22 September 2005—The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Rotary Clubs from the cities of Makati and Sydney signed on 20 September 2005 a sister-club agreement to further boost business and people-to-people exchanges from the business and financial centers of the Philippines and Australia.

The Agreement was signed at the Menzies Hotel in Sydney's Business District between Mr. Jesus Tambunting, President of the Rotary Club of Makati and Mr. Adrian Pilton, President of the Rotary Club of Sydney. Philippine Consul General Maria Theresa Lazaro, Philippine Senior Trade Representative Zafrullah Masahud and a visiting contingent of eleven (11) Filipino Rotary of Makati businessmen witnessed the ceremony.

Consul General Lazaro commended the event, saying: “The coming together of the captains of business and industry from two Rotary Clubs of the business and financial  centers of the Philippines and Australia is something that we look forward to.    The potential it brings to the development of the business and investment sectors for both countries is indeed very exciting.”

The sister-club agreement aims to encourage interaction between business executives, foster people-to-people exchanges and work towards poverty alleviation. This was initiated through the efforts of Sydney-based Filipino Rene Benitez.

The 220-strong Rotary Club of Makati City is the oldest and second largest chapter in the Philippines while the Rotary Club of Sydney is the largest in Australia with 200 members, all of whom are top Chief Executive Officers.

Consul General Lazaro said a Sydney Rotary contingent is slated to visit Manila in March 2006 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the sister-club. END