The 3810 | Celebrating World Polio Day

OCTOBER 2022

END POLIO MONTH

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ROTARACT CLUBS OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 3810

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WANTED ASPIRING SEAFARERS: NSA PARTNERSHIP WITH RC AND RAC CARMONA STILL ON THE VOYAGE

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 06

6TH CLUB MEETING AND L.I.F.E PROJECT 08

RAC CARMONA AND GRUNDFOS HOLDS DONATION DRIVE IN PALMES’ PUPILS 09

TURNING R.E.D. 10

RACTOBERFEST: A NIGHT OF FELLOWSHIP AND MUSIC FOR A CAUSE 12

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STEP BY STEP, BRICK BY BRICK

ENDING POLIO ONE COIN AT A TIME 18

ONE STEP AHEAD 20

RAC RCDM SCHOLARS’ END POLIO INITIATIVES CAMPAIGN (EPIC) 22

FEATURED ARTWORK OF THE ISSUE

MEET THE PUB TEAM

HIV & AIDS DISEASE PREVENTION / AWARENESS 24 A LIFE WITHOUT CHARGE 25 26 27

SPONSORS 28

WANTED ASPIRING SEAFARERS: NSA PARTNERSHIP WITH RC AND RAC CARMONA STILL ON THE VOYAGE

by Carl James V. Bugarin, Rotaract Club of Carmona

Carmona, Philippines - In correspondence to the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Carmona granted a career orientation program about the NSA Cadet Scholarship Program, Rotaract Club of Carmona stays on track to being the ambassador of the said scholarship. The said event was held in Carmona High School and Carmona Senior High School to inspire the youth to become the country’s seafarers soon. The NSA Cadet Scholarship Program is the newly signed partnership program of the Rotary Club of Carmona and the Norwegian Shipowners Association. Indeed, Rotaractors provide exemplary duties in helping RC Carmona to execute the said partnership.

NSA Cadet Scholarship Program is a full scholarship grant for aspiring seafarers providing good quality education in marine transportation and privileges on seafarer careers in the future. With the high-quality education, there are now students and even professional cadets who are on board

and starting their careers in the voyage of their dreams. Through this scholarship program, aspiring seafarers will automatically secure their careers in marine transportation. There will be a secure marine company provided for them and aspiring seafarers will be able to reach their dreams. Students will be competitive and equipped for their seafaring ambitions.

The Rotary Club of Carmona headed by PLP Victorino Felipe Jr signed an agreement with the NSA headed by Engr. Emmanuel Se, who is also a Rotarian. There had been lots of meetings and planning to secure the success of this continued partnership. Rotaractors can execute the plans and be the key ambassador for the scholarship program. Throughout the days, RAC Carmona gives a full-time effort in spearheading seminars for the students and making different types of promotion through social media and other forms of advertising. It is a group effort rendered in this program to inspire more

youth to be our country’s seafarers.

Last October 25, 2022, RAC Carmona together with the NSA team officers and Rotarians spearheaded two sessions of a career orientation program on the Maritime Industry. It was held at Carmona National High School during the morning session. It was attended by Grade 10 students headed by their classroom advisers and school principal Mr. Jose Samson Jr. The seminar was intended to equip the junior high students about the said industry. In the afternoon session, RAC Carmona, along with the project partners, conducted the NSA Scholarship and Career Orientation Program. It was attended by students of the Academic Track and Technovocational track in different strands, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Industrial Arts (IA), Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS), and other strands were welcomed. Academic representative, Mr. Ryan Cutamora, and Ms. Laarni Doliente were the facilitators of the program, respectively.

In addition, this scholarship program provides the following degree programs; Bachelor of Science in Maritime Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation. These degree programs offer careers such as Chief Engineers and Engineers Officers, Ship Captain, and Deck officers.

The leadership of Rotarians and Rotaractors for this project is an image of instruments for future Seafarers. The maritime industry in the Philippines encounters economic and socio-political challenges and with this scholarship program, students will be able to secure their dreams as aspiring seafarers despite the challenges. The Rotaract Club of Carmona proudly present and expand this partnership project to the community to inspire more young individuals in making their dreams possible.

Boos and Booze and Night II

by Roy Jaluag, Rotaract Club of San Antonio de Padua

Last October 29, 2022, the Rotaract Club of San Antonio de Padua conducted its Fundraising and Fellowship Night titled “Boos and Booze Night II”. A fundraising event and fellowship night intended for Rotary’s End Polio Campaign. The club along with its guests, enjoyed a night of trivia and games followed by a horror film showing of the recently released “Last Supper”. In total, the club was able to raise and donate funds amounting to $100 for the End Polio Campaign.

21ST INDUCTION CEREMONY & 20TH CHARTER ANNIVERSARY

by Audrey Mariel Candor, Rotaract Club of Carmona

RAC CARMONA OVER THE YEARS: The organization’s 21st Induction Ceremony held on November 20, 2022, was a glimpse of the club’s remarkableness. Every club president that leads the organization leaves a legacy for the incoming one. The club’s vision and the peace it facilitated, the difference and inspiration that create a champion worthy club, and the transformation and changes in the lives of the community are now beyond imagination. Twenty years down, eons to go!

RAC ‘N Role by Lene Wong, Rotaract Club of De La Salle University

Creative presentations, fun games, and prizes awaited the participants in RAC DLSU’s annual committee carnival which is Steven Universe-themed symbolizing harmonious relationships among committees! The different committees were introduced and members were encouraged to join RAC Transform, the flagship project of the club which trains members to become future officers.

RAC n Learn 3: Enabling the Professional In You

by Jacob De Jesus, Rotaract Club of RCDM Scholars

The pandemic urged education stakeholders to equip themselves with the use of technological tools to continue academics in virtual means. Schools are challenged to utilize online platforms which facilitate their creation of professional and academic outputs. Thus, to contribute to this objective, the Rotaract Club of RCDM Scholars conducted its annual event “RAC n Learn 3” on November 5, 2022, via Zoom and FB Live, and trained 100+ participants in the basics of video editing with Canva as the platform of interest.

6TH CLUB MEETING AND L.I.F.E PROJECT

by Eliona Hernandez, Rotaract Club of STI College Pasay-EDSA

On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, The Rotaract Club of STI College celebrated a new episode of the LIFE Project with Every Nation Campus Pasay emphasizing companionship and uplifting life lessons. Once more, Rotaractors and students came together to forge new friendships, broaden their knowledge, and realize the importance of living life at the moment.

Kuya Paul Muñoz, one of the heads of the campus ministry team, hosted the meeting session that invited Grade 11 STEM students. The session started with a roleplay by Kuya Paul himself to break the ice among everyone in the room, then he proceeded to share his life experiences to the students who sympathized with his life story. Many were intrigued and astounded by how he inspired them to keep pursuing their goals and exert all reasonable efforts to accomplish so. After having a heartfelt conversation with one another, our own STI Rotaractors had the opportunity to participate

in a role-playing activity with a variety of topics assigned by Kuya Paul. During this activity, they did a fantastic job of expressing themselves through their outstanding acting abilities.

After that highly engaging roleplay, Kuya Paul recounted another story from his life that captivated the Rotaractors with the phrase, “What you want to hear and what you need to hear.” Students reflected as they listened. Indeed, failure should not be a reason to give up; rather, it should be used as motivation to succeed in the future.

RAC CARMONA AND GRUNDFOS HOLDS DONATION DRIVE IN PALMES’ PUPILS

In partnership with Grundfos IS Support and Operation Centre Philippines, the Rotaract Club of Carmona launched a donation drive to the organization’s adapted community in Paligawan Matanda Elementary School (PALMES). The said donation drive was witnessed by the school administration and the children of the school last October 08, 2022. Six (6) electric fans and ten (10) first aid kits were granted to the school with a simple program held for the children.

Grundfos IS Support and Operation Centre Philippines, Inc. is a support company under the Grundfos Companies which renders centralized IT services. Grundfos is a worldwide recognized supplier of commercial and Industrial Equipment. As a private company, it was a good collaborative partnership with a non-governmental organization like the Rotaract Club of Carmona. This partnership action in giving to the community is an act of service for the betterment of society.

Meanwhile, the partnership between RAC Carmona and Grundfos is truly a purpose-driven service in which the priority is the educational development of the children. Those donated electric fans would be able to help the pupils’ classroom environment be well ventilated and to keep them more comfortable while learning. Adding to that, the company and organization also donated first aid kits for unpredictable events that might be helpful for them.

PLP Joan Pallada is truly grateful to this partnership as they dealing with the same goal. “Nakatutuwa na magkaroon tayo ng ganitong klaseng project para sa mga bata, sobra kaming nagpapasalamat sa Grundfos sa pagkakataon na ito at sana ay masundan pa, we are truly grateful and we can’t wait to have more donation drive projects with the company” – PLP Joan Pallada, RAC Carmona.

by Carl James V. Bugarin, Rotaract Club of Carmona

3RD DISTRICT MEETING, OCTOBER 15, 2022 AT MALIKSING

MALIKSING KABATAAN BUILDING, IMUS CITY, CAVITE

RACTOBERFEST: A NIGHT OF FELLOWSHIP AND MUSIC FOR A CAUSE

by Sasha Mitchell Castro and Julianna Mae Aparato, Rotaract Club of PUP

The Rotaract Club of Polytechnic University of the Philippines- International Service Committee has organized an event entitled RACtoberfest: A Night of Fellowship and Music for a Cause held on the 5th day of November 2022 via Zoom Cloud meeting. The aforementioned event aimed to invite all members of RAC PUP to join in a fantastic social activity and to give them a chance to become acquainted with other people and consolidate their friendship within the organization. The event has featured a wondrous night of surprises such as energetic icebreakers and pre-recorded musical presentations by other RAC PUP committees namely (Community Service, Finance Service, Professional Development, Public Image, and Foundation Service).

The focus of this event was the singing competition which also set out as a fundraising project. Each committee had representatives and competed in the said competition by flaunting their singing skills. The declared committee winner got all the money raised and donated to their preferred charity. We congratulated the Club Service Committee for winning the competition and all of the participants for showing such extraordinary talent. They have shown how passionate we are

as ROTARACTORS. As I witnessed this certain event, I extremely appreciated the value of music as an exceptional approach to being of service to others who are in need. Moreover, music brings a harmonious and united relationship to all members of the organization. It was such an amazing experience getting to see everyone having fun, but this would not be possible without those who contributed to the success of the event, the working committee of the International Service. Hence, we have expressed our gratitude to the benevolent speakers who welcomed our new members of the Rotaract Club along with their letter of appreciation for our efforts to serve the good of all. Truly, this event became an unforgettable moment with these lovely participants who shared the same interest as mine.

It was indeed an exciting event for all the members of RAC PUP. This is the kind of event for remarkable camaraderie. The RACtoberfest event has finally achieved its purpose. The members of this organization have countless ways to support and lead the amelioration of society. We are not only connecting to other people’s minds but also to their hearts.

ROTARACT CLUBS OF DISTRICT 3810 COMMEMORATES END POLIO MONTH

Polio or poliovirus is spread person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine which Rotary and their partners use to immunize over 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.

In commemorating World Polio Day last October 24, several of our clubs held projects geared towards this important cause.

STEP BY STEP, BRICK BY BRICK

by Roy Anselmo Jaluag, Rotaract Club of San Antonio de Padua

Last October 24, 2022, the Rotary Club of Bagumbayan Manila, the Rotary Club of Manila Supreme 198, the Rotaract Club of Manila Supreme 198, and the Rotaract Club of San Antonio de Padua together with, the Rotaract Club of DLSU-Manila and the Rotaract Club of Manila Metro, and in Partnership with the Local Government Unit of Malibay, Pasay City conducted Patak Para sa Polio 2022.

This collaboration was geared towards three goals namely: An Awareness Campaign Regarding the Polio Disease; A Mission to Vaccinate Kids Around the Area of Malibay, Pasay City; and lastly, A Celebration of Rotary’s Effort and Campaign in Eradicating the Disease.

Kids around 6 years old and below were administered the vaccine by both the volunteer Rotarians and Rotaractors. Before the administration volunteers were brief in administering the vaccine. After the vaccination, kids were given toys and candies for their participation and bravery.

The Philippines was the first country to launch the Polio Eradication Campaign in 1979 and with the last reported case in 1993. Today there are only two countries where Polio is an endemic disease, namely Afghanistan and Pakistan. Together we can eradicate Polio; it is with Rotary’s mission and dedication that around 430 million have been vaccinated against the disease in around 39 countries.

ENDING POLIO ONE COIN AT A TIME

by Raphael Ked Custodio, Rotaract Club of San Antonio de Padua

Last October 31st, 2022, the Rotaract Club of San Antonio De Padua submitted their entry for the Sakto Para Sa Polio Challenge. This video challenge is part of the End Polio Now Campaign that strives to spread awareness about polio and ending it worldwide, for good. In the video, club members and officers of Rotaract Club of San Antonio De Padua were seen holding a coin in one hand and holding a container or coin case in another. This signifies that they collected whatever they can spare in order to donate to the cause.

The club made the video as a way to promote to others that anyone has the capacity to do this and also encourage them to do the same. They also wanted to express to others that they should

be part of the change and that they should serve as inspiration to others. They also made this as a way to showcase their creative side and along these lines to incite the viewers to be entertained and also bring awareness to ending polio.

Rotaract Club of San Antonio De Padua wants every viewer’s attention as it is for a great purpose because after all, the only way to end polio is by working together. There are also other ways to help in polio besides donating such as advocating, sharing, fundraising and educating. With these in mind, hopefully the video message would make a positive impact not just in the Rotaract world, but also outside the organization.

ONE STEP AHEAD

by Audrey Mariel Candor, Rotaract Club of Carmona

Annually, Rotary International and its partners and sponsored clubs hold an event that commemorates the importance of eradicating polio. Donating and fundraising were the usual projects and programs that the organization executed. Each club from a different district and area gives its part and serves the community, thus, we always say that we are close. However, when will be the time when we can say that we made it?

Last month, in October, in the City of Imus, Cavite, the Rotaract Club of Carmona, together with the Interact Club of Carmona, and their mother club, the Rotary Club of Carmona, participated and expressed their support in Ending Polio. With a grandiose and creative style, they built a float that showed the significance of extinguishing the disease.

The vehicle decals’ red and yellow hues, which stand for the organization’s fervor and continual

fight against polio, are a fantastic show that was used for each campaign, every year.

Polio is spreading every day, and each club is also disseminating programs to stop it. Each drop of medicine is a drop of sweat for service. Every patient who survived polio equates to every family that Rotaract Clubs changed lives.

Being part of a history of ending polio is a way expensive to every donation that each club has done. Though we’re further along than ever in our efforts, we’re not there yet. To keep up with vaccinations and surveillance activities, we still need resources. Each contribution will move us one step closer to the goal. Raise funds.

A major effort is required to cure a disease, and our partners cannot achieve it alone. Find out

how you can assist us throughout our mission to treat polio. We need you. We need your participation to put an end to polio today. Participate and share the message to help us bring an end to the second human sickness in humanity. Act now.

Fundraising, programs, projects, and motorcades are all significant, hence, we still must act, year by year, day by day.

Rotaract is not an organization for nothing. Rotaract is one of the major enemies of polio. Rotaract is always one step ahead. We should be one step ahead against polio. So, we are not just close, but we made it through! We End Polio.

We are this close!

RAC RCDM SCHOLARS’ END POLIO INITIATIVES CAMPAIGN (EPIC)

by Jan Frances Danielle Ligna, Rotaract Club of RCDM Scholars

If we do this, we will give the world one less infectious disease to worry about once and for all!

The Rotaract Club of RCDM Scholars launched the End Polio Initiatives Campaign (EPIC) in celebration of World End Polio Month this October 2022.

Spearheaded by the Foundation Committee, three projects were organized to champion the causes of the Rotary Foundation for End Polio— First up, the End Polio Initiatives Campaign (EPIC) “10 Piso para sa Polio”, which is a fund-generating initiative adopted from the Rotaract Club of Makati. Rotaractors promote the spirit of charity by asking for 10 pesos from community members. The 10 pesos is a significant and symbolic amount as Apolinario

Mabini, a Philippine hero also affected by polio, is the face imprinted on the 10-peso-coin.

End Polio Initiatives Campaign (EPIC) Rafflefor-a-Cause, was one to be called an invigorating fund-generating initiative, as community members were encouraged to join a Raffle where they were able to win cash prizes and other consolation rewards. The rest of the funds generated were accounted for by the Rotaract Club of RCDM Scholars and were processed to be used in polio eradication programs as well as a form of donation to the Rotary Foundation.

Last but not the least, the End Polio Initiatives Campaign (EPIC) Info Drive was the information dissemination initiative that transpired across

various social media platforms. Pieces of information shared were not only limited to #EndPolio causes of Rotary and Rotaract but also how the process and genius of #EndPolio initiatives were able to guide, help, and support other disease prevention and treatment projects.

Perhaps, most people nowadays don’t know someone affected by polio but the enthusiasm, involvement, and efforts of the Rotaractors, the stakeholders, and every community member for the End Polio Month were astounding— it was evident in the amount of support given by everyone in the End Polio Initiatives Campaign (EPIC) of the Rotaract Club of RCDM Scholars.

In the words of one Rotary International President, “we cannot indefinitely sustain the effort

to eradicate polio. We have been on the ‘final stretch’ for several years now. Tantalizingly close to global eradication, but still falling one percent short”. The Rotaract Club of RCDM Scholars started the End Polio Initiatives Campaign (EPIC) during the Rotary Year 2020-2021, thereby reigniting it this Phenomenal Year 2022-2023.

There goes a spark of hope that #EndPolio initiatives will not just “end” in ending polio— it will prevail through inspiring more causes and advancing the projects of Rotary and Rotaract to fruition. As much as our funds and time have helped so much for #EndPolio, there is a challenge for all of us to also use our voice to deliver our message across the world. It is, again, to— give the world one less infectious disease to worry about once and for all.

HIV & AIDS DISEASE PREVENTION / AWARENESS

by Jude Rhenzo Olivo, Rotaract Club of San Antonio de Padua

UNAIDS stated that 650,000 people were lost to AIDS and 1.5 million people newly acquired HIV in 2021. The World Health Organization (WHO) urges everyone to redouble the efforts in avoiding the worst-case scenario of 7.7 million HIV-related deaths over the next 10 years due to the proliferating count of people acquiring HIV. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 38.4 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2021, two-thirds of whom around 25.6 million were in the African region. In March 2022, a total of 1,539 confirmed HIV-positive individuals were reported and there were 97,792 HIV Cases recorded from January 1984 to March 2022 with 5,548 deaths in total, according to the Department of Health.

1. What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and it weakens a person’s immune system by destroying CD4 + Cells. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which is the most advanced stage of HIV Infection.

2. Signs and Symptoms of HIV and AIDS?

People living with HIV-positive tend to be most infectious in the first few months of being infected wherein many are unaware of their status until the later stages. In the first few weeks after the initial infection, they may experience no symptoms or influenza-like illnesses such as fever, headache, rash, or sore throat. As the infection progresses and weakens the immune system, they may develop swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, continuous diarrhea, and cough. Without treatment, these may lead to severe illnesses such as tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis, severe bacterial infections, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and other cancers.

3. How is it transmitted?

HIV can be transmitted via blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions and may also be transmitted from a mother to a child during pregnancy and delivery. This is not transmitted via kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food or water.

4. What makes you susceptible to the disease?

A. having unprotected anal or vaginal coitus

B. acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and bacterial vaginosis.

C. sharing of contaminated needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment.

D. accidental needle stick injuries among health care workers.

5. Medical Management

HIV can be managed by using a combination of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, current antiretroviral (ART) does not cure HIV infection but suppresses viral replication and allows an individual’s immune system recovery to strengthen and regain the capacity to fight off opportunistic infection.

6. Prevention

A. Use of condom / Safe Coitus

B. Testing, Counseling for HIV and STI management

C. Voluntary medical male circumcision

D. Use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for prevention such as Oral PrEP and Long-Acting products, the dapivirine vaginal ring and injectable long-acting cabotegravir

E. Monogamy

A LIFE WITHOUT CHARGE

by Nicole Keziah, Rotaract Club of RCDM Scholars

Strong limbs were meant for running, They were meant to be something, Not a liability to care for, Not a cripple all day wheeling, Incurable disease, But can be prevented, No excuse for a life not saved, If only, vigilant.

It’s not you who mourns, When it preys the innocent, It’s not you who cries, When dreams are hindered by ignorance.

Lives could have been spared, From eternal sorrow, From Eternal death, From negligence.

Let them run free, Let them live the life, Let them see the wonders of health, As you were given and blessed.

Fear of the cure

Corrupts the mind as it erodes the body, Fear of the cure, Fails to offer possibilities in a lifetime,

Imagine that, what could have been, Prevented by a vaccine, Has cost them a life just because, They couldn’t care less.

Why should there be lessons

When we could have moved forward earlier To the era of eradication spending less, both money and life.

FEATURED ARTWORK OF THE ISSUE

Eden’s Grace

by Yasnaya Vecher, Rotaract Club of Cavite Economic Zone

Growing up, I was told that Eden’s fruit was the root of destruction and the downfall of paradise. But I’ve always had a different perspective about it without disregarding the bedrock of this story. People denied the beauty and wonders that the fruit holds, just as much as how people would often deny the beauty of our individuality and the intellect we hold.

Eden’s Grace embodies the essence of existence; Us being reasons of a paradise lost and at the same time the undeniable existence of beauty and wonders.

Each of us is this fruit. Each of us is Eden’s Grace.

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Audrey Mariel Candor (RAC Carmona), Carl James V. Bugarin (RAC Carmona), Eliona Hernandez (RAC STI College Pasay-EDSA), Jacob De Jesus (RAC RCDM Scholars), Jan Frances Danielle Ligna (RAC RCDM Scholars), Julianna Mae Aparato (RAC PUP), Raphael Ked Custodio (RAC San Antonio de Padua), Lene Wong (RAC De La Salle University), Nicole Keziah (RAC RCDM Scholars), Roy Jaluag (RAC San Antonio de Padua), and Sasha Mitchell Castro (RAC PUP)

Nina Albay RAC UST Central Chapter Photo Editor

Yasnaya Vecher RAC Cavite Economic Zone Featured Artist

Rhenzo Olivo RAC San Antonio de Padua Writer

Mariamne Yasmin Yap RAC UST Central Chapter Copy Editor

Melissa Nora RAC Adamson University Proofreader

Gene Iezl Natalicio RAC STI College Layout Artist

Aaron Blanco RAC Malate Editor-in-Chief

Joerimae T. Indiano RAC RCDM Scholars Managing Pub Director

We would like to thank District Governor Joyce Michelle Socorro Ambray and Phenomenal Leader President Hermie Esguerra for their unending support for our Rotaractors and the youth.

- Rotaract District Committee

We would like to thank our Senior Deputy Governor for Public Image AKS Bing Carrion for her support for the Rotaractors of Rotary International District 3810.

- Rotaract District Committee