Youth Seminar: Leadership

Brgy. Tuntungin-Putho held its Youth Week last October 28-30, 2016 at Tuntungin-Putho Covered Court. The event was spearheaded by the Youth Task Force in cooperation with the barangay officials. They previously sought the assistance of RC LB Makiling to conduct a leadership seminar during the latter’s courtesy call to Brgy. Captain Ronald Oñate last October 8. On October 28, RTN Gelli Parducho conducted a youth leadership seminar entitled “The Young Leaders, Today and Tomorrow.” She was joined by RAC Makiling’s ASP AJ Mendoza and RAC Lorenzo Magadia. She started the seminar with an activity wherein each group will have to build the tallest tower using only six (6) barbeque sticks and four (3) small pieces of marshmallows. Next she presented the following: (1) definition of leadership; (2) facts and myths on leadership; (3) qualities of a good leader; (4) leadership styles; (5) biggest mistakes a leader can make; and (6) short clips about the concept of between a leader and his followers, bayanihan and stepping out of the comfort zone. She finished the seminar by asking each participant what he will do if he was the president of the Philippines. Many answered that they will find a solution to solve the problems of the working sector, i.e., provide more jobs and increase salary; others wanted to solve the never ending traffic, to build more schools, to provide household allowance, etc. All their ideas have potential but the question remains on how will all those ideas be executed. We do hope that at least one of them will step up and achieve to solve those problems.

RTN Gelli Parducho, RAC ASP AJ Mendoza and RAC Lorenzo Magadia, together with some
of the participants of Brgy. Tuntungin-Putho’s Youth Week 2016. 

World Polio Day 2016

What is polio and why celebrate World Polio Day? Polio (poliomyelitis) is a viral disease usually found in children which causes total paralysis and sometimes death.  It is incurable but can be prevented through vaccination. Thus, in 1985, Rotary launched the PolioPlus program, the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication through mass vaccination. The advocacy efforts displayed by the organization have played a major role in the decision making of donors and government agencies. As a result, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was formed in 1988, a partnership involving Rotary, World Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and governments worldwide. The initiative focuses on advocacy, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and awareness building. To date, there are only three (3) countries remaining with reported polio cases, namely: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. In 2015, less than seventy-five (75) cases were confirmed worldwide—a reduction of more than 99.9% since the program began. The remaining one percent is always the most challenging to overcome. Due to factors such as geographical isolation, poor public infrastructure, armed conflict, and cultural barriers, there is always the possibility of an outbreak. These conditions are the reason why Rotary and its partners continue to spread awareness and raise funds to end polio. As part of the initiative to spread awareness and report real time updates regarding the movement  against polio, Rotary established the World Polio Day which is celebrated annually every 24th of October, in commemoration of Jonas Silk’s birthday, as the person who spearheaded the development of the first polio vaccine. This year, the objective of the celebration was: “One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio.”

A livestream event organized by Rotary International was held at the CDC Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, to answer the following questions:

(1) Where are we in the fight to eradicate polio?
(2) What’s left to do?
(3) And why does it cost so much?

The questions and much more were answered by health officials from the partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Rotary leaders and special guests ( Source: www.endpolio.org ). In addition, Rotary International encouraged everyone to host an event in their own communities as part of the celebration to which RC LB Makiling responded. The Club organized an online campaign, using social media, i.e., Facebook, as the medium, to spread awareness and direct people to watch the livestream event. On October 3, the members of the Club and its partners-in-service, i.e., Rotaract Club of Makiling and Interact Club of LBNHS Poblacion, changed their profile pictures with the “This Close” backdrop—the official public awareness campaign used by Rotary International—with the caption: “Be aware, spread the word, and contribute to the global fight to end polio. Watch the livestream event on October 24 at 6:30PM EDT for the #WorldPolioDay update. endpolio.org.” In addition, facts about polio were posted daily by everyone on their own timelines as part of the campaign. The campaign lasted the whole month of October, many people reacted to it and the Club concluded that it was successful because of the many people it reached. Despite the small effort, the Club proved that there are other ways to celebrate World Polio Day without spending money but rather donating that money instead to the Rotary Foundation.

A Busy Day for RAC Makiling

The Rotaractors of RAC Makiling were all over the place last September 17, 2016. After participating in the coastal cleanup held at Brgy. Bayog, Los Baños, they went straight to Bahay ni Maria at Calamba to do community service together with their fellow Rotaractors based in Laguna and District Rotaract Representative (DRR) Christian "Cita" Castillo and company. Afterwards, each Rotaract Club presented their Club Leadership Plan in front of DRR Cita during the official DRR's Visit. To cap off the day, the Rotaractors bonded over party and live rock music.

Community service in Bahay ni Maria

Bahay ni Maria is a retirement home for elders located in Calamba, Laguna. The center caters female senior citizens with psychological disability, where they are admitted and properly taken care of by staff and volunteers.

The Rotaractors of Laguna organized a community service project in line with DRR Cita's visit. It was a very heart-warming activity for everyone and it was a first time for RAC Makiling to have an activity there. The Rotaractors were at first very hesitant and cautious on how to approach the elders; but later on, they were able to make good conversations with them.

The program started at exactly 1:00PM and ended at 3:00PM. A simple intermission was presented by the All Star Presidents and simple personalized letters were given to each elders present. In addition, ROTEX Theo thought the activity was very relevant.

The AllStar Rotaract Presidents during the visit at Bahay ni Maria, Calamba, Laguna.

DRR's Visit 

This event is an opportunity for each clubs to present their activity for the new rotary year. When RAC Makiling presented the report, the District Rotaract Committee were very amazed and congratulates the club for a very detailed presentation and they were looking forward for all of the activities presented. DRR cita Castillo was very happy and really appreciate all the efforts of the clubs in the district.

RAC ASP AJ Mendoza presenting her club's Leadership Plan to DRR Cita and company.

Mass Induction

That evening, the Rotaract Clubs, headed by District Rotaract Area Representative (DRAR) Jill, conducted a Mass Induction to welcome the new Rotaractors, with RAC Makiling assigned in the Intermission and Fellowship part. DRAR Jill was very thankful for the club for providing both the sound system and live band (courtesy of RC LB Makiling and PP Beth Beltran) which completed the Rock Star feel that night.

The new members of RAC Makiling, from left to right, RAC Lorenzo Magadia, RAC Anne Humarang, RAC Gretel Principe, and RAC JI Sumague.

Photos courtesy of RAC  JI Sumague.

International Coastal Cleanup 2016

RC LB Makiling celebrated the International Coastal Cleanup Day last September 17, 2016—together with RAC Makiling, Interact Club of LBNHS Poblacion, the Makiling Medical Society, and the Philippine Medical Association - Laguna. A total of 36 volunteers joined together to collect and segregate trash found blocking the shoreline near the Barangay Hall of Brgy. Bayog, Los Baños, Laguna. With the coordination of Kagawad Olan Evangelista, the cleanup was a success.

A total of 17 trash bags weighing 136.75 kg was reported to RID3820 ICC District Chair PP Cecilia Rosales for data consolidation. Items collected (number of pieces) were: cigarette butts (3); food wrappers (233); plastic take out/away containers (33); plastic bottle caps (42); metal bottle caps (15); plastic lids (15); straws/stirrers (39); forks, knives, spoons (68); plastic beverage bottles (14); glass beverage bottles (6); plastic grocery bags (21); other plastic bags (19); paper bags (10); plastic cups & plates (10); fishing buoys, pots & traps (2); fishing nets & pieces (23); rope (4); fishing line (4); balloons (7); cigarette lighters (7); construction materials (20); tires (4); toys (26); shoes/slippers (5); cloth/clothing (106); other plastic/foam packaging (18); other plastic bottles (5); strapping bands (2); tobacco/cigarette packaging/wrappers (7); diapers (19); sanitary napkins, tampons & applicators (5); and, tiny trashes measuring less than 2.50 cm include foam pieces (37), glass pieces (21) and plastic pieces (1,051). There was also a dead cat collected along the shore.

The volunteers enjoyed the activity and were willing to do it again in support to the worldwide interest to protect the environment.

The ladies of RC LB Makiling.

The members of Interact Club of LBNHS Poblacion.

The ladies of RC LB Makiling, together with the volunteers from the Makiling Medical Society and Philippine Medical Association - Laguna.

The aftermath of the cleanup drive at Brgy. Bayog, Los Baños, Laguna.

Bañamos Civic Parade 2016

This year marked the 15th Bañamos Festival of the municipality of Los Baños, a week-long celebration of its 401st founding anniversary. The term bañamos meant “to bathe” and was used to refer to the abundance of hot springs present in the municipality. The program include events such as booth trade fair, sale, pageants, foot parade, singing contest, and an awarding ceremony to recognize outstanding citizens. This year’s theme is “Nagtutulungan Mamamayan, Nagkakaisang Bayan, tungo sa Kaunlaran”.

RC LB Makiling, represented by ASP Wen Parducho, PP Lisa Ronan and RTN Gelli Parducho, participated in the foot parade held last September 16, 2016, with ROTEX Theo Dussart, RAC Makiling led by ASP RAC AJ with RAC Jerome and RAC Enzo, and with the Interact Club of LNBHS Poblacion. RC LB Makiling walked next to RC Los Baños with their Rotaractors and Interactors too, led by ASP Digna Austria. It was a good day for everyone to get to know each other.

ASP Wen Parducho and PP Lisa Ronan, together with Rotaractors ASP AJ Mendoza, Jerome and Enzo, ROTEX Theo

Dussart, and Interactors of LBNHS Poblacion, during the 15th Bañamos Foot Parade last September 16, 2016.

Turn-over Ceremony, Installation of Officers, Induction of New Members & 2ND Club Assembly

RC Los Baños Makiling and RAC Makiling had a back-to-back turn-over ceremony last July 1, 2016 at the College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños. Invited guests were PDG Paeng Tantuco, PP Bobby Bautista of RC Los Baños, Interact Clubs of LBNHS Poblacion and Tuntungin-Putho, RCC Lalakay, family of Outbound Buggy Mendoza and himself, and STP-UPLB.

Highlights of the event were: first, the turn-over of bell and gavel to the incoming All Star Presidents Wen Parducho and RAC AJ Mendoza; second, the oath-taking of newly appointed officers; and third, the charging of new members by PDG Paeng Tantuco.

Hand over of bell and gavel from WCP Brigette to ASP AJ of RAC Makiling (left) and from WCP Carla to ASP Wen of RC LB Makiling (right).

Rotaract Club of Makiling: Induction

Two weeks after the orientation, the induction of Rotaract Club of Makiling was held on 20 August 2015 at CHE Multi-purpose Hall. Because of the limited time, the publicity of the said event was restricted. Fortunately, District Rotaract Representative (DRR) Trizha Dimayuga, representatives from RAC Tanauan and RAC Metro Los Baños, District Youth Service Chairman Mildred Mejino, and past presidents and members of RC LB Makiling were able to attend.

Presentation of the bell and gavel, a gift from the host club's WCP Carla Jimena, to RAC Makiling's Charter President Irvin Rondolo.

Oath taking of the charter members led by the host club's PP Lumen Gomez and DRR Trizha Dimayuga.

The charter members and officers of Rotaract Club of Makiling.

Rotaract Club of Makiling: Orientation

On 6 August 2015, RC LB Makiling held an orientation to selected students of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). These students are personally invited and hand-picked by WCP Carla Edith Jimena, PP Elizabeth "Beth" Beltran and RTN Vina "Gelli" Parducho, the Youth Service Director. The club also invited guests from Rotaract Club of Metro Los Baños to further orient the students about Rotary and Rotaract.

RTN Vina "Gelli" Parducho orienting the UPLB students.

WCP JI Sumague of RAC Metro Los Baños giving his testimonial as a proud Rotaractor.

All the students were enthusiastic and agreed to charter the new Rotaract Club of RC LB Makiling, to be named Rotaract Club of Makiling.