Mayor Magalong Urges Integrity and Unity Among Rotarians at Baguio Highlands Anniversary

The crisp Baguio evening air carried a spirit of celebration as the Rotary Club of Baguio Highlands gathered for its 6th Charter Anniversary and 7th Induction Ceremonies. Beyond the music, fellowship, and the warmth of old friends, the evening became a moment of reflection and renewed purpose — thanks to a stirring message from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, himself a proud  member of the club.

Taking the stage before fellow members and distinguished guests, Mayor Magalong spoke not only as a public servant but also as a brother in Rotary. With the night’s theme “Unite for Good” as his guidepost, he urged Rotarians to embody integrity and courage in a time when society most needs principled leadership.

“Unity must not be shallow—it must be anchored on values, on doing what is right, and on standing together even when the path is difficult,” he reminded the audience.

For the mayor, who has built his public life on a strong anti-corruption advocacy, silence in the face of wrongdoing is never an option. His words carried weight as he declared: “Silence is not neutrality—it is complicity.”

His message was not one of admonition but of inspiration. He recognized the unique power of Rotary — a global fellowship bound by the motto “Service Above Self” — to be a moral compass in communities. From grassroots service projects to shaping public values, Rotarians, he said, can be champions of accountability and good governance.

“Let us build a culture where truth is spoken with courage, where action is taken with conviction, and where our silence will never be mistaken for consent to wrongdoing,” Mayor Magalong said, urging his fellow Rotarians to take their influence beyond the club and into the fabric of civic life.

As the club welcomed its new officers and members into leadership, the mayor’s words framed the evening as more than just a milestone celebration. It became a collective call to action — to be vigilant, courageous, and united in the pursuit of good.

With conviction, he closed his address with a promise of hope: “Mas maaabot natin ang magandang pagbabago kung sama-sama tayo.”

For the Rotary Club of Baguio Highlands, now six years strong, the anniversary was not just a celebration of past achievements. It was a reaffirmation of their role as changemakers, inspired by one of their very own — a Rotarian who also happens to lead their beloved city.