Governor's Monthly Letter March 2022

GOVERNOR’S MONTHLY LETTER ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 3780

SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES

MARCH 2022

D 3 7 8 0 G o v e r n o r ’ s M o n t h l y L e tt e r

MARCH 2022

ISSUE

Contents

Cover February Edition

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Water Sanitation and Hygiene

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RC Greater Anonas Defogging Project

4

Governor’s Message

36

Donation of Solar LED Lights Rotary Satellite Club of Loyola Heights

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RI President’s Message

37

Milk Letting Activity RC North EDSA

Editor in Chief

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TRF Chair’s Message

38

Baguio Pediatric Cardio Surgical Mission RC

PP Jesse Tanchanco

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Editor’s Message

39

Donating Blood is Essential RC Kamuning East

12

People of WASH Photography Contest

40

RC Midtown Diliman Rota Run and Rota Mile

14

Rotary Projects Around the Globe

42

RC Broadway Donation of Books and Laptop to Adopted School

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The Power of the Rotary Logo

43

RC Greenfields Free X-Ray Project

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Rotary Foundation Raises Record One Million for Giving Tuesday

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Padyak Pangkabuhayan RC Midtown QC

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Power of the Rotary Logo

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RC Cubao Sunrise Helps Save Environment

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RI Fidelity—One Voice Every Club

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Peace & Conflict Resolution in Muslim Mindanao RC Camp Aguinaldo

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How Rotarians are Already Fighting Climate Change

47

RC Pag-Asa End TB Project

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Congratulations PDG Danny Fausto

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RC Bagong Sandigan Empowerment of Girls

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D3780 Participates in Peace Stakeholders Engagement of the PAF

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RC Camp Aguinaldo Kupkop Pawikan Project

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Golden Wheel Awards

50

RC Uptown Novaliches Junk Art Workshop

26

Mario R Nery Vocational Excellence Awards

51

Rotaract Club of Kamuning Central Multiple Projects

28

Awards Selection Committee

52

Interact Club of New ERA HS Gulayan Para Sa Paaralan

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Awards Screening Committee

53

Rotaract Club of Midtown QC Crypto Clarified

30

RC Diliman Central Promotes Peace

54

The Language of Love: RAC Balintawak: Acts

31

RC Quirino Adopt and Plant Bamboo Project

55

Golden Wheel Awards

32

Rotary Days of Service

56

Serve to Change Lives

34

RC QC Media Tech Rotary Connect

Publisher: DG Edgardo Ayento

Editorial Team: Aya Nicole Corpus

Bong Cruz

Beth Directo

Marilen Lagniton

Cecille Rodriguez Rivera

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Photographers

Frank Macatangay

Joel Paragas

DG Ed Ayento and his Life Changing Presidents continue to Serve to Change Lives

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Message from the District Governor

March 2022 Message

Greetings to all my fellow Life Changers.

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e are now on our 9th month in our Rotary year. While we are practically in the home stretch so to speak, let us continue to live up to our theme “Serve to Change Lives” and leave a legacy that will serve to inspire and motivate the future leaders of our district and beyond.

It is very appropriate that this month’s theme is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. This is one of Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus. It is also on the list of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is the aim of the UN to have universal access to safely managed water and sanitation by 2030. But we have a long way to go. Every 2 minutes, somewhere in the world, a child dies as a result of poor hygiene or unsafe drinking water.

While considerable progress has been made in increasing access to clean drinking water and sanitation, billions of people-mostly in rural area, still lack these basic services. Worldwide, one in three people do not have access to safe drinking water, two out of five people do not have a basic hand-washing facility with soap and water and more than 673 million people still practice open defecation.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of sanitation, hygiene and adequate access to clean water for preventing and containing diseases. Hand hygiene saves lives. According to the World Health Organization, hand washing is one of the most effective actions you can take to reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections, including the COVID-19 virus. Yet billions of people still lack safe water sanitation, and funding is inadequate. (This information is published on the UN website). In many third world countries, teenage girls drop out of school if there are not toilet facilities.

This month also marks 54 years since the first Rotaract club was chartered, in 1968. In the more than halfcentury since Rotaract began, the world has seen profound changes, and young people have felt the greatest impact of those changes: the rise of technology and the information economy, the spread of education, and the tremendous influence of the internet. Today, young people have an unprecedented capacity to achieve – and Rotary needs their ideas and enthusiasm as never before.

Finally, can I please urge you to register for the District Conference, if you have not already done so. Registrations are now open; we have a high caliber of speakers lined up as well as time for fun and fellowship. Let’s make this the best attended District Conference ever.

But our work is far from finished, and the year ahead may be even more challenging than the year we just completed. For as we emerge from this pandemic, the after effects and resulting damage will linger for many years to come.

Paul Harris once said, “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the rest of the world it will be known by the results it achieves.”

This is our year to shine, to serve, to achieve results and to change lives. . .

Yours in Rotary service, Edgardo Ayento District Governor D3780

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Every 2 minutes, somewhere in the world, a child dies as a result of poor hygiene or unsafe drinking water.

Message from the RI President

March 2022 Message

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e have overcome so many challenges these past two years and changed numerous lives. It brings me great joy that we have worked so hard this year to grow Rotary through the Each One, Bring One initiative. The result has been excellent growth in membership. Let us keep up the momentum. I am happy that you have put a spotlight on all we do by organizing projects around the world in our Rotary Days of Service. The future looks brighter than ever for Rotary and our 1.4 million members.

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 constituted a pandemic, and two years later it is important that we continue to draw on our expertise in our disease prevention and treatment area of focus to help people worldwide cope with the continuing challenges. The pandemic continues to defy all expectations, but we cannot be frozen in fear. Our work is too important. It is also important that we make time for each other, and I urge you to register for the upcoming 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston. It is a great way for all of us to safely celebrate Rotary service.

We can continue to build hope and spread peace in the world by using our resources to help the most vulnerable and keeping our faith in the future. The pandemic has had an especially devastating impact on girls worldwide. On the first anniversary of the pandemic, Henrietta Fore, the executive director of UNICEF, said that “immediate action is needed to mitigate the toll on girls and their families.” This need, unfortunately, remains just as strong a year later. The ripples of the pandemic have affected girls in unique ways — stunting their educational attainment, weakening their job prospects, and contributing to other terrible results such as child marriages and increased human trafficking.

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Data from UNICEF reveals why our action is so essential.

In the 2010s, important progress was made toward eliminating the practice of child marriage, and UNICEF estimates that 25 million such marriages were averted worldwide. Unfortunately, the pandemic reversed those positive trends, and as a result an additional 10 million girls are vulnerable to becoming child brides by the end of this decade.

This is why our focus on Empowering Girls is such vital work, and I am delighted that at this year’s virtual International Assembly, President-elect Jennifer Jones committed to continuing this initiative for another year. In my travels, I have witnessed many wonderful examples of club projects that back our Empowering Girls goals.

But all Rotary members know that real change requires big efforts sustained over many years. This is the power of our global grants and actions taken within our areas of focus.

I encourage clubs to think of innovative ways to empower girls when designing their grant projects. Every step we take to improve education, health care, and economic opportunities for girls makes an important difference in helping them achieve their full potential. With opportunity we create hope, and with hope we address the root causes of conflict around the world, setting the stage for sustainable peace.

None of us know how long the COVID-19 virus will linger — and as an organization that has worked tirelessly for decades to eradicate polio, we understand better than most the difficult work that lies ahead for the world.

That is why we need to remain focused on the future and on what is possible — not feeling nostalgic for the way our lives were, but looking hopefully to a future that uses this opportunity to Serve to Change Lives. I look forward to continuing this good work with you.

Shekhar Mehta President Rotary International RY 2021-22

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We can continue to build hope and spread peace in the world by using our resources to help the most vulnerable and keeping our faith in the future.

Message from the TRF Chair March 2022 Message

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n the mid-18th century, Benjamin Franklin wrote: “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”

Right now, in the 21st century, many of us take water for granted because we have been fortunate to live in places where clean water is plentiful. But that’s not the case for millions of others around the world. The United Nations estimates that 2 billion people — about 1 in 4 people on the planet — lack safely managed drinking water. Just under half of the world’s population lives without access to safely managed toilets and sanitation systems, and nearly a third lacks basic hand washing stations with soap and clean water.

Isn’t it astounding that, in an age of instant information and space tourism, we still haven’t managed to guarantee the necessities of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to so many?

Rotary is doing something about it; WASH projects are among the most funded within our areas of focus: Since 2014, Rotary clubs have carried out more than 2,100 global grants related to WASH by using $154 million in Foundation funding, impacting countless people.

In addition, Rotary’s WASH alliance with USAID, more than a decade strong, is considered Rotary’s largest partnership outside of PolioPlus. Rotary and USAID have committed a combined $18 million in WASH funding to large-scale strategic efforts at the national level in countries such as Ghana and Uganda.

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The partnership unites the technical expertise of USAID’s development professionals with the local leadership and advocacy of Rotary members to find workable, sustainable WASH solutions in hundreds of communities. You can learn more at riusaidwash.rotary.org.

Right now, in the 21st century, many of us take water for granted because we have been fortunate to live in places where clean water is plentiful.

The theme of World Water Day, 22 March, is Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible. This is an opportune time for clubs to learn more about WASH issues and take action collectively to create and sustain momentum for expanding access to universal WASH services. Rotary members can bring attention to the WASH challenges that impact us locally by sharing the stories, experiences, and WASH needs of those we serve globally.

We can be proud of the work that Rotary clubs and our Foundation continue to do to provide communities with clean water and working sanitation and hygiene systems. But let’s not stop there.

This month, let’s look out for our neighbors around the world whose wells are running dry or who lack toilets or soap. Rotary has the resources, partnerships, and passion to improve WASH services for millions in need worldwide.

And most important, we have the people who can make it work — you and me.

John Germ Trustee Chair RY 2021-2022

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Leadership Challenges

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ome quarters have noticed my propensity to talk about effective leadership specially in the Rotary setting and environment. However, I strongly believe that we need to continue to focus on developing more effective and dedicated leaders if we are to insure that whatever gains that we have realized through the years will be preserved and sustained.

Leadership challenges vary by organization, but many of the most common have to do with motivating, encouraging, and effectively managing people. Any situation in which there are both leaders and supporters can have leadership challenges, however, including a number of volunteer organizations and community movements. So-called “good” leadership is often a lot easier to describe than to actually implement. Many of the most common leadership challenges arise when leaders are either unaware of common pitfalls, or are inattentive to developing problems.

No organization, be it formal or casual, will get far if its members are not motivated. Sometimes, the fix is as easy as clearly communicating the mission. In other instances, leaders must work with their members individually to figure out an effective incentive structure. The happier and more valued the members feel, the more likely it is that they will give their club or organization their best efforts One of the hardest parts of running any sort of organization is ensuring that those in superior positions are actually capable of leading effectively. The skills needed to head up a cause or execute specific goals are not usually intuitive, and they cannot always be learned in a classroom. Leadership students and scholars are often able to describe leadership styles and techniques quite well — but in order to actually execute them, some experience is usually required.

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Leaders are often responsible for helping build unity between members. Teams that do not work well together often take a lot longer to complete even routine tasks. It can take a bit of time for members to develop trusting relationships with one another, and the role of a leader is to set the proper framework to encourage these relationships to grow.

Effective teamwork depends on a culture of open communication, where superiors and subordinates can freely discuss progress and problems.

One of the hardest things many leaders face is finding ways to be approachable without losing authority. Effective teamwork depends on a culture of open communication, where superiors and subordinates can freely discuss progress and problems.

Particularly in larger organizations, encouraging members to be creative with their ideas and to take risks is one of the more difficult leadership challenges. While it is important for us to have boundaries and parameters in order to stay focused, some latitude is essential to growth.

Organizations that do not ever generate new ideas are often surpassed by more innovative competitors. Leaders must find a balance between keeping members focused and giving them space to think creatively. The amount of freedom workers should have necessarily depends on the setting and the sort of work being done, but is important in nearly all disciplines.

Let us develop effective leaders, not leaders in name only who works primarily for their self interest and not for the common good.

Yours in Rotary Service, PDCOS Jesse Tanchanco Editor In Chief

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Rotary International statement on Ukraine conflict It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.

At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.

As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.

In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.

Rotary International 25-Feb-2022

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n response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for Rotary members around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.

To this end, The Rotary Foundation has approved: 

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Now through 30 June 2022, designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine may apply for grants of up to $50,000 each from the Disaster Response Fund. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing.

During this same period, other impacted Rotary districts that wish to offer support to refugees or other victims of the crisis in their district can apply for $25,000 grants from the Disaster Response Fund.

Now through 30 April 2022, Rotary districts can transfer unallocated District Designated Funds (DDF) to support the Disaster Response Fund, directly supporting these Ukraine-specific humanitarian grants.

Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made here. All funds need to be received into the Disaster Response Fund by 30 April 2022 in order to qualify for use in support of the Ukrainian relief efforts.

Although the Disaster Response Fund will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

In addition to support provided through the Disaster Response Fund, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions to the increased humanitarian needs.  

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We are in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare for and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.

ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.

The Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration is also mobilizing its resources to assist in this crisis.

A million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.

We will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Visit My Rotary and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.

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Rotary Foundation raises record 1 Million for Giving Tuesday The Rotary Foundation raised more than $1,198,000 in support of Giving Tuesday 2021. Thank you to everyone who gave in support of this global day of giving so that together we can keep Doing Good in the World.

The Foundation would like to recognize the following clubs for their engagement: Top fundraising clubs Rotary Club of Taiyuan West Gate, Taiwan Rotary Club of Chunan Bai Ling, Taiwan Rotary Club of Sentosa, Singapore Top donor participation clubs Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte, New Mexico, USA Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, USA Rotary Club of East Nassau, Bahamas Top online giving clubs Rotary Club of Fluvanna County (Palmyra) Rotary Club Norfolk, Virginia, USA Rotary Club of Bangalore Cantonment, India

We experienced some reporting errors due to the volume of contributions on Giving Tuesday which have resulted in the possibility of an incorrect donation date on your donor history report. The problem is currently being resolved and your contributions are counted in the results reflected above.

Rotary International 27-Jan-2022

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People of WASH Photography Contest The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Rotary Action Group (WASH RAG) is creating a digital library of photographs and videos. It is available to all Rotarians to promote WASH projects on social media, websites, flyers, and other promotional materials.

We want pictures and videos that capture Rotarians working on water, sanitation and/or hygiene projects. For example, we are looking for people building washrooms, constructing dams, and children washing their hands. While important, we do not want ribbon cuttings or check presentations.

PRIZES: Photography (There will be an Amateur and Professional category) First $300 Second $150 Third $75 Videos (There will be an Amateur and Professional Category) First $600 Second $300 Third $150

Rules and Guidelines The competition is open to all Rotarians and members of the Family of Rotary (Rotaractors, Community Corp, family members, etc.). Photographs and videos could be taken recently or in the past, but only submitted once to the People of WASH competition. Photographs will be highlighted on the WASH RAG Facebook page and added to the WASH RAG "People of WASH" photo album on the WASH-RAG.org website. Photographs or videos must be submitted by April 30, 2022 to be eligible for the current year's competition. Submissions after April 30 will be eligible for the following year's competition.

Please send by email to PeopleofWASH@wasrag.org. Photographs and videos are recommended to include the current Rotary logo.

Submitters need to provide their name, Rotary Club, a brief description of the photograph, and their email address. Submitters consent to have their photograph or video used on social media, print material, and websites by WASH RAG and/or other Rotary groups. Photographs are encouraged to have a photo credit, but not required. WASH RAG will add a photo credit if photographs are submitted without a credit. † Videos should indicate credits.

WASH RAG will not add any credits if the video is submitted without credits. † Winners will be notified by email. WASH RAG will work with the winners to determine the best way to provide their winnings

This is an annual competition.

Submissions are due by April 30 of each year and the winners will be announced at the WASH RAG Annual General Meeting on 18th June 2022.

To make a submission to the competition, please send an email to PeopleofWASH@wasrag.org 15

Rotary Projects Around the Globe Mexico About 150 Californians from District 5340 joined members of five District 4100 clubs in Baja California to raise six houses (and partially build another) for families in El Trébol, a rural community near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Project Mercy, a San Diego nonprofit, installed cement slabs and cut much of the lumber in advance of the daylong burst of energy on 4 December.

“It was awesome to see the two districts come together to help these people in need get a leg up in their lives,” says Kim Muslusky of the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo Sunrise (San Diego). The $52,000 project was funded by Rotary members.

United States Racial tension and sustained protests after the fatal shooting of a Black man by a sheriff’s deputy in August 2017 led to soul-searching in Thomasville, Georgia. Recognizing inequities in safety, education, and economic opportunity, local officials created a task force and looked to a trusted source of inspiration and knowledge — area Rotarians — to help tap the hidden potential of the community.

In early 2019, Spark Thomasville, a business incubator, assembled its first class of a dozen budding businesspeople, drawing from minority communities. Members of the Rotary Club of Thomasville, including André Hadley Marria, governor -nominee of District 6900 and Spark’s current director, stepped up with workplace acumen and a $1,500 district grant. Six club members regularly mentor the participants, who aim to succeed in such fields as video production, beauty and nail salons, and catering. The result: nearly 30 entrepreneurs and 10 full-time businesses and counting.

“One of the real stars is a husband-and-wife team who started grilling barbecue pork ribs at their home and selling them to their neighbors. They’ve progressed to having their own restaurant,” says Michael Bixler, another club member and coach in the program, which focuses on financial literacy, basic bookkeeping, and communication skills.

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Bulgaria Publicizing the plight of stray dogs and urging prospective pet owners to consider adoption, the Rotaract clubs of Varna and Varna Euxinograd International teamed for an event that featured 10 sociable dogs from a local shelter.

The Lend a Hand — Save a Paw festival drew about 200 visitors, some with their own furry wards in tow, to the Sea Garden park in April 2021, reports Viktoria Harizanova, a project coordinator from the Rotaract Club of Varna, based in the Black Sea resort, Bulgaria’s third largest city.

“The clubs prepared activities, a professional photographer, a dog training lecture, a handmade leash workshop, and entertaining games for all ages,” Harizanova says. The endeavor was overseen by about 10 Rotaractor volunteers and personnel from the Animal Hope Varna shelter and Presi Vet, a clinic that offers discounted spaying and neutering.

Sales of greeting cards, leashes, and magnets, coupled with donations, raised more than $1,200 to fund about 45 spay/neuter procedures.

Nigeria Despite constraints forced by the COVID-19 pandemic the past two years, the Rotary Club of Lagos Island has provided more than 5,000 cataract surgeries through its vision camps, including 400 in October, since the project began in 2017.

"The members who visit the venue look over the files of patients, greet the patients, and interview them to make sure that all the treatments have gone well and that they were all provided with a fully free eye operation," says club member Hiro Rupchandani of the Mission for Vision, which is scheduled for this month in Lagos as well as in Kano, more than 500 miles northeast.

The club also arranges lodging and meals for the patients around their surgeries during the two-week drives. The $80 cost per surgery is subsidized by businesses, club members, and their friends.

Taiwan After COVID-19 struck, the Rotaract Club of Taipei saw an opportunity to use online analytics and video editing software to promote itself and help members connect amid severe curbs on social gatherings.

“YouTube is a great tool to let more people know who we are around the world,” says club member Eric Lu. “We couldn’t host physical events, so we had a meeting to brainstorm about how to still make people know us,” he says. To spread the word, the group has recorded videos of guest speakers on topics including international relations and overseas work — major areas of interest for the club’s 17 members. Eleven of them filmed interviews about their experiences on the job and in Rotaract. Two potential members contacted the club after watching the videos. “The online marketing works,” Lu says.

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The Power of the Rotary Logo

By Charles Pretto, 2022-23 governor of District 5340 (California, USA)

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like the Rotary logo — the one with the wheel and the word “Rotary” next to it. It’s not always a popular opinion though. Some members prefer the old Rotary wheel and continue to use it, even though it was retired nearly a decade ago. In some ways, I get it. We Rotary members can be traditionalists.

The modern Rotary logo has something that the old one doesn’t though: name recognition — literally. The word “Rotary” (or Rotaract) is in big letters. It’s easy to read and most importantly, it’s easy to identify. I experienced that difference first-hand when I started wearing the modern Rotary logo on my lapel pin.

From my dental hygienist to the person bagging my groceries, I was getting asked about Rotary everywhere. I never had this level of engagement before! You know why? Because we aren’t a big corporation like Starbucks with a logo you just know. The wheel doesn’t mean anything to the public. By adding “Rotary” to the wheel, our logo becomes much more identifiable. And because of that, I’ve had many delightful conversations with people. Some have even joined our club meetings to learn more about Rotary. It’s been a great recruitment tool.

Recently, the RI Board of Directors began asking Rotary and Rotaract clubs to update their club logo to include the Rotary logo and their club name. I realized that if every club did this, it would tie us all together as one global Rotary network.

When I begin my term as district governor, my goal is to get all 60 clubs in my district to update their club logos. I’ve already started talking about it with my district public image chair and presidents-elect.

I know public image can’t be a priority for every club — they have other issues and challenges to focus on. So for those clubs who need additional assistance, but lack the resources to do it, I am starting a program in my district that will connect Rotaract members who are studying marketing or a related field with clubs that needs help with their branding and public image. It’s a win-win situation! Rotaract members who need real world experience will get it by using their talents to help clubs increase their public image in the community.

If your club wants to update their logo but you don’t know where to start, I recommend reaching out to your district public image coordinator to see what resources might be available from your district.

When we all use the Rotary logo, it really pops! And the awareness of our logo can help engage more individuals, welcome more people into Rotary, and do good in the world.

About the author: Charles Pretto is a member of the Rotary Club of San Diego, California (USA). He’s a big believer in the power of the Rotary logo.

So much so, Charles plans to give every member in his district a Rotary pin. He hopes it will help start more conversations between members and the next generation of Rotary and Rotaract members.

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Rotary International Fidelity— One Voice, Every Club Find out how your club logo should look, how to use it properly, and why it matters in our new video, “One Voice, Every Club. Please click here to ” Watch >

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How Rotarians are already Fighting Climate Change Rotarians are doers. Show them a problem and they look for solutions. But a global problem such as climate change might seem daunting to even the most resourceful Rotary member. Break that complex problem down into smaller pieces, however, and you find there are many things Rotarians can do — and are already doing, with help from The Rotary Foundation.

A coalition of researchers and scientists led by environmentalist and writer Paul Hawken mathematically modelled the climatic and economic impact of potential solutions to learn which ones would yield the best results for people and the planet. The list, compiled in a 2017 book called "Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming," included some surprising possibilities, such as educating girls, promoting family planning, and assisting farmers. As it happens, all of those align with Rotary’s areas of focus.

Our climate change series

Rotarians understand that the whole world is their backyard.

They can see the effects of climate change in communities they care about, and they haven’t waited to take action. They’re tackling the problem the way they always do: coming up with projects, using Drawdown researchers ranked solutions from 1 to 80 based their connections to change policy on their potential to avert or reduce greenhouse gas emis— and planning for the future. sions. We looked at those rankings alongside global grant Read our series to see: projects to see how Rotarians are already helping to fight - Why RI president says the environment is our ultimate mission climate change.

- Rotary member gains ground with Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Family planning - Rotary scholars and peace fellows put exDrawdown ranking: 7 In lower-income countries, the Drawdown authors write, 214 million women who want more control over their pregnancies lack access to contraception, which leads to about 74 million unintended pregnancies each year. Giving women the health care they want and need also benefits the planet, reducing population growth as well as greenhouse gas emissions.

Pregnant women who gave interviews to Rotarians in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said that family planning was their top priority — a sentiment echoed by their families and doctors.

This led the Rotary clubs of Finot, Ethiopia, and Darmstadt, Germany, to develop a global grant project that trained skilled birth attendants and midwives in three health centers to provide family planning counseling. Medical staff also conducted home-based counseling for 1,500 women and organized a one-day family planning workshop for 90 women who were receiving obstetric care.

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Girls’ education Drawdown ranking: 6 A woman with no schooling has four or five more children than a woman with 12 years of schooling, which means that educating girls will have a huge impact on population growth.

While the regions of the world with growing populations are often the ones with the lowest per capita carbon emissions, reducing fertility rates will still have massive benefits — not only for the planet but also in reducing intergenerational poverty. And, the Drawdown authors note, one study found that educating girls is the single most important factor in reducing vulnerability to natural disasters, which occur more frequently with the extreme weather events associated with climate change.

In Bosnia-Herzegovina, about 90 percent of Roma women are illiterate and less than 15 percent of Roma children go to school, leaving them vulnerable to human trafficking, among other things.

The Rotary clubs of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Denver, Colorado, partnered with a local nonprofit on a global grant project that mentored 80 families with at-risk girls. Twenty students from the University of Bosnia volunteered as mentors, and 15 Roma girls enrolled in school as part of the effort. Organizers estimate that at least 1,000 parents, teachers, and girls in 20 communities learned about the importance of gender equality in education through printed materials and workshops.

Regenerative agriculture Drawdown ranking: 11 Regenerative agriculture practices include avoiding the use of plows to keep from disturbing the soil; planting a diverse array of cover crops; and limiting or abstaining from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

These methods boost the amount of organic matter — carbon — in the soil, improving its health and that of the plants growing in it.

According to the Drawdown authors, regenerative agriculture increases organic matter in the soil between 4 percent and 7 percent over 10 years, representing an additional 25 tons to 60 tons of carbon stored in the ground per acre. That reduces the need for fertilizer — which means regenerative agriculture can help cut carbon in the atmosphere while increasing farmers’ production.

Forty people from Meihua village, Taiwan, were trained in organic farming techniques through a global grant project of the Rotary clubs of Taipei Lungmen, Taiwan, and Patumwan, Thailand.

The effort, carried out in partnership with the Organic Farming Association of Taiwan, included creating a training facility and providing internships at organic farms. Organizers expected that growing without pesticides would lower farming costs and that selling organic vegetables at a premium price would improve villagers’ earnings.

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Congratulations Past District Governor Danilo “Danny” V. Fausto!

PDG Danny was bestowed the Service Above Self award by the Rotary International.

Rotary’s highest honor recognizes Rotarians who demonstrate Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, by volunteering their time and talents to help others. The award is internationally competitive and is granted to no more than 150 Rotarians worldwide, and no more than one from each district, each year.

To deserve consideration for the Service Above Self Award, a Rotarian must have performed continuing humanitarian service in any form. This award is intended to recognize especially those who actively help others through Rotary. It is not awarded solely in recognition of one’s performance in an elected or appointed Rotary assignment, and financial contributions to The Rotary Foundation or specific projects will not be considered.

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RID 3780 participates in Peace Stakeholders’ Engagement of the Philippine Air Force

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n February 12, the Top-Level Peace Stakeholders’ Engagement with RID 3780 spearheaded by PP BGen Gerry Zamudio was successfully held at the Fernando Air Base Golf Club in Lipa City. It was hosted by the Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command of the Philippine Air Force (AETDC, PAF).

rums and Peace Award. It was also announced that interested Rotarians may apply to become PAF Reservists.

The activity was the preliminary to the series of activities to be conducted in line with the Rotary’s Peace and Conflict Resolution/Prevention efforts.

A total of 57 Rotarians from District 3780 led by Gov Prior to the 18-hole golf game, and tour at Honey’s Ed Ayento attended the event, while around 10 RoFarm for non-golfers, PP BGen Zamudio presented tarians from Lipa West led by the District 3820 DGE Peace Projects such as Peace and Development Fo- Gina Sy were also present that day.

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GOLDEN WHEEL AWARDS RY 2021-2022 Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

DR. LIZA GALANG BATTAD Assistant Secretary, Department of Agriculture Growing local economies RC Pasong Tamo-Banlat

Title & Name: Position:

Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

DRA. JOSEPHINE ROBREDO-BUNDOC Head, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, UERM Assistant Dean, College of Physical Therapy, UERM Professor, College of Medicine, UP Manila Fighting diseases RC Biak na Bato

Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

COL. HAROLD MAGALLANES CABUNOC Chief, Operations Research Center, Philippine Army Promoting peace RC Quirino

Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

DR. JENILYN ROSE BASA CORPUZ Schools Division Superintendent for QC, DepEd Supporting education RC Bagong Sandigan

Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

P/GEN. GUILLERMO LORENZO T. ELEAZAR Former Chief, Philippine National Police (4 star) Promoting peace RC New Manila Heights

Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

COUNCILOR VICTOR VILLASICA FERRER, JR. Councilor, Quezon City Growing local economies RC Congressional

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GOLDEN WHEEL AWARDS RY 2021-2022 Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

SENATOR SHERWIN TING GATCHALIAN Senator, Republic of the Philippines Supporting education RC Diliman Central

Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

JAN-VINCENT P. MERCADO President, Basic Environment Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST) Protecting the environment RC Quezon City

Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

DR. SANDRA SANCHEZ MONTANO Chairperson, Philippine Commission on Women Saving mothers and children RC Midtown QC

Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

ATTY. ALBERTO JESUS TIONGSON MUYOT Head, Save the Children Philippines Saving mothers and children RC Kagitingang Cubao

Title & Name: Position: Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

DRA. LOYSA GUPIT ORENSE Head, Bantai Covid QC Fighting diseases RC Timog

Title & Name: Position:

MARIBETH REBOTON Director, Organization for Industrial, Spiritual & Cultural Advancement (OISCA) Protecting the environment RC Greenfields

Area of Focus: Nominating Club:

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MARIO R. NERY VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS RY 2021-2022 Title & Name: DR. RAUL C. ADDATU Rotary Club: RC Loyola Heights Vocation/Profession: Education - Accountancy

Title & Name: DR. EDGARDO TORRES AGUIRRE, M.D. Rotary Club: RC Timog QC Vocation/Profession: Disease Prevention & Treatment

Title & Name: DR. EBENEZER A. BELOY Rotary Club: RC Bagong Sandigan Vocation/Profession: Education

Title & Name: RHODORA CASTRO CALIWARA Rotary Club: RC Midtown QC Vocation/Profession: Service Contracting

Title & Name: DANILO ESPINOSA Rotary Club: RC Biak na Bato Vocation/Profession: Logistics Services

Title & Name: MILDRED T. FRAGANTE Rotary Club: RC Metro Aurora Vocation/Profession: Media Services

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MARIO R. NERY VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS RY 2021-2022 Title & Name: DR. JESUS HUELVA LIM, M.D Rotary Club: RC Pag-Asa Vocation/Profession: Internal Medicine

Title & Name: RENE EVANGELISTA MADARANG Rotary Club: RC QC Circle Nominating Club: RC Roosevelt Vocation/Profession: Protecting the Environment

Title & Name: NAPOLEON NICETAS S MARILAG Rotary Club: RC San Roque Vocation/Profession: Disease Prevention & Treatment

Title & Name: COUNCILOR ERIC ZAPLAN MEDINA Rotary Club: RC Congressional Vocation/Profession: Public Service – Local Legislation

Title & Name: MARIA CECILIA RODRIGUEZ RIVERA Rotary Club: RC West Triangle Nominating Club: RC Diliman Central Vocation/Profession: Community Service – Economic & Community

Title & Name: VERONICA HO YU Rotary Club: RC Cubao QC Vocation/Profession: Community Service

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SELECTION COMMITTEE

DGE FLORIAN BELMONTE ENRIQUEZ Chairman, Selection Committee District Governor Elect, District 3780 RC Midtown QC

PDG NELSON M. ASPE Chairman, Philippine College of Rotary Governors (PCRG) Past District Governor, District 3800 RC Wack Wack

PDG ED “BOYET” LIMON Chairman, Philippine Rotary Media Foundation Past District Governor, District 3830 RC Paranaque South

PDG MANUEL U. ALONG Secretary, Board of Trustees, Philippine Rotary Magazine Foundation Past District Governor, District 3870 RC Cagayan de Oro

DGE GINA A. SY District Governor Elect, District 3820 RC Lipa West

COUNCILOR BERNARD HERRERA Representing the Quezon City LGU Councilor, District 1, Quezon City

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SCREENING COMMITTEE

PDS ROBERTO “BONG” CRUZ Chairman, Screening Committee Secretary, Panel of Judges RC New Manila East

PP GERTRUDES “Gigi” ALCALA District Secretary, RY 2021-2022 Member, Screening Committee RC Midtown QC

PP AIZA REMEDIOS District Chief of Staff, RY 2021-2022 Member, Screening Committee RC Kamuning Central

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RC Diliman Central Promotes Peace

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n the month of February, peace has been the cornerstone of the mission of the Rotary Club of Diliman Central. Through various ways, its members aim to promote peace, one of which is through giving a message of peace embedded in shirts.

More than the other objectives in relation to Rotary’s areas of focus, the organization pursues to promote peace through their shirts with a message, “Peace is always beautiful.”

Amid the limitations to hold gatherings brought by the pandemic, the members of RCDC foster the message throughout their different locations.

Peace is crucial to the purpose of Rotary as a humanitarian organization. RCDC believes that when individuals work to bring peace to their communities, it can create a positive impact.

Together with its committed members, RCDC is approaching the notion of peace with more cohesiveness and inclusion, widening the scope of what the organization mean by peace building, and creating new avenues for people to participate.

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RC Quirino Adopt and Plant a Bamboo Project

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he Rotary Club of Quirino Adopt and Plant a Bamboo -A bamboo planting activity along Animal Trail in Marikina River Park as an anti-flooding measure to prevent the recurrence of the floods during typhoon. The Bamboo Planting activity was assisted by Renan Malaca, Marikina River Park Authority Overall Supervisor, Larry Rabanal, Area Supervisor together with their staff. It was a great Sunday for us Quironians, knowing that this activity will give a lot of benefits when the bamboos are fully grown.

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D3780 Rotary Day Of Service

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RC QC Media Tech Rotary Connect

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he Rotary Day of Service and Medical Mission of RC QC MediaTech was very successful. Thanks to God for the guidance and blessings. This is our signature project called Katutubo Care, which is RC QC MediaTech’s program to provide vaccines and medicines for our indigenous people. The aim is to give them free service for their medical needs.

There were 60 individuals for dental services, 16 for circumcision, and 120 individuals were given free medical consultation and medicine needed to ensure good health in the area. These are some of the activities carried out by our team of volunteers, medical practitioners and missionaries who voluntarily gave their time and effort to make it more memorable for our Kababayang Dumagat.

At the end, we sang praise songs to honor God. For as long as we live, our hope to be of service to our “kababayans” continues while serving to change lives.

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RC Greater Anonas COVID 19 Defogging Project

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fter home isolation and home quarantine, residents of our adopted barangays are still worried about Covid virus in their surroundings. To lighten their worries, RCGA LCP Jossie Dimarucut initiated the defogging and disinfecting of their homes for cleaner & virus/bacteria-free environment and for their peace of mind. Four (4) barangays, Barangay Quirino 3B (Claro), Barangay Bagumbuhay & Barangay Escopa 2 and Barangay Amihan, were given free HOMEVISION DEFOG MACHINES with 4L COMPREHENSIVE ATOMIZED DISINFECTANT for use by their respective Covid afflicted residents. LCP Jossie demonstrated how to use the defog machine by defogging Barangay Quirino 3B Chairman’s office.

RCGA club members, RCGA RCC &Rotaractors assisted in defogging & disinfecting of homes.

By LCP Jossie Dimarucut

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Rotary Satellite Club of Loyola Heights Donation of Solar LED Lights

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onation of solar LED lights to several far flung barangays in Masbate without access to regular electrical supply (Cagpandan, Ambulong, Talaban and Manoboc) by the Rotary Satellite Club of Loyola Heights Online D3780 in partnership with SBK (a local organization based in the province).

By LCP Jhun Merino 36

Milk Letting Activity RC North EDSA

The Rotary Club of North EDSA led by LCP Getz R. Valler celebrated Valentine’s day with a Milk Letting activity on February 14, 2022 at the Senior Citizen’s Building, in cooperation with Quezon City Health Department.

Milk-letting is an activity in which lactating mothers donate their breast milk to the government milk banks where donated milk are stored. Milk banks were implemented in consideration of some mothers who are unable to produce breast milk for their babies due to illnesses and other conditions that keep them from doing so. Breast milk is the best source of nutrients for babies and are great in keeping them safe from viruses and bacteria.

By LCP Getz Valler

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RC Loyola Heights Baguio Pediatric Surgical Mission

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inal VTT and Pediatric Cardiovascular surgical mission funded by GG 2095133: Ugnay Puso, Ugnay Buhay of the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights (RCLH) in partnership with the Philippine Heart Center, RI D3790 and RI D3800. The event was held at the Baguio General Hospital Medical Center. A total of 20 underprivileged pediatric patients benefitted from the mission. In addition, the RCLH provided the families of the patients with sanitary/health/hygiene kits.

By LCP Jhun Merino

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Donating Blood is Essential RC Kamuning East

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very few seconds, someone, somewhere, needs blood. Donating blood is essential. It is even more essential in this time of Covid 19 pandemic.

Another successful bloodletting activity was held last February 14, 2022 at Philex Mining Training Camp, Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet! The project was initiated by the Regional Medical and Dental Unit of the PNP Cordillera and Cordillera Administrative Regional Training Camp, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kamuning East, St. Louis University Hospital of the Sacred Heart, Red Cross and Maezelle Psycho Metier & Diagnostic Clinic. A total of 172 blood bags were collected. This is the 6th bloodletting activity during the Life Changing Year.

“A Drop of Blood is a Gift of Life”, the project name of RC Kamuning East’s bloodletting program, was conducted within and outside of the NCR Region. Benefi-

ciaries of these bloodletting activities are indigent cancer patients needing blood transfusion.

Bloodletting is one of the projects under the Disease Prevention and Treatment program of the Rotary Club of Kamuning East for three (3) years now. For the Life Changing Year, the Program covered vaccination against Covid 19 (Laban Kontra Covid); hepatitis screening; blood screening (Serbisyong Pangkalusugan); a health and wellness education (Know Your Numbers, Matters of the Heart); and free healthcare services and education to its community particularly the frontliners in this Covid pandemic.

The Rotary Club of Kamuning East believes that disease prevention is key to having a healthier community. A small gesture like donating blood, can make a big difference in the lives of people.

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By LCP Josephine Padilla

RC Midtown Diliman Rota Run and Rota Mile

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he objective of the Rotary Club of Midtown Diliman in this signature club project is to advocate the support of local teachers and students concomitantly promoting health to fellow Rotarians, friends, and supporters of the activities. It is to breed and catalyse both running and cycling into one project to which proceeds will turn over a new leaf for beneficiaries from the scholarship funding to support the Graduate School Education (Master of Arts in Education) of selected public-school teacher-scholars. The club deems appropriate action with a strong belief to align with one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus, Basic Education and Literacy.

We came up with the idea of raising funds through a run and bike activity. The money that will be generated from the event will be used to help finance the teacher-scholars to support their higher education. More over, profits from the activity will also be used in supporting the other groups and systems that take care of the event’s beneficiary. We aim to generate income to financially support the beneficiary and to promote a healthy lifestyle. We would want everyone to enjoy rather than compete.

The Rotary Club of Midtown Diliman enthusiastically opened registration for the second cycle with the renewing title of the project ROTARUN 2.0 AND ROTAMILE: TAKBO AT PADYAK PARA SA MGA GURO NG BAYAN in September 2021 to were club members, co-hosting clubs, event partners, and sponsoring committee have gathered to create a primary goal to achieve and measure to sustain the project by reaching a height of funds to render to the chosen group of beneficiaries, alongside encouraging health and fitness devotees to understand the goal of the event and to participate in promoting health as a way to help others. Having fun is another proportion to achieve during the experience. The team is strongly committed to better the outcome and grant more cause during this cycle than the first. It is part of the growing commitment to improve and enrich our service to the community, progressively always. Both virtual running “ROTARUN” and cycling “ROTAMILE” by then, set to take place between December 8-15, 2021, following and in accordance with IATF guidelines to practice and observe safety actions in conducting sporting and fitness events. All participants were guided to use a GPS sports app to track and prove their activity and suggested to inspirationally post to the event page at a certainly given timeline.

The awarding of entitlements and fellowship, inclusive of giveaway items, snacks, and raffle prizes, took place on December 28th to which have been attended and supported by club members, other club leaders, partners or stakeholders of the event, friends, and joiners of the project. The engagement was fun-filled and motivating as it presents teamwork, the love of sports, and the love of servicing others in one space occupied with people who aspire to connect the act of sports to helping and doing good for the community.

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RC Broadway QC Donation of Books and Printer to Adopted School

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n line with the goal of the Department of Education on “Sulong Edukalidad” amidst COVID-19, the school continuously provides modules to students so they can study at and acquire the most essential competencies. The Rotary Club of Broadway QC donated a printer and books to their adopted school Dr Josefa Jara Martinez High School located at Brgy Tatalon, Quezon City, their adopted Barangay. The printer and books were received by Principal Irene Canon and teacher Levy Serrano, head of the Library.

By PP Ric Doria

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RC Greenfields Free X-Ray Project

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he Rotary Club of Greenfields QC conducted a Free X-Ray at Greenfields 1 Club House last February 21, 2022, in partnership with RI District 3780, USAID, URC, QC LGU and Quezon City Health Department. This project is in support of the End TB campaign and program of RID 3780.

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By LCP Mark Anthony Peralta

Padyak Pangkabuhayan RC Midtown QC

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he Rotary Club of Midtown QC provides life-changing second chances to deserving people! In celebration of the Rotary International’s Peace and Conflict Prevention month, the Rotary Club of Midtown Quezon City conducted Padyak Pangkabuhayan: Bagong Buhay Sa Bagong Laya last February 12, 2022. Together with PRESO, Inc., and other external partners, RCMQC provided ten (10) mobile food cart bikes, food equipment, and initial inventory to ten (10) outstanding newly-released persons from the Quezon City Jail. The beneficiaries appreciated the livelihood package as they will use it to start life anew.

By LCP Lynette Ching Jacinto

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RC Cubao Sunrise Helps Save the Environment

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eef buds are organic structures that are placed under the sea and soon can enhance fish to live in this structures . Algae will then grow on and in it then corals then in time the whole place will have healthy reefs with healthy fish. We placed them in places that have been damaged by people. Generation after generation will hopefully benefit and new generations will be able to appreciate the beauty of our undersea natural world.

By LCP Maylalyn De Dios

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Peace & Conflict Resolution in Muslim Mindanao

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ebruary is a month dedicated to Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution/ Prevention. The Rotary Club of Kagitingang Cubao believes that to be able to understand conflict issues and appreciate peace initiatives, we should listen to those directly involved in the issues. In this regard, we planned to have our 2nd in a series webinar. First was our listening to Anti Asian Hate experiences in the USA. Getting closer to our Quezon City, we zoomed thousand of miles away to Mindanao to listen to issues in Muslim Mindanao.

war-afflicted families. They also discussed the Peace Process and goals of their campaign such as transforming Basilan into a Terror-free area and peace zone as well as initiatives in enhancing the quality of people’s lives. The webinar was participated by 40 viewers, including Magigitings, LCPs, and other Rotarians. The guests ably replied to questions asked leading to an engaging conversation. Not only Philippine based Magigitings participated in the webinar but also those based in the US led by our newly formed Satellite Chair PP Dory Raterta who organized the webinar. It was also planned that our PP Gail Lores, The webinar on February 19, 2022, "Peace and Con- Chair of our Community Services Committee introflict Resolution Issues in Muslim Mindanao” was spe- duce Atty Sadain and give the message of thanks. cially planned for the Magigitings to be given an over- PP Gail is from Zamboanga City. view of the peace issues. This was ably shared by our guest speaker Atty. Mehol Sadain, Muslim Reform Once again, we were able to achieve multiple and Peace Advocate, formerly a COMELEC Commis- objectives through our webinar, have an activity sioner. We then focused on the beautiful province of related to the Rotary Monthly theme, enhance the Basilan where our very own LCP Sugayra Alfaro was members capacity and capabilities linked to the born. Our esteemed guest speaker for this part theme, be better Rotarians and to explore a possible was Honorable Hanie A. Bud, Municipal Mayor of sisterhood agreement with the Rotary Club of Basilan Maluso, Basilan and LCP of the Rotary Club of Basilan. and for the participants to learn more about MindaOne result of conflict is the heartbreaking situation in nao and Basilan!

By LCP Sugayra Alfaro Basilan over the years especially on the almost 3,000 46

End TB Program RC Pag-Asa

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n the 18th day of February 2022, the Rotary Club of Pagasa, collaborated with its sister club, the Rotary Club of West Central, in launching the District’s End TB program, at the NIA Village, at Barangay Sauyo, in Quezon City. The site was chosen by Barangay Officials, an open-air portion of the Barangay, in line with their Covid health protocols.

tum examination.

The event was graced with the presence of District Governor Edgardo Ayento.

Complimentary breakfast, lunch and snacks were served to those who assisted in the worthwhile undertaking. Alcohol dispensers with the Rotary logo to strengthen the public image impact, were given to The Rotarians were ably assisted by Barangay offi- all of those who underwent screening. cials, personnel of USAID, and volunteers, and Rota- Both clubs were led by their respective Life Changing ractors of the Rotaract Club of Pagasa GIST. Presidents Katrina Regala, for RC Pagasa; and Lanilyn Of the 120 barangay residents who were screened, Joy Apinado, for RC West Central.

106 went to undergo the mandatory x-ray and spuBy PP Adelbert Corpus

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RC Constitution Hill Bagong Sandigan Empowerment of Girls Project

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upporting Rotary International’s and District’s 3780 advocacy for Empowerment of Girls, RC Constitution Hill Bagong Sandigan partnered with the Explore More Philippines under the leadership of Mr. Jerome Bactol, director, in the implementation of GIRLS RISING, is a global campaign that uses the power of storytelling to promote the simple message that educating girls can transform societies.

Girl Rising began as a feature film showcasing the stories of nine unforgettable girls from around the world who faced formidable obstacles like early marriage, gender-based violence, discrimination, and child labor. It has grown into a powerful global movement with a powerful message that educating girls can transform societies.

By LCP Bong Beloy

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RC Camp Aguinaldo launches Kupkop Pawikan in Bagac, Bataan

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o kick off the 20th Founding Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Camp Aguinaldo, the club launched the Kupkop Pawikan under its Kawan ng Kalikasan para sa Komunidad (KKK), the umbrella project for all the club’s efforts geared toward Saving the Environment.

Kupkop Pawikan is a two-pronged effort because it will be in line with the two areas of focus -- Support the Environment and Community & Economic Development.

On February 09, the Rotary Club of Camp Aguinaldo sponsored 20 nests at the Pawikan Hatchery in Barangay Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan. Each nest, which has an average of 94 eggs, costs Php 400 which will go to the locals who will be looking after it. Thus, the club does not only help protect the Pawikan but also supports the livelihood of the locals in the area.

Forward looking, RC Camp Aguinaldo hopes that its existence will match that of a Pawikan’s lifespan which is said to reach 100 years old or more. #RCCampAguinaldoAt20 #KampoRotariansAt20 #ChangeToSaveLives

By LCP Melfran Apolinario

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RC Uptown Novaliches Junk Art Workshop and Exhibit

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n the second year of our signature project launched during the term of TP Jonathan B. Trinidad, with IPDG Johnny Gaw Yu who graced the launching of the project- "JUNK ART WORKSHOPS & Exhibit " one of 7 Areas of Focus of Rotary International - Protecting our Environment. This RY 2021-2022, under LCP Annariza C. Alzate , the club has continued to focus on this environmental project to benefit interested students in our adopted school and community in Maligaya Park, Quezon City. The project was held last February 27, 2022. Our main purpose is for the students to challenge themselves to make good of their professions in art to profit. We help and teach them 50

to make business and invest on their finished art works for their daily finances. The project was in partnership with HB Culture & Arts Workshop Inc. We acknowledge the Multi-Awardees artists Mr. DeJeck Flores, Ken Hawkson and TP Jonathan B. Trinidad. Our heartfelt thanks to our fellow RCUNERS who have given their full support and financial contribution in making our signature project to become a perennial success for the club. I would like to mention their names, PP Norge Regencia, PP Ces Velarde, PN Imelda Cera Porlucas, Public Image Chair Joff Pastolero, PP Tony Velasco, PP Vangie Tantoco, Rtn Ramon Balunes.

By PP Bambi Verdote

Rotaract Club of Kamuning Central Dec 4: POWER RC Kamuning Central hosted a mission project called POWER (Prosthesis Orthoses Wheelchairs toward Empowerment Reintegrated) assisted by the club's newly organized RCC THE GILAS RIDERS TEAM 1.

More than 40 beneficiaries were given prostheses and orthoses for PWDs & units of wheelchairs for Cerebral Palsy patients, all sponsored by POWER. This 1-month mission was hosted also by various clubs of our D3780.

Dec 4 - Jan 15 & 30 at Rotary center: Gift Giving The said club RCC also conducted Gift Giving of grocery items, hygiene kits & storybooks. The storytelling encompasses the promotion of empowering girls through a video presentation of "Ang Mga Hilig Ni Maki" to more than 70 indigent children at Imus Cavite Parish Church.

Mission benefited.

Feb 19: Silid-Aklatan Para sa Bihawo Last February 19, 2022, in partnership with Hope Builders, Dream Tracers (HBDT) and RCC Team Vipers, The Rotaract Club of Kamuning Central launched Phase 1 of Silid-Aklatan Para sa Bihawo: an outreach project that aimed to help Bihawo Elementary School develop their own Dep-Ed accredited library.

Together, the organizations were able to donate new furniture, appliances, and school materials for the community. Students were also invited to partake in a riveting story-telling session held by the volunteers of HBDT. The cash fund spent from our Rotaract Fundraising project - Art Auction was used to purchase the goods.

By Katelyn Villaraza

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Interact Club of New Era HS Gulayan para sa Paaralan

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he Interact Club of New Era High School provides full support to its New Era High School for its urban agriculture project. Last March 02, 2022, the club, together with its ates and kuyas in Rotaract Club of Midtown QC, and our titas and titos in Rotary Club of Midtown Quezon City, supported the launching of our New Era High School’s Gulayan Sa Paaralan. With the aim of complimenting Department of Agriculture’s Urban Agriculture Program, RCMQC, RACMQC, and IAC NEHS provided equipment and materials to build sustainable food systems for the school. The Rotary Club of Midtown Quezon City, through the District 3780’s Global Grant, also distributed the aquaponics system to the school. We are excited to return to school contributing to the growth and development of our school’s urban garden!

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Rotaract Club of Midtown QC Crypto Clarified

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he Rotaract Club of Midtown QC, together with Rotary Club of Midtown Quezon City, Interact Club of New Era High School, conducted Crypto Clarified, the second session under the Financially Literate Youth Program of the club. Held last February 12, 2022, the club invited the “Crypto Queen”, Ms. Angeline Viray of Crypto currency Philippines to provide basics on crypto currency, and give tips on how to invest on the emerging trend to the youths. The attendees, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors alike, learned a lot from the session, and committed to invest in crypto!

By LCP Lynette Ching Jacinto 53

The Language of Love: RAC Balintawak Acts of Service

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ebruary is recognized worldwide as the love month given the fact that Valentine's Day is every 14th of the month. There's always something in the air every time this month arrives. The red and pink themes and motifs of many establishments are a tell-tale that truly, love is in the air! The Rotaract Club of Balintawak members, as lovely as they could ever be, won't miss celebrating the month for the world by consistently speaking one of their love languages—acts of service.

perhero, a Rotaract Care action for our beloved Public Utility Vehicle Drivers. In the event with three waves, Rotaract Clubs in the metro and the south doled out facemasks and towels to the beneficiaries.

This project also aimed to renew the twin club agreement with the club's sister clubs. Wave 1 was held in Los Baños, Laguna, last February 27, 2022. It has a total of 200 beneficiaries. While Wave 2 was in Olongapo City, Zambales, just a day after the first wave, February 28, 2022. The beneficiaries accumulated a total number of 237. And the last wave, or Wave 3, The club co-hosted and participated in Project Tsu- will be held in Tanza, Cavite, on March 5, 2022.

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By Jedidiah Ann P. Tupaz

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