CLUB HISTORY Rotary Club of Makati East (RCME) formally received its Charter from Rotary International on January 27, 1981. The club was organized under the direction of then District Governor Rafael “Paeng” Hechanova R.I. D-3830, with the Rotary Club of Makati as its mother club. Other Rotarians who assisted in organizing the Club were District Extension Chairman Cesar “Czar” Yatco, District Governor's Special Representative Roberto “Bert” Montinola, and Rotarian Tim “Tiny” Quimson. The Club originally had 25 Charter members, and had 42 members by the time its Charter was received.
At the first organizational meeting, Antonio “Tony” Quirino, Jesus “Jess” Tirona, Vicente “Binky” Besa, Daniel “Danny” Gomez, Celso “Cels” Samaniego, Jose “Chiqui” Francisco, Jaime “Mito” Blanco, Jr. and Manuel “Manny” Colayco were elected as directors. Tony Quirino was elected as Charter President.
The earliest community service project of RCME involved assistance to crippled children at the National Orthopedic Hospital and, later on, at Bahay Mapagmahal. Other worthy projects followed, such as the livelihood assistance, supplemental feeding, and environmental improvement programs conducted at Barangay West Rembo in Makati. Similar programs were also launched in San Andres, Manila. In addition to these programs, the Club has led medical and dental missions, and donated fruit tree seedlings, school equipment, and other gifts to Barangay West Rembo.
In 1995, the RCME launched “Operation Smile” and brought in a group of doctors and nurses from the Association of Philippine Physicians of New York to treat several patients with cleft lips, and to provide other surgical and medical treatments to patients of St. Martin de Porres Charity Hospital. This continuing project, held every two years, has evolved to include other surgical cases.
To strengthen its ties with the business community and academe, RCME initiated the formation of the Interact Club at UST High School in 1990, and supported the Club’s various projects by participating in its youth gatherings. RCME also sponsored the ROTARACT CLUBS at Adtel, Inc. and Manila Memorial Park Inc. In addition, RCME also hosted two major district events: the 1983 district Assembly in Baguio, and the 2000 District Assembly in Makati.
In line with its goal of investing in education, RCME supports the Rotary Foundation with an increasing number of Paul Harris Fellows every year. The Club also participates in the Foundation's Group Study Exchange, Mixed Grants and other projects.
RCME also believes in recognizing outstanding public servants. In 1992-1993, it conceived of an awards program to honor policewomen. This led to the formation of the Philippines Finest Policewomen awards program in 1993-1994, with full implementation in 1994-1995. The Club was also one of the original organizers and sponsors of The Outstanding Philippine Soldier or (T.O.P.S.) award, which is now supported by the Metrobank Foundation.
In the spirit of international service, RCME has established sister club relationships with the Rotary Club of Taipei Ta-an and the Rotary Club Kwai Chuang, Hong Kong. These Clubs exchange annual visits with RCME and assist in RCME's community and vocational services projects.
RCME's membership growth has been modest, perhaps because of the membership's desire for quality recruits. The Club has a deep roster of able leaders and a strong bond of friendship among its members – attributes that presage the attainment of even higher achievements in the future. MEETING DATE AND VENUE RC Makati East meets Fridays at noon at the New World Hotel in the Central Business District of Makati City
CONTACT INFORMATION G/F, Manila Memorial Park Building
2283 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City
Tel: +632 893 2385
Fax: +632 893 8364
e-mail: rcmakatieast@gmail.com
