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.