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.

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.

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.