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Showing posts from July, 2026

Zumba Tayo to End Polio

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  In celebration of World Polio Day, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and community partners came together for “ Zumba Tayo to End Polio ”, a project led by the Rotaract Club of Tacloban, on October 25, 2025, at the RTR Plaza Grounds in Tacloban City. The activity gathered over 300 participants from across the community for an afternoon of movement, fellowship, and advocacy in support of Rotary International’s global campaign to eradicate polio. Press enter or click to view image in full size The event was organized as an area-wide activity of Rotary Areas 3B and 3C, with all Rotary and Rotaract clubs in the area serving as co-hosts. Through a vibrant Zumba fitness activity, participants danced and exercised while raising awareness for the continued fight against polio, a disease that once paralyzed thousands of children around the world each year. Press enter or click to view image in full size Rotary International has been at the forefront of the global effort to eradicate polio since 198...

Payong Kapatid: Bringing Essential Services Closer to the Community

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Payong Kapatid is one of the flagship community service initiatives of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban , dedicated to improving access to essential legal, medical, and social services for underserved communities. Guided by Rotary's commitment to service and community development, the project brings together professionals, government agencies, healthcare providers, and volunteers to deliver integrated services that address the everyday needs of individuals and families. Now in its second year , Payong Kapatid 2.0 continued its mission of making vital public services more accessible through a one-stop community outreach program. Recognizing that many residents face barriers to accessing healthcare, legal assistance, and public information, the initiative created a convenient and welcoming venue where community members could receive free consultations, basic health services, legal advice, and educational discussions from qualified professionals. The success of the project was made p...

Club Health Check: Promoting Preventive Healthcare for Rotaractors and Their Families

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Club Health Check is established to promote preventive healthcare, wellness, and healthy living among its members, their families, and the wider community. Recognizing that effective service begins with healthy volunteers, the project provides access to essential health services while encouraging a culture of disease prevention and proactive healthcare. As part of its continuing commitment to member welfare, Club Health Check 2.0 featured a Free Pneumococcal Vaccine Day , providing eligible Rotaract members and their family members with free pneumococcal vaccinations. Pneumococcal disease remains a significant public health concern, particularly among older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. By promoting vaccination, the initiative helps reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections while reinforcing the importance of immunization as one of the most effective forms of preventive healthcare. The activity was made p...

Women Empowerment Talk: Inspiring Confidence, Leadership, and Self-Belief

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The Women Empowerment Talk is one of the gender equality and women’s leadership initiatives of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban , dedicated to creating safe and empowering spaces where girls and women can build confidence, discover their potential, and embrace leadership. Anchored on the belief that empowered women create stronger communities, the project promotes self-belief, resilience, and personal growth while encouraging participants to pursue their aspirations without fear or limitation. Recognizing the importance of positive role models and meaningful conversations, the initiative brings together inspiring women leaders who share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes. Through these stories, participants are encouraged to develop confidence in their abilities, recognize their worth, and understand that every dream begins with believing in oneself. The project also reinforces the values of mutual support, inclusivity, and empowering one another to become catalysts for p...

Pajama Talks: Fostering Gender Awareness Through Meaningful Conversations

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Pajama Talks is dedicated to promoting gender sensitivity, inclusivity, mutual respect, and peacebuilding through open and meaningful dialogue. Recognizing that lasting social change begins with education and understanding, the project creates safe spaces where participants can openly discuss gender-related issues, challenge harmful stereotypes, and cultivate empathy for diverse experiences and perspectives. Designed primarily for students and young leaders, Pajama Talks encourages honest conversations on topics that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Through interactive discussions, workshops, and community engagement, the initiative empowers participants to become advocates for equality, respect, and non-discrimination within their schools, workplaces, and communities. More than simply raising awareness, the project seeks to inspire personal reflection and encourage participants to translate learning into everyday actions that promote inclusion and peaceful coexistence. On...

Ecotrace Initiative: Advancing Environmental Research Through Microplastics Science

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The Ecotrace Initiative is the environmental sustainability project of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban , dedicated to advancing scientific research, environmental education, and community action against plastic pollution. Recognizing the growing threat of microplastics to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, the initiative equips students, researchers, and young environmental advocates with the knowledge and technical skills needed to contribute to evidence-based environmental conservation. As part of the initiative, the Microplastics Sampling and Detection Techniques Training brought together participants for an intensive three-day laboratory program at the MedBio Laboratory in Tacloban City . Designed to bridge the gap between environmental awareness and scientific application, the training provided participants with hands-on experience in internationally recognized methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing environmental samples for microplastic contamination. Throughout t...

Urostorya Sessions: Empowering Communities Through Awareness and Protection

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Urostorya Sessions focused on promoting child protection, human rights, and gender-based awareness through education and community dialogue. The project provides safe and inclusive spaces where young people, parents, and community members can learn about pressing social issues, equipping them with the knowledge to recognize, prevent, and respond to various forms of abuse and exploitation. Through partnerships with government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and youth organizations, Urostorya Sessions bring experts and advocates together to discuss issues that directly affect vulnerable sectors of society. The initiative aims to empower participants with accurate information while fostering a culture of vigilance, respect, and collective responsibility for protecting children and promoting safe communities. One of its significant activities, Urostorya Session 16 , was conducted in partnership with SK Barangay 74 Lower Nulatula and Plan International Pil...

SOAPRISE: Three Years of Promoting Proper Handwashing and Hygiene

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Now in its third year , SOAPRISE has become one of the flagship health and hygiene initiatives of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban , promoting proper handwashing practices among young learners while addressing the persistent lack of handwashing soap in many public schools. Guided by Rotary's commitment to disease prevention and community health, the project aims to instill lifelong hygiene habits that protect children from preventable illnesses and foster healthier learning environments. Despite the availability of clean water in many schools, access to handwashing soap often remains limited, making it difficult for students to practice proper hand hygiene consistently. Recognizing this challenge, the Rotaract Club of Tacloban launched SOAPRISE to bridge this gap by providing schools with liquid handwash soap while educating pupils on the importance of proper handwashing as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease. During SOAPRISE 3.0 , the club s...

Ugnayan Summit 2026: Rotaractors Strengthen Global Connections Through Fellowship and Service

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The spirit of connection and collaboration came alive as the Rotaract Club of Tacloban successfully hosted the Ugnayan Summit 2026, a gathering that brought together Rotaractors from across the Philippines and abroad to celebrate fellowship, strengthen partnerships, and inspire service beyond borders. Held as the culminating event of Project UGNAY, an International Service Initiative, the summit served as a platform for Rotaractors to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for meaningful collaboration. Guided by the theme of ugnay, a Filipino word that represents connection and relationship, the event highlighted how shared purpose and collective action can strengthen the impact of service within the Rotaract movement. The summit gathered 95 Rotaractors representing 40 clubs from the Philippines and various parts of the world, reflecting the growing network of leaders committed to building friendships and advancing service initiatives across communities. Through conversatio...

Project Bulig: Responding with Compassion in Times of Crisis

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Project Bulig is the flagship disaster response and humanitarian relief initiative of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban , created to provide immediate assistance to individuals and communities affected by natural disasters, fires, and other emergencies. Rooted in the Filipino spirit of bayanihan and Rotary's commitment to Service Above Self , the project mobilizes volunteers, partners, and donors to deliver timely relief and support to families facing unexpected hardships. When a devastating fire struck Brgy. 80 Marasbaras, Tacloban City , destroying homes and displacing dozens of families, the Rotaract Club of Tacloban immediately activated Project Bulig to respond to the community's urgent needs. The tragedy affected 33 households, 42 families, and 155 individuals , many of whom lost their homes, belongings, and basic necessities. Recognizing the importance of acting swiftly during times of crisis, the club organized a relief effort to provide essential items that could help f...

TYPE KITA (Mass Blood Letting)

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TYPE KITA: Mass Blood Donation Drive is one of the flagship humanitarian initiatives of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban, dedicated to promoting voluntary blood donation and helping ensure a stable blood supply for hospitals and patients in need. Guided by the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self, the project encourages individuals to make a meaningful difference through a simple yet life-saving act—donating blood.  Blood remains an essential resource in medical emergencies and everyday healthcare, supporting accident victims, patients undergoing surgeries, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, children battling serious illnesses, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Recognizing the constant need for safe and adequate blood reserves, the Rotaract Club of Tacloban launched TYPE KITA to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation while inspiring more people to become regular donors.  The initiative was made possible through the collaboration ...

Care. Connect. Protect.: Care Through Preparedness — Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training

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The training  is a flagship mental health and disaster preparedness initiative of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban , designed to equip youth leaders, student leaders, volunteers, and community advocates with the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide compassionate support during emergencies and times of crisis. Recognizing that disasters and traumatic events affect not only physical safety but also emotional well-being, the project emphasizes the importance of preparedness that begins with empathy and human connection. Press enter or click to view image in full size The two-day training was facilitated by Ms. Normae C. Ecija, RPm, RGC , and Dr. Cherie Guy B. Giray, LPT, RGC, DEVEDD-GC , who guided participants through the core principles of Psychological First Aid (PFA). Through engaging lectures and interactive discussions, participants gained a deeper understanding of stress and trauma responses, effective communication techniques, active listening, and appropriate helpin...