In my ten years of community service, I have never grown tired of serving. Even when it takes a toll on my health, my professional life, and sometimes my personal life, there is still a deep sense of mission within me to help people and support the organizations I am part of in achieving goals for the common good.
As the International Service Director of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban, I have seen firsthand how unique the Rotaract community is. It is a community bound by shared purpose and shared integrity, even when no one is watching. Rotaractors live to serve selflessly and wholeheartedly. For me, that is the true beauty of volunteerism.
Volunteerism is something that already exists within all of us. I believe everyone has the capacity to make a difference. Sometimes, we just need to show the world what it truly means to serve others.
That is why one of the flagship initiatives of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban’s International Service, Project UGNAY-which means “connection” came to life. Together with my fellow Rotaractors, we envisioned a project that would build stronger linkages between local and international partners. Through this initiative, we hope to strengthen friendships, collaboration, and shared service beyond borders.
I have always reflected on my commitment to fostering meaningful relationships across cultures and communities. Through Rotaract, I found people who share that same passion. With like-minded individuals, we continue to advance Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self, while building bridges that connect people through compassion and service.
Project UGNAY is more than just a project; it is a space where people can help one another, laugh together, celebrate milestones in community service, and pursue a shared purpose in serving their communities.
This is how we inspire people to volunteer. As Rotaractors, we become role models who encourage the youth of today’s generation to dream—not only for themselves, but for the common good.
I am deeply grateful to have helped create this space, because people who carry a genuine love for community service deserve a place where they can grow, connect, and continue serving with purpose.
