The Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier has reached a historic milestone in its mission to revolutionize local healthcare through the implementation of Project USOC (Unified Support for Optimal Care). This ambitious initiative focuses on establishing specialized asthma centers in the upland and lakeside communities of Pakil, Laguna, where residents previously faced a life-threatening one-hour commute to access the nearest public health facility.
The project was born out of deep personal advocacy following a brainstorming session with Rtr/Rtn Ronald Salvador, an asthma survivor who emphasized that the illness is often dangerously underestimated by the public. The club’s determination was further solidified after the tragic loss of a local child to an asthma attack earlier this year, transforming the proposal into an urgent humanitarian necessity.
To ensure the highest standard of service, the club subjected its proposal to a “counsel of critics,” involving six non-Rotaract leaders and six members of the Rotaract community to refine the strategy prior to its national presentation. This rigorous preparation led the club to be named a Finalist and ultimately secure the Bronze Award at the Edison Ong National (EON) Awards 2025, held at the Manila Prince Hotel.
Represented by a dedicated delegation that included Tristan Jenesis Cosico Arbues, John Michael Gregorio Jaca, Paulmark Rex Rusiana, and Ashura De Leon, the club earned a vital seed grant to bring their vision to life. This prestigious recognition, supported by the Rotary Club of Manila Magic and District 3810, served as the catalyst for the project’s successful rollout.
In a comprehensive display of community spirit this August, the distribution of brand-new nebulizer units was conducted in conjunction with Project Isang Bigkis, a collaborative initiative designed to unify various service projects for greater collective impact. Through this integrated approach, the club successfully equipped six barangays with the medical tools necessary to respond to respiratory emergencies.
These nebulizers were formally turned over to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), who are now trained to provide immediate and localized care. Under the visionary leadership of Charter President Arra Lou De Leon Pagaraga, the Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier continues to uphold its promise of “Service Above Self,” ensuring that no resident is left behind in the fight for better health.
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