Governor's Monthly Letter of RID3780

GOVERNOR’S MONTHLY LETTER ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 3780

SEPTEMBER 2021

SEPTEMBER IS BASIC EDUCATION AND LITERACY MONTH

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

SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE

Contents

Cover August Edition

Publisher: DG Edgardo Ayento

Editor in Chief PP Jesse Tanchanco

Editorial Team:

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5 Reasons Why we must Eradicate Polio

34 Kanlungan ni Maria

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Message from the District Governor

35 RC Cubao South Support Pink Warriors

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Message from the RI President

36 RC North EDSA

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Message from the TRF Chair

37 Rotary Day of Service RC Timog

Rotary’s Commitment to Diversity, Eq-

38 Meals on Wheels RC Sto Domingo

11 priority

New club makes disability advocacy a

39 Silangan

12 Empowering Girls

40 in Various Ways

10 uity and Inclusion

Aya Nicole Corpus

Bong Cruz

Marilen Lagniton

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41 RC Midtown QC Scrapaangarap Project

18 Eradicating Polio in Afghanistan

42 Undernourished Children

19 Ten Ways to Save Trees

43 thru the Gift of Mobility

20 Serve to Change Lives

44 RC Broadway: Ligtas Buhay, Angat Buhay

Christopher John Imperial

Frank Macatangay

RC Loyola Heights Covid 19 Vaccina-

46 tral

Basic Education and Literacy Project of

47 in Team Building

RC Broadway Brigada Eskwela Kick

48 RC Quirino Brigada Eskwela

RC Masambong Bayanihan para sa

49 Senior Citizens

RC Sta Mesa Heights Partnership with

50 RC Batasan Hills Community Pantry

28 RC Camp Panopio

Tugon sa Tawag ng Nangangailangan

51 RC San Roque Kalinga sa Maralita

29 RC University District Children’s Pantry

52 Interactors’ Debate & Math Workshops

22 tion Drive

24 Off

25 Nangangailangan

September is Literacy and Education Month

Operation Kaagapay of RC Diliman CenRC Acropolis Seminar on Role of Youth

RC North EDSA Covid 19 Vaccine for

RC Midtown Diliman Back to Back Pro-

53 Interact DISTAS

31 ity

RC Diliman Central Blood Letting Activ-

54 the Poor

32 Project Tugon of RC Kamuning East

55 RC Kagitingang Cubao Alay Namin sa Ina

30 jects On the Cover:

RC Bagong Silangan Transforms Lives

45 RC Pagasa visits Bahay Kalingap

26 National Library Joel Paragas

RC Holy Spirit Project Helps

Promoting Peace RC Satellite Club of

23 RC Quezon City

Photographers

Roving Children’s Party RC Bagong

16 ence

21 Loyola Heights Cecille Rodriguez Rivera

Anti Covid vaccine for the Incapacitated

RC Camp Aguinaldo Helps Community

Rotary’s Largest Asia Pacific Confer-

Beth Directo

Handog sa Mga Lolo at Lola sa

Flood Relief for Victims of Typhoon

33 Fabian

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RC Cubao Sunrise Feeding Program for

56 District Calendar

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Message from the District Governor

September 2021 Message

Greetings to all my fellow Life Changing Rotary leaders.

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s we enter into the third month of our Rotary Year 2021-2022, please allow me to thank everyone for all your efforts despite the continuing difficulties and adjustments that we have to deal with. During the past 2 months, I have attended a good number of Governors Visits. I am truly impressed with your plans and programs, specially your willingness, extraordinary dedication and commitment to make a difference in order to change and save lives at this time in our history where it will matter most. Please keep it up and know that the District will be behind you all the way.

September is the Basic Education and Literacy month; it is time to look at schools in communities around us to understand the present status of basic education and literacy to enable us to do the best activities in this area for our communities. Only when we do so, our clubs will understand the need to improve learning outcomes, increase community involvement and influence teaching practices, particularly in elementary schools.

Further, did you know that over 776 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate? In the Philippines, while 98.6% are considered to have achieved basic literacy levels, only 91.6% are considered functionally literate. Perhaps much worse now as a result of the pandemic. In addition, the Corona virus forced more than 2.6 million kids out of school as their parents lost their jobs or became under employed.

This is a staggering statistic and while most of us look at the children, let us not forget that we can partner with others, trained in adult literacy to bring the gift of reading to persons stigmatized by illiteracy. Remember that without basic education and literacy, poverty and inequality will persist, and with these conditions, peace cannot exist.

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To promote literacy especially at primary school level, let us supplement the efforts which are already in the right learning process. As in Polio Eradication, where Rotary identified inaccessible communities and educated and influenced them about the importance of early immunization, we should plan our involvement in a way as not to supplant government initiatives but act as a catalyst to the government programs, thereby contributing to their success.

Our Rotary clubs should be prepared to continue their projects well beyond the current year. To ensure continuity, seek the support of the DGE and DGN as well as future club presidents and look for sources of long-term financial support, such as that provided by government grants, participant fees, or funding (cash/kind such as teaching aids, furniture etc.) by fellow Rotarians and interested philanthropists.

Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.

Please allow me to end by sharing a quote from Nelson Mandela; “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Indeed education is the first step for people to gain the knowledge, critical thinking, empowerment and skills they need to make this world a better place. Let us continue to do our part with greater vigor. Together we can always achieve more.

Yours in Rotary service, Edgardo Ayento District Governor D3780 2021-2022

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“ Remember that without basic education and literacy, poverty and inequality will persist, and with these conditions, peace cannot exist”.

Message from the RI President

September 2021 Message

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am sure you are having an enriching experience as you Serve Lives. One of the ways you can make the greatest change in a person’s life is to help them learn to read. Literacy opens up the world to us. It makes us better informed about life in our own communities and opens vistas to other cultures. Reading and writing connects people and gives us another way to express our love for one another.

September is Basic Education and Literacy Month in Rotary. Enhancing literacy skills is critical in our pursuit of reducing poverty, improving health, and promoting peace. In fact, if all students in low-income countries left school with basic reading skills, it would result in a significant cut in global poverty rates.

Without education, illiterate children become illiterate adults. Today, 14 percent of the world’s adult population — 762 million people — lack basic reading and writing skills. Two-thirds of that group are women. Literacy and numeracy skills are essential to obtaining better housing, health care, and jobs over a lifetime.

Especially for girls and women, literacy can be a life-or-death issue. If all girls completed their primary education, there would be far fewer maternal deaths. And a child is more likely to survive past age 5 if he or she is born to a mother who can read. Improving outcomes for more people worldwide is possible only if countries remove barriers to education for girls. The economic argument for doing so is clear: In some countries where schooling is geared toward boys, the cost of missed economic opportunity is more than $1 billion per year.

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Empowering people through education is among the boldest goals we have as Rotarians. We don’t have to travel far from our homes to encounter those whose lives are being curtailed because they struggle with reading, rely on others to read for them, or cannot write anything more than their own name.

Starting this month, consider how your club can Serve to Change Lives through literacy: Support local organizations that offer free programs to support adult literacy or local language learning, or that provide teachers with professional development centered around reading and writing.

Become literacy mentors, or work with an organization like the Global Partnership for Education to increase learning opportunities for children around the world.

Have conversations with local schools and libraries to see how your club can support their existing programs or help create needed ones in your community.

In India, the TEACH program, a successful collaboration between the country’s Rotary clubs and its government, has demonstrated how to scale up literacy efforts to reach millions of children. And at a time when schools across India were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program’s e-learning component reached more than 100 million children through national television.

Literacy is the first step out of poverty. As Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has noted, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”

Shekhar Mehta President Rotary International RY 2021-22

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“ Empowering people through education is among the boldest goals we have as Rotarians.

Message from the TRF Chair September 2021 Message

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alala Yousafzai is a young Pakistani activist for the education of girls and women. As a teenager, Malala, whom the world knows by her first name, courageously spoke out for the rights of girls to learn. Extremists in her country disagreed with Malala, and she was shot by a Taliban gunman on her way home from school.

But the attack didn’t dissuade her; it made her more determined. As soon as she recuperated, she resumed her mission of education activism. Today the Malala Fund supports education through projects around the world.

Not only is Malala an inspiration for Rotary members, we also have some commonalities: a drive to do what is right, a passion for literacy, and the power to transform dreams into reality.

One of my life mottos is: If you can dream it, you can do it. This applies to everything Rotarians do, particularly with The Rotary Foundation. We literally make our dreams happen.

Like Malala, we know that literacy is, for many, the first step out of poverty. To put our vision into action, we first understand a community and the unique problems of its members, and then form a partnership with them. Next we join forces with others — exchanging ideas with clubs in other districts, and working with people and organizations outside of Rotary.

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Our solution, in the form of a district grant or global grant, will be tailored for that community.

And if it’s a Rotary grant, you can bet it will be well-planned, strategic, and most of all, sustainable. We want that gift of literacy to not be a onetime book donation but a plan to transform a community over time.

“ We want that gift of literacy to not be a one-time book donation but a plan to transform a community over time. ”

Over the years, I have seen countless literacy efforts in Rotary, from national programs to local projects. When the global COVID-19 pandemic hit last year, many clubs took action to help communities adjust to online schooling, including providing laptop computers. Rotary’s solutions are endless, our volunteers tireless. And if I know Rotarians, I know that more solutions are being created as I write these words.

Rotary’s passion for literacy and education projects is well-known. So is our commitment to make them happen. You, through Rotary, are a big part of helping people take their first step out of illiteracy, out of poverty, and into something much better. Remember, if you can dream it, you can do it — just like Malala.

John Germ Trustee Chair RY 2021-2022

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Rotary’s Commitment to Rotary’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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e believe that exemplifying and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) should be a part of everything we do at Rotary. To ensure we live up to that ideal, the Board of Directors and our DEI Taskforce acted to strengthen the DEI statement originally adopted in 2019. The result is in a new commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Everyone who engages with Rotary — no matter who they are, where they are in the world, or how long they have been connected with Rotary — should feel valued, respected, and welcomed.

These ideals reflect what current and prospective members want and expect from their Rotary experience: respect, ethical leadership, inclusion, and the opportunity to work together to create more just, open, and welcoming communities for all people.

Diversity has long been one of Rotary's core values and continues to serve as a foundation for how we interact with each other and our communities. But we know there is more for us to learn and do in

order to ensure that our organizational culture reflects and exemplifies DEI in all ways.

As a first step in that new plan to ensure our organization values and lives the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Board of Directors, with guidance from the DEI Task Force, revisited and took measures to strengthen Rotary's DEI statement adopted in 2019. The result is a new commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.

We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.

Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically 10

experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.

We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.

In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a political issue; we all have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to have equal opportunities for fellowship and service, and to be given the same platforms for our voices to be heard.

New club makes disability advocacy a priority

By Ken Masson, President, The Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy

Ken Masson

The need for human rights for people with disabilities is worldwide.

From the largest to the smallest countries, there are opportunities for Rotary to improve the dignity, respect, and quality of lives for people with disabilities. That is why we chartered the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy. We saw so many possibilities of what Rotary could do.

We reached out to disability advocates around the world, and many were willing to team up for the cause by agreeing to be charter members of this unique club Disability advocates do not always get the recognition they deserve but they all are extremely passionate about human rights.

As a result, we formed a uniquely diverse club. Our 20 charter members represent eight countries – and 18 of our members are new to Rotary. We are also a comparably young club, with our average age being around 32.

We are a cause-related e-club and are affiliated with the district’s Rotary Disabilities Advisers Group. Since early this year, the group has been focusing on helping Rotary become more welcoming to people with disabilities.

There is no other club quite like this. Disability rights have always been lower in priority in many human rights endeavors. However, for us, it is our top priority – and we plan on having an impact in many counties and many people’s lives.

We are thankful for the support we are receiving from other Rotary members. If you have a passion for increasing human rights for those with disabilities, contact us at rotarydag@gmail.com Learn more about Rotary’s DEI statement, what DEI means, and how you can put it into practice to create positive experiences.

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FOR ROTARIANS AND NON-ROTARIAN REGISTRANTS The delegate pass is priced at USD 28.00 (PHP 1,380.00). A promo of USD 20.00 (PHP 1000.00) is given to the first 6,000 registrants but not beyond September 15, 2021.

For Rotaractors and RCC Members: Each Rotaractor and Rotary Community Corps can purchase a delegate pass at the special discount rate of USD 5.00 (PHP 250.00) valid until October 29, 2021.

Procedures GROUP REGISTRATION FOR ROTARIANS & NON-ROTARIANS

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Eradicating Polio in Afghanistan An update on PolioPlus in Afghanistan from Michael ments who supported ISIS or ISIL as they are also McGovern, Rotary International PolioPlus Committee known. We also noted that some areas of the counChair: try had been subject to over 30 months of a ban on house-to-house polio vaccinations. s the sun While all this was going on other activities were ocrose curring which have been mostly unreported. On Janon 1 uary 17th, the Regional Directors of WHO and January 2021, we UNICEF met at the Taliban office in Doha, Qatar to all worried about discuss polio vaccinations and Covid response in the what this new areas controlled by the Taliban. While house to year would bring. house polio vaccinations were not agreed to, the sevFor those of us en senior members of Taliban leadership indicated who closely fol- support for other measures to provide vaccination low polio eradi- activities. In all areas of the country, health screencation progress, ings continued unabated which showed no new wild it was an espe- polio cases and no positive identification of polio vicially worrisome ruses in the environment. In a zoom call of polio parttime. 2020 and nership leaders the week of 17 August, Aidan 2019 had seen an uptick in wild polio virus cases and O’Leary, the global WHO polio director, noted that in circulating vaccine derived cases. Polio vaccina- Afghanistan has one of the best programs for polio tions had had to be suspended for a while in 2020 surveillance in the world and it was not finding polio due to the coronavirus and vaccines for Covid-19 anywhere. were just starting to receive early use approvals After the fall of the Afghanistan government in midThe polio news was especially bad in Afghanistan. On August, the new leadership has agreed to keep on the very first day of 2021, a wild polio virus case was the acting health minister who has been effective in reported. In the next week, the national health minis- righting the program since February. Taliban leaders ter was fired due to hints of corruption on non-polio have visited the national and regional polio offices matters. Before month’s end, the government of Af- and pledged their support for the polio eradication ghanistan ordered the UNICEF polio lead to leave the program. On 23 August, a Rotary sponsored roadside country relating to a verbal spat that had occurred in vaccination hut provided vaccinations to children unthe President’s office. Then in March and June there der five with local Taliban providing the needed secuwere coordinated attacks on polio workers and their rity. For security reasons, I will not share the photos I security teams leaving eight families having lost loved received but it was good to see the Rotary logo doing ones. The Taliban denied responsibility for the good in the world. attacks, and it appeared the attacks were tied to ele-

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Ten Ways to Save TREES

T USE LESS PAPER. THE LESS PAPER YOU USE, FEWER TREES WILL BE NEEDED.

rees are an integral part of our planet. They clean the air that we breathe, help remove pollutants, and provide lovely shade on a hot summer day. In fact, they’re so essential to life on Earth that merely living close to trees makes human beings healthier and happier. If you want to save trees, you don’t have to go out planting hundreds of trees to make a difference. Making a few minor lifestyle changes may not seem like a lot, but you’re sure to help make the planet a better place.

Buy recycled paper products.

Go for cloth products over paper when possible.

Eat less meat. Factory raised animals require a ton to graze.

Buy FSC certified wood.

Avoid products made with PALM OIL.

Spread the word about TREES on Social Media.

Push the local government to do more for trees.

Look for volunteering opportunities to plant / protect trees.

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PLANT TREES

Serve to Change Lives Submitted by: The Rotary Club of Pag-Asa

Please click on the link below, then download to watch the video to Hear the music. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ceLqXWb0ST1KJG6GKIa0O0Zwvrc5VdCD/view?usp=sharing

We Serve to Change Lives (Rotary Theme 2021) (words/music: Nilo Alcala) Verse I We stand for truth and fairness Integrity within us shines for all to see.

We bring goodwill and friendships We are one in service and community Pre-Chorus I We work differently, we see differently Challenges won’t faze us, with our strengths combined We think differently, act responsibly Together we will make a difference you will see CHORUS We serve to change lives, we serve to change lives We’re people of action, committed you and me!

We serve to change lives, we serve to change lives United in service to our global family.

Verse II The impact we bring is lasting Inspiring future champions and leaders to be.

We’re seeking new ways of helping The world around us will never be the same.

Pre-Chorus II We work differently, we see differently Resilience shall strengthen our abilities We think differently, act responsibly We embrace the future as we honor the past CHORUS We serve to change lives, we serve to change lives We’re people of action, committed you and me!

We serve to change lives, we serve to change lives United in service to our global family.

We’re people of action, committed you and me!

We serve to change lives, we serve to change lives A change for the better…

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RC Satellite Club of Loyola Heights Promoting Peace

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romoting Peace - The Nagoya, Japan based members of the Rotary Satellite Club of Loyola Heights Online recently participated in the "Cranes for our Future program" - Crafting a brighter future starts with all of us. People around the world pledged to fold paper cranes and share them on social media with their wish for a bright and peaceful future. This was in commemoration of the anniversaries of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki last August 6 and 9.

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Covid 19 Vaccination Drive of RC Loyola Heights

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he Rotary Club of Loyola Heights hosted the anti COVID 19 vaccination drive at the North Fairview Subdivision clubhouse for 500 beneficiaries with co host clubs RC Masambong, RC Novaliches and RC Camp Panopio in coordination with the Quezon City Health Department. This is the 2nd in a series of vaccination drives that that RC Loyola Heights have organized and hosted.

Submitted by LCP Jhun Merino

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Basic Education and Literacy Project of RC Quezon City

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he Rotary Club of Quezon City embarked on its 6th year of recognizing students and teachers through the Jose Agaton Sibal (JAS) Essay Writing Contest and Awards for Educational Leadership. The aim is two-fold – to recognize the writing talents of 6th grade public school students of Quezon City, and honor the teachers they wrote about in their entries. Founded by All-Star District Governor Dwight Hilarion “Dwight” Ramos, the contest commenced in 2016 as a part

of RI District 3780’s Education and Literacy Committee. After identifying the winning essays, RCQC also awards teachers recognized by the 3 student placers. During the National Teacher’s Month, the teachers are awarded with gold, silver and bronze by the President of Central Books, Inc, Paolo M. Sibal, son of the late Past District Governor Jose Agaton “Tony” R. Sibal, founding member of the Rotary Club of Quezon City whom the award is named after, is the founder of Central Books Inc. (publisher 23

of leading law books in the Philippines), an author, writer and education champion. Central Books and RCQC partners provide the cash awards for the teachers. Due to the pandemic, the contest is now done virtually through an online essay contest. The Essay Contest will be held this month in line with Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month. Interested 6th PGrade Public School students can visit the website for the mechanics and submission deadline at www. rotaryjasawards.weebly.com .

Submitted by CSP Amos Manlangit

RC Broadway Brigada Eskwela Virtual Kick Off

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he Rotary Club of Broadway led by Life Changing President Eulalio V. Calonge, delivered his message during 2021 Virtual Kicjk Off Ceremony last August 16th, 2021 atthe Brigada Eskwela launch at their adopted school, the Diosdado P. Macapagal Elementary at Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City. The theme for this year’s Brigada was “Bayanihan Para sa Paaralan. The club has been one of the school’s partners in various projects for the past thirteen (13) years.

Submitted by LCP Eulalio Calonge

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RC Masambong Bayanihan Para sa Nangangailangan

Submitted by LCP Joan Lolong

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RC Sta Mesa Partnership with the National Library 134th Anniversary

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he National Library of the Philippines on August 13 celebrated its 134th anniversary, promising innovations in its programs and its services to coincide with the "new normal" brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the theme "National Library of the Philippines 134th Founding Anniversary: Continuing its Vision and Mission Amidst Pandemic," the NLP strives to make its services available and more accessible to the people, while improving its on-site facilities, as the pandemic changes the way learning materials are consumed.

Among the key plans of the NLP is to continue the enhancement of its building and at the same time procure necessary equipment which would be vital in the development of its online facilities, among others, as part of its vision to focus on enhancing services and facilities contributing to the social and cultural development of Filipino society. National Library of the Philippines director Cesar Gilbert Quizo Adriano sat down and bared the importance of celebrating the National Library's anniversary, and the plans for the institution moving forward to the “New Normal” in a question and answer portion.

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As it celebrates its 134th anniversary, NLP wants to maintain its ISO certification, while elevating its human resource management system through the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM).

It has also made innovations in its facilities that will aid in conserving, preserving, and protecting printed and recorded cultural heritage, while also creating resources catering to different mother tongues to promote preservation of the Filipino language, as the anniversary coincides with Buwan ng Wika.

And among other innovations planned is the International Children’s Library, a digital library initiative formed through a partnership with The Rotary Club of Sta. Mesa, with details about it to follow soon.

Adriano said the NLP is “pleased and honored” to be the project’s recipient.

“The Rotary Club of Sta. Mesa did not only give us the chance to widen and improve our services and facilities, but this is a clear sign that you recognize the importance of the National Library of the Philippines in shaping the minds of our youth to be the future instrument of positive transformation in our society. Further, you've put your trust in our institution that we will be able to fulfil this purpose,” he said.

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RC Camp Panopio Tugon sa Tawag ng Nangangailangan

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he members of the Rotary Club of Camp Panopio paid a courtesy call to the Philippine National Police Station 8 Head and Personnel and donated and handed-over of electric fans for the additional ventilation of the inmates of Quezon City Station 8.

LCP Rosinee Balgomera Pacolor together with AG Martin Frank planned and successfully executed the said Outreach Project for the inmates of PNP STATION 8 , Project 4, Quezon City. Receiving the 4 desk fans for the inmates is Police Col. Melchor Rosales.

Submitted by LCP Rosinee Pacolor

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RC University District Children’s Pantry

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t the start of the 2021-2022 school year, the Rotary Club of University District (RCUD) of District 3780 conducted a feeding program in one of their adopted communities, Barangay San Vicente. Instead of the usual children's party or bringing food to a community pantry, we had a Community Children's Pantry following the intended Brigada Eskwela that benefitted eighty (80) indigent children who received school supplies.

They were also given hot meals to enjoy.

Giving is not just about making a donation, but mak-

ing a difference.

"It is not what you give but what you share, for the gift without the giver is bare." ~James Russell Lowell Four past presidents, CP Dell Caragan, ASP Jennifer Butacan, IP Jasper Aviso, and TP Joji Coloma participated in this initiative.

Part of the day’s activity was an ocular inspection of the future office of our Rotaract of San Vicente. Two Rotaractors , Francine Reyes and Andie Nabong,also took part in the day’s activities.

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Submitted by LCP John Galicto

RC Midtown Diliman Back to Back Projects

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otary Run (Rotarun) 2021: Takbo para sa mga Guro ng Bayan was a virtual fun run comprising of 21K, 10K, and 5K running events. Rotary Club of Midtown Diliman conducted this activity to support the Graduate School education of selected public school teacherscholars. A total of 150 runners, who were recognized and awarded with finisher/ participant entitlements on June 12, 2021, were able to change the lives of our 5 beneficiary teachers. Through running, it was a great opportunity to be a part of this wonderful journey to strive more for excellence and make our teachers’ dreams turn into reality!

RotaVax: Sa Bakuna, May Pag-Asa is one of RC Midtown Diliman’s signature activities. RotaVax, a vaccination program through which flu, pneumococcal and MMR vaccines are administered to our beneficiaries, is one of RCMD’s disease prevention and treatment programs, relevant more especially during this time when the country and the rest of the world is still in the midst of the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. Three waves of RotaVax were conducted on June 26, July 03, and July 07, 2021.

Submitted by LCP Rexel Britos 30

RC Diliman Central Conducts Blood Letting Activity

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he Rotary Club of Diliman Central in partnership with Dugong Alay Dugtong Buhay , ACE Medical Center Valenzuela and 3S Center Fire Station conducted its “Oplan Dugo Para sa Kinabukasan” project last July 25, 2021.

The event was led by RCDC’s Life Changing President Rhodora T. Gonzales, with President Elect Novelyn N. Natividad and Past President Rosario “Rose T. Gonzales. Blood-letting was held at Punturin 3S Center Fire Station, Brgy. Punturin, Valenzuela City. The event commenced as early as 7a.m. and was able to serve around 50 firemen/women blood donors from 3S Center Fire Station.

By LCP Rhodora Gonzales

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Project Tugon of RC Kamuning East

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Disaster Relief Operation dubbed TUGON was organized by RC KAMUNING EAST for Taal evacuees led by the Life Changing President Vince Sosa. Grocery packs and adult diapers were turned over to the Regional Health Service - Police Regional Office 4A (CALABARZON), under the leadership of PBGen Ysmael Salonga Yu and DRDA Mary Ann L Bargamento, CRHS on July 21, 2021.

Submitted by LCP Vince Sosa

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Flood Relief Efforts for Victims of Typhoon Fabian

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C Kamuning East continues its disaster relief efforts by extending immediate aid to victims of typhoon Fabian in Marikina, San Mateo, and Montalban, Rizal. This is in partnership with RPPO (Rizal Provincial Police Office) and in collaboration with Pasig Bayanihan Lions Club, Makati Golden Lions Club, Rich Corporation, Puno Sagip Buhay, GH Pharma Inc., and Support Troops of the Philippines.

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Handog Sa Mga Lola Sa Kanlungan ni Maria

Submitted by IPP Nino Dela Fuente

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anlungan ni Maria is a home for the aged in the Philippines serving to provide true home to all abandoned, poor, sick and homeless elderly in the country. One of the nearest home for the aged sanctuary in Manila , their mission is to provide adequate and sufficient shelter and basic needs to old people and combine them with love, attention, affection and support in all aspects of life in an environment that is homey.

LCP Angie of the Rotary Club of Cubao South opted to celebrate her birthday by bringing groceries, bottled water, groceries and toiletries for the benefit of the elderlies housed there.

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RC Cubao South Supports Pink Warriors

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he Rotary Club of Cubao South lead by Life Changing President Angelita Guevarra with our Pink Warrior Past President Atchie Baetiong had a gift giving project last July 30, 2021. This activity was intended for breast cancer patients who were undergoing chemotherapy at Chinese General Hospital, Sta. Cruz, Manila on that day. The patients were given health kit bags and fresh fruits after their chemotherapy session. Included in the bags were PPE suit, face masks, face shields, alcohol, soap, towel, and a gift certificate from Bayanihan Knitted Knockers. The Rotary Club of Cubao South expresses our support to these ladies on their battle with breast cancer.

Submitted by IPP Nino Dela Fuente 35

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he Rotary Club of North EDSA thru its Life Changing President Getz R. Valler, in support of the QC ProtecTODO Program, assisted and served the Vaccination Roll Out for the Incapacitated and Bedridden Senior Citizens of Barangay Project 6. This project, thru Councilor Joseph Juico Chairman, QC Task Force on Vaccination in partnership with the QC Health Department and the BHMC and PP Honie Llamas is a series of vaccination roll out to complete all those listed incapacitated residents of Barangay Project 6.

It is such an inspiring and exceptional mission to be able to carry out this health program for the weak, disabled and the bedridden. If they can't come for the vaccination roll out venue, then we are duty bound to bring the vaccine to them to further ensure their safety and their families. There were strict guidelines to follow and implement to ensure their safety and ours. Only a limited number of workforce were allowed with the beneficiary.

The Rotary Club of North EDSA thru our Life Changing President Getz R. Valler and volunteers, accomplished this opportunity to serve our adopted barangay.

Anti Covid Vaccination Drive for the Incapacitated RC North EDSA

Submitted by LCP Getz Valler

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Rotary Day of Service for the Adopted Barangay of RC Timog

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hrough the leadership of Life-Changing President Pos Vicencio, the Rotary Club of Timog - Quezon City spearheaded the first Rotary Day of Service of District 3780 for the residents of their adopted Barangay, held at Servants of Charity, Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Quezon City on Juy 23rd. The event addressed the various challenges the community is facing such as hunger, livelihood, health and other areas of concern. The event brings together several rotary clubs, rotary community corps and non-rotarian service partners, who are volunteers within and outside of Rotary, to accomplish a meaningful activity and promote the good work of Rotary. There were at least three hundred beneficiaries present who participated in the Rotary Day of Service. The non-rotarian service partners were Philippine Association of Private School Dentists, Inc. (PAPSDI) led by President Dr. James Olayvar, Philippine Red Cross - Quezon City Chapter represented by Cathreen Castillo, 21st Century Manpower Resources, Inc. represented by baby Rotarian Richard Janson, RC Timog’s Rotary Community Corps and the livelihood provider Ang Hortaleza Foundation, Inc. (AHFI).

Submitted by LCP Pos Vicencio 37

RC Santo Domingo Meals on Wheels for the Poor The Rotary Club of Sto. Domingo upon the initiative of LCP Richard Yabut, embarked on a project to feed the poor people along the sidewalks of its adopted Barangay Sto. Domingo in Quezon City. Aptly called “Meals on Two Wheels” the club has been distributing the food packs and facemasks since its first rollout last March 7, 2021. The recipients are sidewalk vendors, homeless street dwellers within the 10-km radius of Barangay Sto. Domingo.

With the economy in ruins and increase in unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing food on the table has become a daily problem and a cause of anxiety especially among the poor people. This project is in line with the Rotary’s “Rise Against Hunger” global movement to provide meal packages to support people faced with this problem, as well as helping a little in the fight against Covid-19.

The members of RCSD were impressed with the proposal by then President-Elect (PE) Yabut that he received instant funding for the project. Pres. Yabut has distributed the food packs, together with his friends thru the use of motorcycles. The driver and his companion cruise along the streets of Barangay Sto. Domingo to give away the food boxes to the sidewalk vendors, passers-by, street children, unemployed and homeless families. Each pack contains fried rice, egg and one viand and a pack of facemasks. The preparation of the food is undertaken by people who operate small food eateries. Although this project is not a solution to the root cause of the problem, which is unemployment, it is meant to alleviate hunger (“pantawid gutom”). The use of motorcycles for the food distribution has also prevented the deluge of people as experienced during food distribution events.

By LCP Richard Yabut

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RC Bagong Silangan Hosted Roving Children’s Pantry

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n July 2nd the Rotary Club of Bagong Silangan opened the service year by distributing grocery goodies for 8 children with special needs at Brgy Bagong Silangan. The grocery goodies were personally distributed to the houses of the children by , LCP Joy Heukelbach together with Rtns. Jen Chanco, Melai Ablaza, Armi Geronimo, and PP Crizzie Leynes who donated the goodies in celebration of her birthday on June 27th.

The next 14 children received their goodies few days after at Quezon Memorial Circle park by their parents since the city is still in GCQ. Everyone practicing social distancing.

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RC Camp Aguinaldo Community Service Projects

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s people of action, Kampo members are engaged in their communities — gathering for projects and offering help to those in need. RC Camp Aguinaldo members help enhance community education on COVID-19 by sharing accurate, fact based information from local and regional health authorities in their weekly Rotary Hour radio segment on Up Up Pilipinas hosted by

Brig. Gen PP Gerry Zamudio. They also have projects that support nutrition, mask wearing and proper hygiene practices with their donations of food, face masks and face shields to their adopted community.

They gave away seedlings and vegetables with training for propagation to families of our club, as well as to different community gardens in Quezon City to help ease the food shortage during the pandemic.

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Submitted by LCP Mel Apolinario

RC Midtown QC Launch SCRAPANGARAP Project donated for the benefit of the construction of a learning hub for the Dumagat Remontados tribes in Rizal.

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he Rotary Club of Midtown Quezon City, together with the Rotaract Club of Midtown QC, Interact Club of New Era High School, PCCI-QC, Green Haven, Masungi Georeserve, SEED4COM and other partners, launched SCRAPANGARAP: Donate Scraps to Change Lives last August 01, 2021. In support of the environment, RCMQC, together with its sponsored clubs and external partners, will be collecting scraps (plastics, papers, tarpaulins, etc.), and said scraps will be processed into plywood made of recycled materials by our external partner in Green Haven. The collected scraps which will be converted into plywood will be

Since its launch on August 1, the clubs have already gathered almost 2 tons of scraps, which has been turned to around 12 4x8 feet plywood pieces.

Several Rotarians from RCMQC, and private donors (individuals and groups) have been diligently contributing to save the environment, promote zero waste, while uplifting indigenous communities, and contributing to their development.

It is a simple gesture, but it will go a long way for the people and for the planet.

The club will continue to accept donations in kind and in cash until October 15th, from Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM. You may drop off your donations at 102 Verlin Apartment, P. Jacinto cor.

Biglang Awa, Caloocan City. Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends alike may also donate any amount of scrap material. Please contact Mark at +63 917 805 0433 for more details.

Submitted by LCP Lynette Jacinto

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RC Holy Spirit Project Helps Undernourished Children

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n July 23, 2021, RC Holy Spirit members led

by LCP JL Torre discussed a 3-month nutrition plan held a dialogue with Fr Alex Nolasco MGL of St Benedict Parish for 180 children aged 010 years old from poor families in selected informal settler areas inside Don Antonio Heights, Barangay Holy Spirit, to be launched oh the first week of August 2021.

However, due to rigid enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila effective since 6, 2021, the start of the nutrition program was postponed to September 2021. Without doubt, the ECQ restrictions will take its heavy toll on poor and vulnerable households who, even during lesser strict quarantine classifications have been struggling with low take home incomes. This translates to

higher hunger levels for poor families. It was decided that even before the formal start of the nutrition program in September, supplemental help will be given to the undernourished children. A detailed review of the list of the children initially included in the program showed that only 163 qualified for enrolment in the program.

This was composed of 84 children aged 3-10 years old found underweight, and 79 children aged 0-2 who were automatically qualified.

For the infants, breastfeeding among mothers is promoted; feeding will thus be focused on the mothers.

To support the program, RCHS gave 168 tetra bricks of Magnolia fresh milk and 6 cartons of Alaska fortified powdered milk to Fr Alex on July 28, 2021 and August 11,

2021, respectively, to benefit both the underweight 84 children and 79 mothers. The powdered milk is expected to feed the beneficiaries 10 days, with daily consumption.

On August 13, 2021, Fr Alex and community volunteers distributed the fresh milk and powdered milk to the beneficiaries, together with 1 kg rice, some dried fish and little vegetable RCHS through Fr Alex.

Kent Valderrama donated fresh milk, while the 180 packs of powdered milk came from PE Joy Peralta, PP Ped Condeno, PP Beth Sy, PP Marcia Salvador and Rtn Joey Peralta. Meanwhile, PP Marites Nepomuceno solicited 100 packs of powdered milk from her friend, Mr Marty Panganiban who owns a trading company. This will be turned over to Fr Alex around August 22, 2021 Submitted by PP Ric Salvador

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RC Bagong Silangan Gift of Mobility

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he Rotary Club of Bagong Silangan had a simple solution to address the basic mobility needs of two of their RCC members. LCP Joy Heukelbach, upon learning that the two elderly RCC members had difficulty walking without assistance, immediately donated walking canes to Lola Mercidita Gallego and Lola Clarita Pansacula, both 85 years of age and residents of Barangay Bagong Silangan.

Walking without a cane can be a nightmare for the mobility impaired elderly people. The walking canes are lifelines for elder persons so that they can walk and navigate their path without assistance. Now the two “lolas” can move around the house with less assistance.

“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” Kathy Calvin Submitted by LCP Joy Heukelbach

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RC Broadway Ligtas Buhay, Angat Buhay

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n September 01, 2021 LCP Pres Al Calonge and the officers and members of RC Broadway ,QC together with its Rotary Community Corp members led by Pres Ed Lacambra performed a relief operation project dubbed “Ligtas Buhay, Angat Buhay” for the street dwellers in Brgy Tatalon,QC. Bags of rice, canned goods and noodles were provided to 100 homeless families poorly affected by this pandemic.

Submitted by LCP Al Calonge

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RC Pagasa Visits Bahay Kalingap Caring for seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who have walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy.

– Senator John Hoeven Beautiful people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art. – Eleanor Roosevelt

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he Rotary Club of Pagasa Eagles once again soared high and left it’s aerie, last Sunday August 229, 2021 to go to the Kanlungan ng mga Matatandang Aba sa Pamayanan (KALINGAP), Inc., a shelter for the elderly. Their beneficiaries homeless elders, elders who need to be cared for while other family members work, and elkins not included, anti-Covid kits (disinfectant, alcoders who want to spend their lives in the country. hol, and face masks) and food.

All the wards of the shelter were abandoned old ladies, the oldest 91 years old and the youngest 65, The residents made a short presentation to show mostly suffering from dementia. Some were referred their gratitude. The oldest recited a poem while by the DSWD Dagupan and Cavite, others were found some did a song and dance number. Although the we roaming the streets, while some were referred by were separated from the residents by a wire fence, individuals. One was a longtime domestic helper who PP Oca Karaan was able to lead the dancing and as he could no longer find employment because of old age. did so with Rotarian Rosemarie Karaan, the elders Another had relatives but were too old to take care of started to dance. her.

It was a good day for the Rotary Club of Pagasa, LCP Katrina Regala remarked, “Ramdam ko yung sabik nila na may makita silang ibang tao, may makinig ng kwento (nila), at maibahagi ang kanilamg talento,” The convocation was made up of LCP Katrina Regala, CP Gary Ting, PP Francisca ‘Giok’ Ting, VP PP Oca Karaan, Rotarian Rosemarie Karaan, and Rotarian Wenalyn At-at. They were joined by PP Giok’s noneRotarian friend.

The shelter also accepts male wards. Perhaps, someday, you will find this keyboard tapper there when The Eagles donated a walker, urinal chair, bed pads, the Rotary Club of West Central’s CP Aya throws out bed mattresses, adult diapers, groceries (food and of the house this useless old man with a demented personal hygiene kits), the mandatory sanitary nap- mind.

Submitted by PP Adelbert Corpus 45

Operation Kaagapay RC Diliman Central

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he Rotary Club of Diliman Central held its Operation Kaagapay Project last August 27, 2021 at Kalantiyaw Elementary School, Project 4, Quezon City. In support of the project, the club members donated vitamins, school supplies, and materials for modules led by Life Changing President Rhodora Gonzales with Past President Rosario “Rose” T. Gonzales.

Amid the pandemic, Rotary Club of Diliman Central has been able to continue the 12-year signature project with said school benefitting around 100 pupils. The principal of Kalantiyaw Elementary School Ms. Teresita L. Erquiza, together with two other faculty staff received the donations.

Due to strict health restrictions, annual activity such as Operation Gupit Program did not push through.

Submitted by LCP Rhodora Gonzales

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RC Acropolis Webinar on Role of Youth in Peace Building

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he Rotary Club of Acropolis led the hosting of a Webinar to raise awareness on the vital role of young people in preventing conflict and sustaining peace. Experts from the peace and security sector as well as the academe, namely; Ms. Vanessa Pallarco & Mr. Andy Alegre led the discussion and provided relevant information and insights on the topic.

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RC Quirino Brigada Eskwela

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n our never ending advocacy for children’s welfare, and despite the pandemic, the Rotary Club of Quirino continues to support our adopted school, the Quirino High School. These teachers face a significant challenge in making sure learning happens at home and no children fall behind. They also face challenges in their own professional development at a time when a great deal of new knowledge and skills are urgently needed, but traditional in-person trainings and communities of practice are not possible. Since they continue to do online education system, we decided to provide the teachers Covid prevention supplies to help out.

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RC North Edsa Covid 19 Vaccine for Senior Citizens

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which the group sponsored for the volunteers was equally gratifying.

The beneficiaries started to come at 7:30 where the partners also participated in the vaccination system operation. It was indeed an inspiring and awesome involvement when you see the senior beneficiaries end their queue with happy and contented faces.

LCP Getz Valler is grateful to LCP Cindy Bondocoy Cajulao, LCP Bernie B. Benedicto and LCP Joel Padilla, not only for sharing this experience during this partnership but also the spirit of camaraderie.

This Disease Prevention and Treatment activity / Anti Covid-19 project, a Rotary Day of Service was concluded by Region 6’s, Rotary Club of North EDSA, Rotary Club of Cosmopolitan Timog, Rotary Club of Mega EDSA and Rotary Club of San Roque, RCC of Project 6, community volunteers, BPSO, EMS, volunteers, BCRD and Office of the City Mayor personnel, Project 6 Council especially the health practitioners of the Quezon City Health Department.

We value your support Angels&Juan free flowing coffee, PP Girlyjoy Castro , PP Honie Llamas, PP Edmund Chiu, PP Debbie Guo, IPP Ofelia Santos, Rtn Letty Baysa, and Rtn Lani Pascua.

otary Clubs of District 3780 rally to support the delivery of health service, the Covid19 Vaccination to the community.

RC North EDSA in its goal to reach the different sectors of its adopted Barangay Project 6, supported the QC ProtekTODO program in coordination with the city government.

Our Life-Changing President Getz Valler partnered with some clubs of Region 6 of RID 3780: RCNorth EDSA, RC Cosmopolitan Timog, RC Mega EDSA, and RC San Roque to implement this plan.

This Vaccination roll out for the 483 senior citizens 2nd dose of Astra Zenica was implemented, on August 11, 2021, at Ernesto Rondon High School. We started at 6:30 am and participated behind the scenes, lining up chairs following social distancing protocol, posting of tarpaulins and directional signs, clipping of band-aid strips, and organizing vaccine needles. The best part was being able to witness the actual delivery of the vaccines, how the Phil National Police secured the transport of the vaccines, the opening of the crate, assessment of crate temperature, inventory, and receipt by the duty medical practitioner. The distribution of food packs and drinks

Submitted by LCP Getz Valler

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RC Batasan Hills Community Pantry

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n this time of new normal where our country was placed under the state of emergency due to the rapidly increasing cases of Covid 19 and its variants , our services to our constituents cannot be placed on hold. On July 23, 2021, our members visited the Pres Corazon C. Aquino Elementary School (PCCAES) and Batasan Hills National High School (BHNHS).

We brought with us 100 pantry/loot bags for each school and distributed them to the parents of the most impoverished children in PCCAES and BHNHS. This is in support of their Brigada Eskwela Programs to strengthen the partnership engagements among the stakeholders of the schools.

As we distributed the pantry bags to the recipients, the health protocols of wearing masks, face shields and social distancing were observed. Pictures showed how happy and grateful the parents were. Our RCBH members were even more than satisfied and happy that the little things ( rice, sugar, coffee, noodles, biscuits, juice, school supplies) we had given to the parents brought such joy to them. We will indeed treasure these unforgettable memories.

Indeed, this act of generosity of the RCBH members to share and bring happiness to the children and their parents was a success with the cooperation of the school administration , volunteer teachers , parents and other school personnel. This is SERVICE ABOVE SELF of the RCBH members.

Submitted by PP Yolanda Brondial

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RC San Roque Kalinga sa Maralita

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he economic crisis brought on by the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of the urban poor, resulting in increase of street dwellers scavenging for food. Due to necessary lockdown measures brought about by the government to help curb Covid19, many people found themselves without work or shelter causing an increase in the homeless and street dwellers.

The Rotary Club of San Roque, led by LCP Joel Padilla Implemented a “Save a Day for a Cause” on August 4, 2021. Dubbed as “Kalinga ng Rotary sa Maralitang Taga-Lungsod”, we aimed to serve a hundred homeless beneficiaries along the streets of Brgy. San Roque and Brgy. Socorro in Cubao, Quezon City. This noteworthy project sends a message to our community that ROTARY never forgets its social responsibility to help those in need regardless of quarantine restrictions. On this day, we doled out food and clean water to a hundred homeless beneficiaries. The smiles and thanks we received from those we served were priceless and heartwarming. Even in times of difficulty amidst the pandemic, Rotarians continue to “serve to change lives”.

Submitted by LCP Joel Padilla

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INTERACTORS DEBATE & MATH WORKSHOPS

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from the public-school sector. The event was held in partnership with Debate Without Borders (DWB) for the third consecutive year. Incidentally, ICSFX president Massi Sia is also the concurrent president of DWB. Philippine national high school debate team stalwarts Jake Peralta and Riva Fong ably served as resource speakers of the webinar. The debate workshop will serve as foundational training for students who plan to compete in the 2nd Inter-QC Public Schools Debate Cup that will be held from November 2021 to March 2022 and will be hosted by ICSFX in partnership with DWB for the second year in a row.

s part of the “EDUCATION FOR THE MASSES” advocacy of the Rotary Club of New Manila Heights (RCNMH), its community-based Interactors from the Interact Club of St. Francis Xavier (ICSFX) and Interact Club of New Manila Heights (ICNMH) conducted multiple education-related workshops in the final week of AuNot to be outdone, the Interact gust.

Club of New Manila Heights also conducted its own educationrelated workshop, but this time in the area of mathematics. This was held on August 27 and was also done in an online Zoom setting. The webinar was attended by close to 300 incoming senior high school students from various The Interact Club of St. Francis Xa- Quezon City public schools. Servvier held its annual Public Speak- ing as resource speaker for the ing, Debate & Argumentation sem- event was Sean Chua, founder and inar in a virtual setting last August president of MathPal, a non-profit 23, 2021. The successful event primarily devoted to the grasswas attended by over 500 incom- roots development of learning ing senior high school students proficiency in mathematics. Sean

is also a bemedaled Philippine national team member who has competed in international math competitions all over the world. Some of the tricks he shared were the use of Pascal’s Triangle in expanding binomials, Cramer’s Rule to solve a 2x2 system of linear equations, Po ShenLoh’s quick method for solving quadratic equations, among others.

PP Boone Ongchoco, Youth Service chair of RCNMH, is effusive in his praise for the community-based Interactors of his home Rotary club. He shares, “It’s amazing how these Interactors are actually doing adult-type projects with minimal guidance from our Rotary club. All we really do is give advice and extend a little monetary and logistical support when needed. I’m quite optimistic that these kids will be our future leaders— not just in Rotary but in our country as well.”

Submitted by PP Boone Ongchoco

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INTERACT DISTAS

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nteract Clubs from D3780 participated the virtual half day District Interact Skills Training Assembly Webinar on September 04, 2021. Hosted by RC Bagong Silangan, there were 400 attendees from 34 Interact Clubs and their sponsoring Rotary Clubs together with their school coordinator. It started at 8:00 in the morning and lasted until 12.30 in the afternoon.

Rotarians and District Rotaract officers were invited to facilitate the break out group sessions. The main speaker was AG Aris Cruz from RC San Bartolome who inspired the attendees with his insightful tips in overcoming adversity, which was the theme of the webinar.

District Interact Representative Julianna Galiza and her District Team were inducted by DG Ed Ayento, after which DIR Julianan inducted Club presidents into office. District Youth Service Chair Boyet Calalay did the charging.

The event ended with a happy note after participants receiving exciting raffle prizes after the webinar.

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Submitted by EDG Farolan

RC Cubao Sunrise Feeding Program for the Poor

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n the 20 th day of August 2021, President Nominee Maritess Marbella sponsored a milk and bread feeding program in her hometown in Purok 2, Barangay. Cobangbang, Daet, Camarines Norte. Each person was given powdered milk and pieces of bread. She has always wanted to help those in need, especially malnourished kids, lactating mothers, PWDs, pregnant women, senior citizens and vendors, and she found the perfect time to do so while visiting her hometown. One interesting scenario was when one Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Daet approached PN Maritess and offered some help. He wrapped the bread and distributed them to each recipient. It as at that that moment that we realized that indeed wherever you go as a Rotarian, you will easily be recognized because of Rotary’s wide reach. Additionally, you can also make new friends, young and old alike when you meet fellow Rotarians. “It is true that you will feel joy and a sense of fulfilment as you provide help to other people. It is a “job well done” to see their smiles.” PN Maritess stated. It is so fulfilling in a sense that you are able to help, regardless of your budget. We hope that this project gave you a fresh perspective about how volunteerism starts from the heart.

On August 22, 2021 we did another feeding program, this time she was assisted by her former classmates from her younger days, where they served street children, senior citizens and poor families. We wanted to give joy and assistance to people in remote areas who need assistance. We were able to serve a lot of people who thanked us profusely for our generosity and concern for their welfare.

Due to the pandemic, many people go hungry as they have little to no source of income. Hunger is one of the major concerns that most people face nowadays. Locally and abroad, businesses are closing down with people losing jobs, causing the economy to go down. The trip to Camarines Norte was not just for leisure and to reconnect with friends, but also to reach out and touch people’s lives as Rotarians, always willing to help and serve when the need arises. Let us keep in mind that all of us have the heart to serve. And that it is always better to give than to receive.

Submitted by PP Paingan Freiman

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RC Kagitingang Cubao Alay namin sa Ina

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olo parents, particularly mothers, go through multiple challenges and hardships especially to those in the lower bracket of society. Even before the pandemic, there have been many single mothers with minor children who were having a hard time earning enough for the basic needs of their families.

When the community quarantine and the lockdown was implemented they became more helpless.

To address the immediate needs of these single mothers, the Rotary Club of Kagitingang Cubao in partnership with NMAX United Club of the Phil riders organized a community pantry in Barangay San Antonio, Quezon City. There were 200 single mothers as our beneficiaries. Each one was given a pack of food supplies good for a week. Before the distribution of the food supplies, the partner organizations shared inspirational and supportive words to the mothers.

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