It has been a tradition by the Rotaract Club of Cebu to embody Fellowship through Service by having its service project the next day after its Club Induction and Handover Ceremonies. This year, the club’s Pagpanumpa was again fulfilled – crossing seas and conquering the elements – bringing joy and hope to the children of Pangan-an Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, last June 11, 2023.
Our Rotaractors not only brought joy and fun to the kids, but also gifts of happiness and wisdom, linked to the club’s numerous projects. Indeed, the trip to Pangan-an Island was treacherous, as we have to cross along the strong currents of the Hilutungan Channel before entering into the shallows of the Olango Reef Flats and landing into the island.
For Project LibraRACC (Library of the Rotaract Club of Cebu), five (5) boxes of textbooks were delivered to Pangan-an Elementary School, providing the students with essential learning materials which bridge the gap of learning. A follow-up donation of books will be given to Pangan-an National High School on the upcoming months.
Project AGAK (Ayudang Gigahin Alang sa Kabataan) brought with it 600 maps and 400 donuts courtesy of Dunkin’ by PP Jonathan Gesalem of the Rotary Club of Cebu for 422 Students of Elementary School. It was also the first time for the students to taste the sweet treats from the city brought by our Rotaractors to the kids. After the official turnover and signing of the deed of donation between RAC Cebu and Pangan-an ES, lunch is prepared by the school and with the local Sangguniang Kabataan council for everyone to feast on. The meals showcase the island’s local catch of fish, crabs, and seashells where our Rotaractors did not hesitate to finish it all.
But our trip did not stop with the school itself. Before embarking back to the boat, Project COASTAL (Clean the Oceans and Seas, To Advocate and Lead) was conducted. Headed by Pres Zane and together with the team, they picked up the coastline litter; like plastics and other form of garbage, before loading it to the boat to be disposed back at port. Along the voyage back home, they did not miss in diving into the pristine waters near Sulpa Islet to celebrate another successful project. For sure, not only it is the fulfillment of the members’ Oath to Serve, but it’s another day in the Life in Fellowship through Service.
