Rotary Club of Makati launches community projects in Isabela

The Rotary Club of Makati (RC Makati), led by President Senen “Bing” Matoto, embarked on a day of service projects in Isabela.

Matoto, along with president-elect Keith Harrison, director Rodrigo Segura, director Winston Uy, incoming director Andy Mañalac, and past president Louie Aseoche, traveled to Cauayan City via a chartered plane provided by Uy.

Vocational Tour and School Visit

The group's first stop was a vocational tour at a tobacco field managed by Universal Leaf in Reina Mercedes. They observed the process of curing tobacco after harvest.

Next, they visited Mallalantang Elementary School, a beneficiary of RC Makati's “Books Across the Seas” program. The program complements Universal Leaf's “Let's Play After School Program.”

A joint initiative provided educational toys and equipment for physical activities like basketball, volleyball, and badminton.

A short program followed, featuring messages from Matoto, Uy, and Michee dela Cruz-San Pascual, United Leaf Philippines Inc. (ULPI) Director for Corporate Affairs and Compliance. They emphasized the importance of education and community involvement.

Reina Mercedes Mayor Malou Saguban joined the team for lunch.

Functional Literacy Program Launch

In partnership with Teach for the Philippines (TFP), RC Makati launched its “Functional Literacy Program” at San Fermin Elementary School.

Matoto, Segura, and TFP CEO Ma. Victoria Ungco delivered speeches highlighting the significance of partnerships in improving education.

The P400,000 program, funded by RC Makati, aims to equip 300 public school students with basic literacy and numeracy skills. It also encourages parental involvement in home learning.

A tour of the classrooms revealed the need for repairs and a school library.

Philippine Red Cross Visit

The group then visited the Philippine Red Cross branch, where they were met by Red Cross staff and members of RC Makati's partner club, RC Cauayan, led by president Czarah Dy.

Dy showcased the new blood storage refrigerator acquired by RC Cauayan through a Global Grant with a contribution from RC Singapore.

Discussions were held with Matoto regarding the possibility of co-funding additional cold storage for collected blood.

Fellowship and Celebration

The day concluded with a fellowship dinner at the ULPI guesthouse. Partners and participants from ULPI, TFP, and RC Cauayan came together to celebrate their successful service projects. A sumptuous dinner buffet and drinks were provided by Uy.

The Rotary Day in Isabela exemplified Rotary's ideals of service and fellowship, demonstrating the positive impact achievable when individuals from different regions collaborate for a common goal of community improvement.