A Scholarship, A Future, A Legacy

For nearly two decades, the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center (RCOC) has remained steadfast in its belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and building stronger communities.

The Club’s Scholarship Program began in Rotary Year 2007–2008 under the leadership of then-President Manuel Torres. Recognizing the potential of academically-gifted yet financially-challenged students, RCOC adopted the Rizal Experimental Station and Pilot School of Cottage Industries (RESPSCI), a public high school in Pasig City. Initially, the Club provided recognition awards to students who excelled in English, Mathematics, and Science.

Soon after, the Club expanded its commitment by launching a scholarship program that would provide financial assistance to deserving students. The scholarship covered transportation expenses, daily allowances, and academic project costs. Scholars were selected beginning in their second year of high school and continued to receive support until graduation, provided they maintained excellent academic standing.

The program was adopted and further strengthened during Rotary Year 2008–2009 under then-President Gloria Cotoco, who has chaired and nurtured the initiative ever since. Through her dedication and unwavering commitment, the scholarship program evolved into one of RCOC’s flagship and sustaining service projects.

In its early years, the scholarship covered only high school education. However, RCOC members soon realized that many scholars, despite their academic excellence, faced significant financial barriers to pursuing college. The Club recognized that years of investment, mentorship, and support could be lost if these students were unable to continue their education beyond high school. Determined to see their scholars achieve their full potential, RCOC expanded the program to include college education. Since then, deserving scholars have continued receiving assistance until they complete their college degrees, enabling them to pursue professional careers and break the cycle of poverty through education.

The program was initially funded through the generosity of Rotary Club of Ortigas Center members, who made annual pledges to support the scholars. Additional funding came from proceeds of the Club’s annual souvenir program, which became a significant source of financial assistance during the program’s formative years. As fundraising approaches evolved, the Club expanded its support base by tapping into the professional and business networks of its members. Proceeds from fundraising initiatives such as District-wide Car Raffles and Wine Pairing Masterclass further strengthened the program’s sustainability and enabled the Club to continue supporting scholars year after year.

Over the years, the impact of the program has been remarkable. What started with a handful of scholars has grown into a life-changing initiative that has already produced eleven college graduates. Today, these former scholars are making strides and contributions to society as accountants, engineers, investment bankers, information technology professionals, and public servants.

Currently, the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center supports thirteen (13) scholars from RESPSCI, Kapitolyo High School, and the Pasig ICC Soup Kitchen. Beyond financial assistance, the program provides mentorship, encouragement, and a support system that empowers students to pursue their dreams despite economic challenges.

The success of the scholarship program would not have been possible without the generosity of its benefactors. Among those who have generously supported the scholars are Puregold, Ropali Group of Companies, and Fine Properties, together with many other compassionate individuals who believe in the transformative power of education.

Perhaps the most inspiring testament to the program’s success is the story of one of its own scholars. Few could have imagined that a scholarship recipient would one day lead the very Rotary club that helped shape his future.

GP Myron Danielle Montefalcon, who graduated as an RCOC college scholar in 2017, now serves as President of the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center. His journey from scholar to club leader embodies the program’s mission of developing future leaders who will, in turn, serve others.

Another shining example is Mikaella Soriano, who graduated in 2023. Inspired by the values of Rotary, she chartered the Rotaract Club of Ortigas Center and currently serves as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Pasig. She is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at the Ateneo School of Government, further preparing herself for a future in public service.

These success stories demonstrate that the RCOC Scholarship Program is more than an educational assistance initiative—it is an investment in future leaders, community builders, and changemakers.

As the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center continues to support deserving students year after year, it remains committed to its mission of creating opportunities, transforming lives, and proving that when Rotary invests in education, the impact extends far beyond the classroom and across generations.

Indeed, the greatest measure of the program’s success is not merely the number of scholars it has supported, but the lives it has transformed and the leaders it continues to inspire.

Written by: President Myron Montefalcon, Rotary Club of Ortigas Center