The province of Isabela in the Cagayan Valley is becoming a favorite destination for RC Makati, not for its tourist attractions but for the humanitarian projects the Club has initiated in the area. On August 10, it was the turn of Pres. Keith & First Ann Rachel Harrison to return to Isabela for two important events: the induction of RC Cauayan and participation in Wave 10 of the Feed Back Program.
The day began with the inauguration and blessing of the new RC Isabela clubhouse. Soon after, the Harrisons embarked on a half-hour journey to Labinab Pequeno in Reina Mercedes, we were warmly met by Iris Alonso of ARK and joined by by Mayor Malou Respicio-Saguban. During the short program, Pres. Keith expressed his gratitude for the community’s efforts to build a more sustainable future. His message was translated into Ilokano by FA Rachel, ensuring it resonated deeply with the locals.
Following the program, the couple enthusiastically joined in the day’s activities. They helped weigh the vegetables, with each kilo earning the participants a raffle ticket per type of vegetable. The Harrisons then assisted in sorting the produce, ensuring every family received an equal share of the community harvest. They even joined the games, much to the delight of the locals, and later handed out raffle prizes, capping off an engaging and joyous event for everyone involved.
At the end of the program, the couple continued their immersion in the community by riding a tricycle to visit a family of tobacco farmers, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Feed Back Program and how it has positively impacted their lives.
The Feed Back project, a signature initiative introduced by PP Louie Aseoche in Rotary Year 2021-22, is a partnership with the organization Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK). The program’s aim is to establish sustainable neighborhood vegetable exchange programs in rural communities. Previous waves of the program have been successfully implemented in Bay, Laguna; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; Inabanga, Bohol; and Reina Mercedes, Isabela, with 95% of participating families continuing to grow their own produce.
For the Wave 10 of the Feed Back project, RC Makati under IPP Bing Matoto last Rotary year, supported the program with P2.4 million pesos in funding to support three more communities in Isabela. The program also bagged 1st runner-up in the nationwide search conducted by the Philippine Rotary Media Foundation, Inc. (PRMFI) for the Most Outstanding Environmental Project Awards in the Philippines for RY2023-24.
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