DisCon 2024: Another Milestone Achieved for the Rotary Club of Ibaan

DisCon 2024 was a resounding success, thanks to the indefatigable members of the ExeComm, Deputy District Governors, and Assistant Governors of RID 3820.

Bringing together dedicated Rotarians from the four areas of District 3820, the convention served as a platform for collaboration, inspiration, and celebration, not only of impactful service projects, but also of friendships.

A highlight of the convention was the opportunity for Rotarians to showcase their successful service projects and initiatives. Action photos were displayed at the lobby for everyone to draw inspiration from.

The success of the District Convention serves as a testament to the organization’s enduring impact and the dedication of its members. By fostering collaboration, sharing success stories, and celebrating achievements, Rotary continues to be a beacon of hope and service to everyone.

As Rotarians continue their journey of service, guided by the principles of fellowship, integrity, diversity, and service, the spirit of Rotary will continue to thrive, making a difference in the lives of countless individuals and communities for generations to come.

RC Ibaan’s Hope Creating President represented the Club to the convention, and she also dispensed her duties as the club’s elector during the business meeting.

For the first time in the Club’s history, RC Ibaan was able to submit a Club Resolution, and thankfully, the said resolution was approved, which marks yet another milestone for the club.

Sharing here the full copy of the resolution that the Club submitted.

 

ROTARY CLUB OF IBAAN
DISTRICT 3820
CLUB RESOLUTION No. 2324-001

 

RESOLUTION
To request the RI Board to consider establishing corporate partnerships that will support one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus, the Environment.

 WHEREAS, RI empowers communities to embrace local solutions, and spur innovation in an effort to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

WHEREAS, RI can foster partnerships with corporations and international organizations working on waste management issues. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, we can implement larger-scale projects to address waste management challenges globally.

WHEREAS, RI can collaborate with corporations to advocate for extended producer responsibility (EPR), or incentives for recycling and waste reduction. Rotary can also explore opportunities for public-private partnerships to address waste management challenges at the local, national, and international levels.

WHEREAS, by involving corporations in waste management initiatives, RI can leverage additional resources, expertise, and networks to expand the reach and impact of its projects, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that RI take into consideration partnering with big corporations involved in production of consumable products and encourage them to look at EPR as part of their CSR.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that copies of this Club Resolution be furnished to the Office of the District Governor for their information, perusal, and dissemination to all Rotary Clubs in good standing.

RESOLVED FINALLY, that this Club Resolution be presented and deliberated on the Business Meeting of the District Conference for approval.

APPROVED. March 2, 2023, Ibaan, Batangas, Philippines.

 

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

signed
MARGARITA T. ABERASTURI
Club President, RY 2023-2024

 

ATTESTED BY:

signed
GLANDO ANACLETO PEREZ
President-Nominee, RY 2023-2024

Beyond the Bin: Advocating for SDG 12 and EPR Act of 2022

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 12 is “Responsible Consumption and Production.” This goal focuses on promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. It aims to achieve efficient use of resources, reduction of waste and pollution, and the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle of products and services. SDG 12 targets include ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, halving global per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels, and encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycles. Overall, SDG 12 aims to contribute to the conservation of natural resources, reduce environmental degradation, and promote sustainable economic growth.

rc ibaan giftgiving

The EPR Act of 2022, on the other hand, law holds companies accountable for the plastic packaging they produce throughout the lifecycle of their products.

Unlike many EPR systems around the world, the Philippine law includes the recovery of flexible plastic, which has been historically difficult (and sometimes impossible) to sell. This is a game changer for the environment, as it incentivizes people to recover non-recyclable waste.

However, not all businesses in the Philippines will be required to implement an EPR program. For now, the EPR Act of 2022 only applies to large enterprises with assets of over ₱100 million.

Thus, the Rotary Club of Ibaan decided to form a resolution that requests the RI Board to consider establishing corporate partnerships that will support one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus, the Environment.

Here is brief presentation of how RC Ibaan believes we. as a service organization, can help

In March 2, the Club signed a Resolution to be submitted to the RI Board for consideration.

And on March 25, HCP Marge partnered with the Sanitary Engineering students of Batangas State University in an environment talk titled Beyond the Bin: Empowering Young Minds to Sustainable Consumption and Production. This marks the beginning of a series of efforts to spread information and create awareness among our youth, in schools and in the community.

The Rotary Club of Ibaan believes that in working with young leaders, we have a unique opportunity to inspire positive change and contribute to the achievement of our goals. Through collective action and collaboration, Rotary can help build a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Virtual Assistance Workshop: A Fundraising Project for the Rotary Club of Ibaan

RC Ibaan’s Hope Creating President is a wife, a mom, a crafter, and a virtual assistant. She left the corporate world to personally take care of her children, and homeschooled them, too. 

So when the Club needed an extra boost in funds, she decided to conduct one workshop and raise some badly needed cash.

The workshop was a success as it raised 28k (net of expenses) for the Club.

Included in the registration fee were morning and afternoon snacks, lunch, freeflowing coffee, handouts, and digital copies of resources that each attendee can use as they launch into a VA career, like the  Rock Your LinkedIn Profile eBook, the Pricing Strategies eBook, the Tools of the Trade eBook, and the Service Pricing Calculator, which The Happy WAHM herself authored.

That workshop also paved the way for HCP Marge to get invited to speak at the career orientation of St Jude Science and Technological School, giving a glimpse of freelancing to students who might not want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, or cannot afford to. 

Gawad Parangal: Area 2 Honors the Most Outstanding Garbage Collectors

January is Vocational Service Month.

And for the Vocational Service Excellence Award, Area 2 Clubs were designated to choose the most Outstanding Garbage Collector as awardees.

The Vocational Service Excellence Award award is given to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to vocational service, including promoting vocational skills, mentoring, supporting vocational education, and upholding high ethical standards in their profession.

Recipients of the Rotary Vocational Service Excellence Award are typically recognized for their contributions to their community, profession, and the ideals of Rotary International. The award serves to highlight the importance of vocational service and to honor those who have made a significant impact in this area.

Additionally, Rotary clubs may also recognize individuals within their own communities with awards or certificates for their dedication to vocational service and ethical conduct in their profession.

This Rotary Year, the Rotary Club of Ibaan’s recipient of its Vocational Service Excellence Award is Dante Pelarin.

Dante is a 44-year old father of seven who hails from Negros Occidental where he was a farmworker in a sugarcane plantation. His situation in Negros was dire, so when he was given an opportunity to work for a sugarcane field in Ibaan, he grabbed it. He lost his wife giving birth to their child during the pandemic and he has been raising all his seven children alone since.

His kids are aged 15, 14, 10, 9, 6, 5, and 3.

In a community where waste management is crucial for public health and environmental sustainability, the role of garbage collectors cannot be overstated. Day in and day out, these individuals work tirelessly to ensure that our streets are clean, our neighborhoods are sanitary, and our environment is protected. Despite the often thankless nature of their work, they perform their duties with diligence and dedication.

HCP Marge “found” Dante while paying for her monthly garbage collection fee at the municipal office. The interview that followed led HCP Marge to recommend him as the Club’s recipient of the Gawad Parangal. And just like in every other thing that she does, she did her due diligence to ensure that Dante is the deserving recipient of the award.  She interviewed Dante’s immediate superior at the General Services Office where he now works, and visited his home to meet his family, along with Maternal and Child Health Chair, Nila dela Roca, and Hope Creating Treasurer, Isabel Aberásturi.

Do you know that the tiny shanty that you see on the photo is home to eight people?

Yes, this shanty is where Dante and his seven kids sleep. And this is where they keep their prized possessions, which basically are clothes.

Dante told us that when it rains, this little piece of land they occupy is where all the water goes. So when it rains, it literally pours on them.

He shares a common cooking area with his brother who has a house pretty similar to his. His brother has a wife and one son, and his brother’s wife is actually who takes care of his 3-year old daughter when he has to leave for work and the older kids go to school.

Despite the apparent hardship, Dante demonstrates a sunny disposition. He drives one of the garbage trucks of the municipality as his regular job. Then on his days off, he buys and sells scraps using a borrowed trike.

He said he is proud of his children because despite the challenges that they face everyday, they are excelling in their education.

He was teary-eyed when he gave him his certificate of recognition and cash award.

I know that the little amount we gave him is not enough. It will never be enough. But we do what we can, and we provide what we can afford. One thing is for sure, being up close and personal with another person’s circumstances inspires us, Rotarians, to persevere to do more. And we will do more. 

As the Rotary Club of Ibaan continues its mission of service and community development, this experience serves as a poignant reminder that true greatness lies not in grand gestures but in the everyday acts of service that uplift and enrich the lives of others.

Spreading Joy and Kindness Through Gift-Giving

The Rotary Club of Ibaan has always been at the forefront of community service, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. One of our most cherished traditions is our annual gift-giving activity, where we come together to spread joy and kindness during the holiday season.

rc ibaan giftgiving

The Spirit of Giving

At the core of the RC Ibaan’s mission is the spirit of giving. Our members believe that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others. The gift-giving activity is a perfect embodiment of this belief, as it allows us to reach out to individuals and families who may be facing challenges or experiencing hardship.

Community Engagement

Our gift-giving activity isn’t just about handing out presents; it’s about building connections within our community. This not only allows us to expand our reach but also fosters a sense of unity and togetherness among all those involved.

Choosing Recipients

Identifying the recipients of our gifts has always been a delicate process. We used to work closely with barangay health workers who are the closest to the community to ensure that the gifts reach those who need them the most. This strategy, however, proved to be problematic, as we have no control over the bias of people we work with.

This year, we came up with an idea of simply identifying areas with the most number of indigent residents and and visiting houses one by one. We came up close and personal with the residents of San Pasion and Bonete, where we witnessed the hardships they are facing daily. But we could see in their eyes the happiness that they were not forgotten and disregarded, and the hope that we will be back so we can help them help themselves.

The Joy of Giving

Seeing the smiles on the faces of the recipients when they receive their gifts is a truly heartwarming experience. It reminds us of the power of compassion and the difference we can make when we come together as a community. The joy of giving is something that our members cherish and carry with them throughout the year.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of our gift-giving activity extends far beyond the immediate recipients. It creates a ripple effect of kindness and generosity in our community. People who receive gifts often feel inspired to pay it forward, leading to a chain reaction of goodwill that spreads throughout the year.

The Rotary Club of Ibaan’s gift-giving activity is more than just a seasonal tradition; it’s a testament to the power of community, compassion, and generosity. We are proud to continue this tradition and make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. As we gather each year to share the joy of giving, we are reminded that together, we can create a brighter and more hopeful future for our community.

Zumba Marathon: An RCC Project and Fundraising Activity

Utilize whatever is available. Do whatever works. 

We have an RCC of energetic moms, and the Club is in need of funds to finance the annual giftgiving activity. 

We matched the need with what we have, and the Zumba Marathon came to life.

The Club is grateful to our Maternal and Child Health Chair, Rotarian Nila dela Roca, for initiating this project. 

Her connection with the Zumba community of the Municipality of Ibaan and beyond paved the way for this activity to happen. Without her untiring and relentless effort, this event would not have been possible. So kudos to you, Rotarian Nila, for a job well done!  

We are also grateful for the support of the Rotarians who contributed cash, gift vouchers, and gift baskets for the awards. And we won’t forget to thank the Hope Creating Presidents who bought tickets even though they could not come to the event itself.

Thank you and congratulations to the mommies who participated. All of you are winners for your willingness to be part of our giftgiving activity. Your participation made it possible for us to provide 60 noche buena packs, and because of you, 60 families celebrated New Year’s Eve with food on the table.

WATCH THE ENERGETIC MOMMIES DANCE NONSTOP HERE!

Achieving a Milestone: RC Ibaan is 100% EREY Club

In the vast landscape of humanitarian organizations, few have left a mark as profound and lasting as Rotary International. At the heart of Rotary’s global impact lies The Rotary Foundation, a beacon of hope and transformation. Among the many initiatives it undertakes, the concept of 100% Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) Clubs stands out as a testament to Rotary’s commitment to service and its ethos of making a difference in communities worldwide.

Established in 1917, The Rotary Foundation has evolved into a powerhouse of philanthropy, supporting a wide array of humanitarian projects aimed at tackling the world’s most pressing issues. From eradicating polio to promoting peace and conflict resolution, The Rotary Foundation has continually adapted its programs to meet the evolving challenges of our time.

At its core, The Rotary Foundation is driven by the contributions and dedication of Rotary members. Through financial support, volunteerism, and expertise, Rotarians around the globe contribute to the Foundation’s mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace.

What is a 100% EREY Club?

A 100% EREY Club is a Rotary club in which every member contributes to The Rotary Foundation every year. This commitment reflects Rotary’s belief in the collective power of its members to effect positive change. By ensuring that each member contributes annually, 100% EREY Clubs demonstrate their unwavering support for Rotary’s humanitarian efforts.

Being a 100% EREY Club goes beyond simply meeting a financial target; it embodies the spirit of service that defines Rotary. It signifies a shared commitment to making a difference in the world, one contribution at a time. Regardless of the amount contributed, each donation plays a crucial role in funding life-changing projects and initiatives.

Impact of 100% EREY Clubs

The impact of 100% EREY Clubs reverberates far beyond the confines of individual Rotary clubs. By coming together to support The Rotary Foundation, these clubs enable Rotary to undertake larger and more impactful projects, reaching communities in need around the world.

Through their contributions, 100% EREY Clubs empower The Rotary Foundation to provide grants for projects in areas such as disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development. These projects address critical needs and create sustainable solutions, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change.

Furthermore, the culture of giving fostered by 100% EREY Clubs strengthens the bonds of fellowship among Rotary members. By working together towards a common goal, members forge meaningful connections and deepen their sense of belonging to the Rotary family.

A First in RC Ibaan’s History

This Hope Creating Year, RC Ibaan recorded an all-time high of 4 new Sustaining Members, 4 new Paul Harris Fellows, and 1 Paul Harris Fellow+1, with all of its members contributing to EREY and the Polio Plus fund.

Our grateful appreciation to the following Rotarians who stepped forward and answered the call to contribute to the Foundation:

  • Hope Creating President Marge Aberasturi, Paul Harris Fellow+1
  • Hope Creating Treasurer Isabel Aberásturi, Paul Harris Fellow
  • Past President Rogelio Ceradoy, Paul Harris Fellow
  • Past President Gilbert Kalalo, Paul Harris Fellow
  • Past President Cesar Marasigan, Paul Harris Fellow
  • President Elect Wendyl Torralba Pateña, New Sustaining Member
  • President Nominee Glandoanacleto Perez, New Sustaining Member
  • Rotarian Jun Suarez, New Sustaining Member
  • Rotarian Rj Glenn Eden Suarez, New Sustaining Member

The Club also recorded the highest total contributions ever in its history.

We also acknowledge our Hope Creating President, Marge Aberásturi, for becoming the club’s first member to join the PolioPlus Society. The PolioPlus Society was formed to encourage Rotarians to commit to a minimum of $100/year to the PolioPlus Fund until polio is eradicated from the face of the earth.

May this milestone be just the beginning of many more!

Water Saves Lives: Deepwell with Motor Pump, Wash Area and Drinking Station Turnover Ceremonies

Back in August, we had a groundbreaking ceremony of a high-impact project at Maximo Hernandez Memorial Integrated School. The project is sponsored by Rotary International District 3640 (South Korea), Rotary International District 3820 (Philippines), Rotary Club of Seoul-Saenamsam, and Rotary Club of Meycauayan Uptown (District 3770), in sisterhood with the Rotary Club of Marilao Circle, Rotary Club of Rosario, and Rotary Club of Metro Ibaan.

That project is now complete and has been turned over to the beneficiary school with 617 students, 28 faculty members, and one non-teaching staff.

Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, yet millions around the world lack these basic necessities. Rotary Clubs tackle this issue head-on by implementing projects aimed at providing clean water sources, constructing sanitation facilities, and promoting hygiene education. By ensuring access to clean water, they empower communities to lead healthier and more dignified lives.

This is what we have accomplished with this project.

Maximo Hernandez Memorial Integrated School is located in an area that is not being serviced by the public water system. The only way they can have clean water is to set up a deep well. 

Today, students, teachers, and even parents can enjoy clean water for washing and drinking.  

This is what Rotary is about. By providing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education, Rotary not only saves lives but also lays the foundation for sustainable development and prosperity. Improved WASH conditions lead to reduced instances of waterborne diseases, lower healthcare costs, increased productivity, and enhanced overall quality of life.

Alay sa Ibaeño, Mula Kay Sol at Rotaryo

AKAY Ni Sol is a non-profit organization on a mission to uplift the quality of life, welfare and promote the dignity of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and those of their families. The Rotary Club of Ibaan has been fortunate enough to have forged a partnership with them so we can bring the much needed devices to the PWDs of Ibaan and its nearby municipalities.

The Club identified a total of 117 beneficiaries (27 canes, 14 walkers and 76 wheelchairs).

Because the club has no place for storage, the devices were delivered in bulk at St Jude Science and Technological School. The devices were then delivered to the beneficiaries over a period of five (5) months.

Liwanag at Pag-asa: Siyam na Proyekto Hatid ng Mga Rotaryo

The spirit of community service shines brightly through the concerted efforts of the Rotary Clubs of Batangas as they launch a 7-in-1 (+2) activity in the Municipality of San Pascual.  United by a common goal of making a positive impact, different clubs have joined forces and combined their resources to stage one big community project addressing the Seven Areas of Focus of Rotary.

HCP Marge Aberásturi and Rtn Isabel Aberásturi participated in this activity as members of the Basic Education and Literacy Committee.

The group gathered a group of young students for storytelling, and distributed lunch boxes and art materials.

The activity was made more fun by none other than Hope Creating President Aileen Montalbo of the Rotary Club of Downtown Batangas. HCP Aileen has a natural talent of engaging young minds in fun activities.

Indeed, the strength of Rotary lies in its network of dedicated Rotarians who selflessly give their time, skills, and resources to serve others. By leveraging the Seven Areas of Focus as a framework for action, the Rotary Clubs of Batangas were able to address a wide range of issues impacting the municipality.

As Rotary Clubs continue to unite in their mission of service above self, they inspire hope, ignite change, and build a brighter future for generations to come. In a world that often seems divided, Rotary reminds us of the power of unity, compassion, and collective action in creating a better world for all.

7-in-1 (+1) Para sa Ibaan: A Community Project Serving the Ibaeños

Community projects are the cornerstone of positive change, often embodying the spirit of collective effort and goodwill. Rotary International, a global network of problem solvers, has identified seven areas of focus to guide its initiatives: peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation, and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and supporting the environment. The Rotary Club of Ibaan fully supports these initiatives, and as a major project in the Hope Creating Year, the 7-in-1 (+1) Para sa Ibaan project came to fruition.

The Club conducted bloodletting, cataract screening, eye check up, tooth extractions, mental health consultations, livelihood training on dishwashing liquid making, a talk on the law on Violence Against Women and Children, and a talk of the Six Laws of Environmental Protection.

We had 189 pre-registered beneficiaries and 56 walk-in patients who came for eye-check up and tooth extraction, and 28 who attended the livelihood training.

All the activities were free for the beneficiaries. We gave away business starter kits to those who attended the livelihood training, free eye frames for those who were prescribed with corrective lenses, free seedlings for those who attended the talk on environmental protection law , and free antibiotics and mefenamic acid for those who had tooth extraction.

The club also provided food and water to all volunteers and patients.

St. Jude Science and Technological School Interact Club: Champions of Waste Management’s 5 R’s

Today is a day of celebration for the Rotary Club of Ibaan, as we receive the Certificate of Formation for the St. Jude Science and Technological School Interact Club.

The St. Jude Science and Technological School Interact Club is dedicated to championing the 5 R’s of waste management. With a fervent commitment to reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose, and refuse, this club emerges as a beacon of change, fostering a culture of responsible waste management within the school and its surrounding community.

The formation of the Interact Club marks a pivotal moment in the school’s journey towards environmental stewardship. Led by passionate students and supported by dedicated faculty members, the club aims to raise awareness, educate, and implement practical strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of waste.

At the core of the club’s mission lies the promotion of the 5 R’s:

Reduce: By advocating for the minimization of waste generation through conscious consumption and lifestyle choices.

Reuse: Encouraging the reuse of materials and products whenever possible, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing the demand for new resources.

Recycle: Establishing efficient recycling systems within the school and fostering a culture of recycling among students and staff, thereby diverting waste from landfills and promoting the circular economy.

Repurpose: Inspiring creativity and innovation by finding new purposes for items that would otherwise be discarded, transforming waste into valuable resources.

Refuse: Empowering individuals to refuse single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, advocating for sustainable alternatives and promoting mindful consumption habits.

Through a variety of initiatives, including awareness campaigns, workshops, waste audits, and community outreach programs, the Interact Club aims to instill a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness among its members and the broader school community.

By embracing the principles of the 5 R’s, the St. Jude Science and Technological School Interact Club aspires to not only reduce the environmental footprint of the school but also to cultivate a generation of informed and proactive global citizens committed to safeguarding our planet for future generations. With determination and collective action, they stand poised to make a meaningful difference in the realm of waste management and environmental sustainability.

District Kick-Off with Bibo Negosyo and the Approval of Our RCC

We are official!  The RotaFit SAHMs is now a Rotary Community Corp.

rc ibaan giftgiving

Last month, the Rotary Club of Ibaan participated in the District Kick-Off activity in Tanauan.  With us were the ladies of RotaFit SAHMs, a group of energetic women bonded by their passion for fitness, and connected by their common need to earn additional income for their respective families. Today, we can officially say that the Club has its own very first Rotary Community Corp.

The first in a series of livelihood training workshops was already conducted during the Club’s kick-off activity, and we are continuing these trainings until all members of the RCC have undergone the workshops and received their Kabuhayan Kits.

At the District Kick-Off, we featured products made by the first batch of SAHMs, and we are looking forward to more!

And of course, the Club, represented by HCP Marge Aberásturi, signed the memorandum of support to our beloved District Governor’s Bibo Negosyo Legacy Project.

ALS Graduation, Brigada Eskwela, and a Joint Project with Our Sister Clubs

August started out really busy for the Rotary Club of Ibaan. On this August issue of our bulletin, we are covering three events that happened in four days.

In August 4, HCP Marge Aberásturi graced the ALS Graduation at Ibaan Central School and delivered an inspirational message to this year’s graduates.

The Club donated certificate jackets to the graduates so they can better safekeep the document that serves as a testament to their hard work and commitment to pursuing a better future.

 

On August 17, members of the Rotary Club of Ibaan joint our Sister Clubs for the groundbreaking ceremony of our joint project at Maximo Hernandez Memorial Integrated School.

The proposed project is for the installation of a deep well with motor pump and water tank, 20 handwashing stations, and a water drinking station.

The school has 617 students, 28 faculty members (including the principal) and 1 non-teaching staff.

This proposed high-impact project is sponsored by Rotary International District 3640 (South Korea), Rotary International District 3820 (Philippines), Rotary Club of Seoul-Saenamsam, and Rotary Club of Meycauayan Uptown (District 3770), in sisterhood with the Rotary Club of Marilao Circle, Rotary Club of Rosario, and Rotary Club of Metro Ibaan.

This two-day project focuses on connecting with the community and being one with them in creating a learning-conducive environment for students. In the process, we were able to learn more about their most pressing needs in the school and gather information on how we can better support them in the future.

Targeted beneficiaries of this project were three elementary schools in the Municipality of Ibaan: Coliat Elementary School, Bungahan Elementary School, and Quilo Integrated School. 

Every year, before the school opening, parents and teachers join forces to clean up of their respective school grounds and make repairs of school facilities. Brigada Eskwela is done in the spirit of civic unity and cooperation between parents and teachers. The Rotary Club of Ibaan, lacking funds to support donation of material things, offered to provide food to the tired parents, teachers, and students of the three elementary schools. We fed roughly 285 people in these two days of activity, in partnership with Batangas Varsitarians led by the Club’s Youth Service Chair, Mark Christian Tolentino.

RC Ibaan’s First Female President and the Club’s 5th Induction Ceremony

Her name is Marge Aberásturi, and she is the Rotary Club of Ibaan’s Hope Creating President.

rc ibaan giftgiving

She is also known on cyber as The Happy WAHM.

And if you ask ChatGPT, this is what it has to say….

Far from being “popular” and a “notable figure,” Marge leads a simple and happy life with his husband of 24 years and three children, one of whom is also a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow like her mom.

She’s a happy, and fulfilled, work-at-home, homeschooling mom. She was pushed to become a WAHM after her third child was born prematurely.

Before she became a WAHM, she worked as a middle management executive in a conglomerate. She rose from the ranks and became a regional manager for credit management in a telecommunications company.  Her goal was to be the division’s next vice president, but God has better plans.

Her son is now 18 years old, and she’s still very much passionate about the career that she started right beside his crib.

She usually works at home, but she’s also been known to work outside the doctor’s office, in the car, at the piano teacher’s house, and in restaurants.

As a Virtual Assistant with an entrepreneurial mindset, Marge is resilient, resourceful, and solutions-oriented. She sees challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and what really keeps her going is knowing her “why.”

Her road to presidency is not what the usual presidents take, as she details in her inaugural address.

But Marge is committed to make it work, knowing that she has the support of her husband and their three children.

Her four words for 2023 will carry her through her term to 2024:

  • Connection
  • Creation
  • Gratitude
  • Service
Take a peek at her Inaugural Address here!

Rotary Club of Ibaan Kicks Off Hope Creating Year with Empowering Training on Dishwashing Liquid Production 

On July 1st, the Rotary Club of Ibaan launched its Hope Creating Year with a unique and community-driven event aimed at economic empowerment. The activity is in support of the BIBO Negosyo District Kick-Off which featured the Rotary Community Corps of District 3820  clubs. 

Instead of opting for the usual gala or fundraiser, the Club chose to invest in human capital by hosting a hands-on training session on how to make dishwashing liquid. This training workshop, a part of the Club’s broader community outreach strategy, was notably attended by members of the new Rotary Community Corp that the Club is in the process of organizing.

Skill-Building and Economic Empowerment

The event’s objective was not merely to teach a skill but to encourage self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among the local populace. The training session aimed to equip attendees with the skills and knowledge necessary to start small-scale production of dishwashing liquid—a commodity with consistent market demand. By doing so, the Rotary Club of Ibaan endeavored to create a ripple effect that would not only benefit individuals but also have a broader impact on the local economy.

The Rotary Community Corp: A New Initiative

The training was a significant milestone for the Rotary Community Corp (RCC), a new initiative by the Rotary Club of Ibaan. RCC is designed to bring together members of the community who wish to volunteer their time, skills, and expertise for the betterment of society. The attendance of RCC members at the training highlights the cooperative spirit between the Rotary Club and the new Community Corp, setting a tone of hands-on involvement and active participation for the rest of the fiscal year.

The Training: A Step-by-Step Guide

The training was conducted by the club’s incoming president, Hope Creating President Marge Aberásturi, who learned the step-by-step process which included both theoretical and practical sessions. Attendees were introduced to the basic ingredients required for dishwashing liquid production, safety measures, and quality control. Subsequently, they were guided through the hands-on process of creating the product, complete with opportunities for one-on-one instruction to clarify any questions or concerns.

Community Feedback and Future Plans

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for a program that provided them with tangible skills and economic opportunities. The success of the event has encouraged the Rotary Club of Ibaan to plan a series of similar workshops covering various skill sets that can offer economic benefits to the community.

The Rotary Club of Ibaan’s kick-off activity showcases a thoughtful and impactful approach to community engagement and economic empowerment. By teaching attendees how to produce a basic household commodity like dishwashing liquid, the Club has provided them with a means of self-reliance and potentially a new revenue stream. The event is emblematic of Rotary’s ethos—Service Above Self—and serves as a promising indicator of what the Club and its newly-formed Community Corp aim to achieve in the coming year.

Dishwashing Liquid Training
Livelihood Training Workshop