RC Makati members traveled to Los Baños, Laguna, the hot spring capital of the Philippines, not to take a dip at the pool, but to conduct a transformative community project.
On a scorching hot Sunday morning of April 28, the street of Purok 5 in Barangay Mayondon, Los Baños, Laguna, was abuzz with activity as partners and volunteers, gathered for a transformative community project.
Led by Pres. Bing Matoto with sister-in-law Emma Lazo, PP Cesar Campos, and daughter Maribee Lamers, as well as PE Keith Harrison and incoming director Boy Arteche, the RC Makati team assembled a formidable team to do service. They were joined by representatives from the UP Alumni Association, including VP Dindo Sanchez, PRO Yeye Marasigan, and Dir. Ana Quimbo, who partnered with RC Makati for the program. The Knights of Rizal, with Deputy Commander Gerry Tolentino, and also representatives from the UP Sigma Delta Phi and the Upsilon Phi Sigma, the school fraternity of Pres. Bing.
The day kicked off with a medical mission led by a volunteer doctor from UP-PGH and an Upsilonian, Dr. Michael Leron. Nearly 46 patients, from infants to senior citizens, received free consultations and medical advice. With support from UNILAB Philippines, the Club was able to provide over 80 types of essential medicines, ensuring continued care for the community members even after the mission concluded.
Simultaneously, a dental mission, staffed by four (4) dedicated dentists from UP-PGH, worked tirelessly to attend to dental issues of the residents. Close to 20 patients had their dental woes addressed, bidding farewell to painful toothaches and discomfort.
But the outreach did not stop there. Approximately 25 women underwent breast and cervical cancer screenings provided by the Philippine Cancer Society, in partnership with RC Makati Premier District, enhancing early detection of a dreaded disease among women and promoting women's health.
RC Makati's impact, however, extended beyond healthcare. Through the Books Across the Seas (BATS) project, the club donated 700 books to two (2) RICs in Barangay Mayondon. Pres. Bing added extra fun by treating the children to a Jollibee meal, spreading joy and nourishment in equal measure.
After a tiring day filled with service and giving, the club hosted lunch at Dalcielo Searca in UP Los Baños.
The partnership with the UP Alumni Association was sealed with a Memorandum of Agreement on April 2 during the luncheon meeting of the Club. The objective is to strengthen the two organizations’ relationship, support each other’s programs, and maximize their impact and reach in the campuses of UP Diliman and UP Los Baños under the Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus.
RC Makati continues to forge partnerships to further expand the reach and impact of the projects under Rotary’s areas of focus. This health mission and donation of books stand as a testament to the club's dedication to service above self, making a difference to those in need.
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