Message of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda

Rotary Club of Manila South

37th Charter Anniversary and 36th Induction of Officers

My warmest greetings to the Rotary Club of Manila South (RCMS) as you celebrate
your 37th Charter Anniversary, and congratulations to the new officers of the
organization.

As principal author of the Magna Carta of the Poor, I would like to commend the
men and women of RCMS for your deep involvement in socio-civic activities and
your relentless effort to make a positive impact on our community through
meaningful actions and programs to uplift the lives of the less fortunate and
underprivileged. Your initiatives on education, healthcare, and those that focus on
improving their living conditions have consistently adhered to your organization’s
motto of “Service Beyond Self.”

In a report by the World Bank, the latest national poverty estimates show that
poverty incidence in the country increased from 16.7% in 2018 to 18% in 2021. We
can only say that we are progressing as a country if we are able to solve the
problem of poverty.
As a legislator, I have advocated for programs and initiatives to strengthen our
human capital, create more job opportunities, ensure equitable access to quality
education and healthcare, and provide a safe and disaster-resilient community
to alleviate poverty in the country. I would like to express my appreciation for
the Rotary Club’s outstanding contribution to achieving our collective goal of
improving the lives of Filipinos. In a world where challenges seem to never
end, especially for our fellow Filipinos in the marginalized sector, the RCMS
serves as a reminder that kindness and selflessness continue to exist.

As you embark on another milestone, with a new set of officers, I encourage

you to never get tired of reaching out to the people with the same fervor that
has transformed countless lives and inspired others to advocate and nurture
the values of service and compassion.

Once again, congratulations on this momentous celebration and to the newly

inducted officers of the RCMS. Let us work together to develop a community
where no one is left behind, and the underprivileged are empowered to become
productive members of society and key players in the country’s overall growth
and development.

Thank you. Isang luntiang Pilipinas sa ating lahat!

LOREN LEGARDA