They collaborated on education, environmental conservation, and community development throughout 2025–2026. Helping Filipino students explore career opportunities and supporting sustainable tourism in Zamboanga Sibugay, the Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) and the Rotary Club of Makati Uptown (RCMU) have strengthened their relationship through education, conservation, tourism, and community service.
Under the leadership of Immediate Past President Francis Ong (2025–2026), RCMU (also a PGE Official Member) has undertaken numerous humanitarian initiatives throughout 2025 and 2026. These collaborative programmes with PGE reflect a shared interest in supporting Filipino communities.
Rotary International’s guiding principle, “Service Above Self“, supports a broad humanitarian mission. PGE focuses on connecting Filipino travellers worldwide and using their experiences and networks to promote education through travel, responsible tourism, cultural heritage and community development.
Opening Doors Through Education
One notable collaboration was the third edition of PGE’s Lakbay Aral programme, held on 2 June 2026. Organised in collaboration with RCMU, the educational visit brought 45 students from the Upskills Foundation to Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
Students visited Ayala Land Offices, IWG Spaces, NEO Offices, and FactSet, meeting industry professionals and learning about workplace environments and career opportunities. The experience reflected PGE’s belief in education beyond the classroom and Rotary’s commitment to youth development.
RCMU also provided a substantial financial contribution to the PGE Gabay Scholarship Programme, which assists financially disadvantaged college students with essential educational expenses.
Read the Lakbay Aral story | Learn about the Gabay Scholarship
Beyond these collaborations, Rotary supported improvements to local schools.
On 18 February 2026, RCMU turned over a newly installed water fountain at Villegas High School in Tondo, Manila. The activity also included a youth talk by PGE Official Member and event representative Ann Marie Cunanan.
The club’s inclusive education initiatives included the SPED Marilao Assistance Programme in February 2026, flooring improvements turned over on 27 April 2026, and a Special Needs Education (SNED) turnover activity on 9 May 2026.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism in Zamboanga Sibugay
Another important area of cooperation involves PGE’s Zamboanga Sibugay Farm Culinary Eco-Tourism Project, developed with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation.
The initiative, titled “Yellow Boat Adventures: Empowering KGMC through Farm Culinary Eco-Tourism“, focuses on a fishing community in Concepcion, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. Its proposed activities combine mangrove conservation, sustainable fishing, local culinary traditions and community-led tourism to support livelihood opportunities.
RCMU has extended its support to the project’s development, participating in coordination meetings on 17 January, during March and on 4 August 2026.
The ongoing collaboration brings together PGE’s responsible tourism advocacy, the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation’s community work and Rotary’s experience in service programmes.
Environmental conservation also featured in RCMU’s independent activities, including a beach clean-up on 16 November 2025, a pawikan (marine turtle) release on 1 February 2026 and a marine protection initiative in Lian, Batangas, on 1 April 2026.
These efforts complement PGE’s interest in protecting natural environments and supporting tourism destinations dependent on healthy coastal ecosystems.
Rotary’s Wider Commitment to Community Welfare
Beyond their shared initiatives, RCMU and some PGE volunteers continued their humanitarian outreach across several communities.
Its healthcare activities included a Health and Wellness Outreach for Women on 11 October 2025 and a bloodletting activity on 5 December 2025.
On 10 April 2026, the club undertook Serbisyo Calayo and the Calayo Medical Mission, followed by a medical mission in Payatas on 14 April. A prosthesis fitting activity took place on 20 April, with Eyeglass Outreach Assistance following on 28 July 2026.
RCMU also extended assistance to vulnerable groups.
In July 2025, its Children’s Day programme supported a shelter for street children, whilst Lola’s Day brought outreach assistance to a home for older people in Bulacan. The Angels outreach on 17 August 2025 focused on children affected by abuse and those living in orphanages or residential care.
Support for Indigenous communities included the Dumagat Assistance Outreach on 18 January 2026 and the Mangyan Indigenous Peoples Assistance Project on 20 February 2026.
These Rotary-led programmes demonstrate the club’s broader humanitarian work. PGE acknowledges these contributions as part of its supportive relationship with RCMU, recognising the distinct missions and responsibilities of both organisations.
Continuing a Partnership Built on Shared Values
The relationship has also extended to organisational activities. On 6 December 2025, RCMU supported PGE’s Philippine tourism-related activities and Annual General Meeting.
For PGE, collaboration with Rotary provides opportunities to connect its global network of Filipino travellers with community organisations and service initiatives.
Lakbay Aral and the Gabay Scholarship demonstrate cooperation in education, whilst the developing Zamboanga Sibugay initiative brings responsible tourism and environmental conservation into focus.
Philippine Global Explorers extends its appreciation to the Rotary Club of Makati Uptown, Immediate Past President Francis Ong (2025–2026), its members, volunteers and community partners for their continued service and support.
PGE also recognises the Upskills Foundation, Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation and participating organisations whose involvement has contributed to these initiatives.
As both organisations continue their respective programmes, they look forward to further opportunities for cooperation in education, sustainable tourism, environmental conservation and community development.
