preview of the next Rotary year, and naming just a few, the different committee chairs presented their plans.

Some were simply an extension of prior years’ notable projects such as the Reef Buds which protects our coral reefs; Books Across the Seas with over 60,000 books ready to be distributed to as many Rotary Clubs as possible; Heal Program to provide quality education to out of school youths; Dualtech Scholarships which provide both classroom and on the job training based on the needs identified by business partners; a sixth Dormitory Project, but this time for high school students; and the NGF Mental Health Project to provide mentorship training for peers of youths suffering from depression and other mental health issues.

And there are some new projects such as President Eddie’s key advocacy, the AI Academy, that will equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in Artificial Intelligence to prepare them for future opportunities and potential employment.

Another ambitious goal of Eddie is the prevention of Human Trafficking and Child Abuse that seeks to raise awareness, promote prevention, and provide treatment for individuals deemed to be at risk. The plan is to tie up with like minded organizations such as Unicef Philippines and top Philippine corporations.

A major chunk of the RCM budget will be allocated to medical concerns such as cancer screening, dental and surgical missions, and drug rehabilitation programs. So many other noteworthy projects are actually lined up and many more that RCM may not be aware of. To our fellow Rotarians of other clubs, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Until next week… one big fight!