HCP Marge, Author at Rotary Club of Ibaan

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.

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.

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!