The prestigious Rotary Club of Manila is marking its centennial year and the president, Herminio Esguerra, was inaugurated this week at the grand ballroom of Conrad Manila. The inducting officer was Rotary International District 3810 district governor Joyce L. Ambray.

Hermie to his friends, the Rotary’s centennial president was born on March 7, 1954 in Plaridel Bulacan. After high school, he enrolled at the Immaculate Conception minor seminary where he graduated in 1972. He completed his college education at the University of the East, where he majored in political science and economics in 1975.

He first worked as a marketing representative of United Laboratories, and then moved  to Petrolphil, now Petron Corporation. In 1983, with two friends, he co- founded Transline Inc., a company engaged in bunkering.

Gifted with a grand vision and entrepreneurial spirit, Esguerra bravely founded his first company, Herma Corp. His leadership and foresight resulted in a group of companies that is now a recognized leader in marine transport and allied services, petroleum supply chain, ship building, ship repair, marine infrastructure, environmental management services, property development, and agro industrial ventures.

“As Rotarians we are obliged to care how we can help in preserving our environment. It is about working toward a world that is safe for all people,” said Hermie at his vast, environmentally sustainable Esguerra Farms in the outskirts of Lipa, Batangas He sees the farms as his responsibility to the environment.

Hermie is a champion among horse owners, one of the most sought-after breeders in the Philippines. What he started as a family rest house and horse lodge in 2000 has developed into Esguerra Farms and Stud Inc., an enterprising 70-hectare complex that produces organic vegetables, fruits, and the yields of high-quality animal farming.

Esguerra says he is keen to be a big part of the solution to global climate change, so he started by changing business-as-usual practices, making investments in resilient, low-carbon infrastructure, and changing consumer habits.

Hermie had seen the devastating effects of climate change in communities. At Esguerra Farms, they implemented a working culture, in which the animals are well-treated, free-range, antibiotic-free, and hormones-free. Its agricultural produce is all organic and pesticide free.

Esguerra Farms is also known for being the first in the market to offer high-quality organic Kurobuta pork. The Kurobuta Japanese black pigs at the farm are free range and pasteur-fed, which is why the meat is much juicier and tender. The farm has its own facilities for the production and distribution of high-quality pork products, such as bacon, sausages, ham, tomahawk, pork chops, and the famous cochinillo.

Caring for the environment and its importance is the ultimate goal at Esguerra Farms. It’s a true Rotarian value!