As Rotaractors, we often hear the phrase “Service Above Self”. Usually, we picture ourselves painting schools, organizing blood drives, or planting trees. But there is a deeper, more systemic layer to our mission that sits at the very heart of Rotary International: Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.
The Rotaract Club of San Pedro East implemented the Balik Aral, Balik Dangal Project on October 18, 2025 at the New Bilibid Prison Medium Security Compound, supporting around 350 PDL Junior High School ALS learners with educational and hygiene supplies to restore dignity and foster hope through inclusive education.
In a world that feels increasingly fragmented, Rotary doesn’t just wish for peace – it treats peace as a living, breathing project that requires engineering, investment, and a whole lot of service above self.
Rotary’s approach isn’t about signing high-level treaties; it’s about addressing the root causes of conflict. We believe that if you provide clean water, quality education, and healthcare, you remove the primary triggers for tension.
How We Move the Needle as Rotaractors
You might think you’re young, but the truth is, Rotaractors are often the boots on the ground for peacebuilding.
As a gesture of solidarity with the IP community of Brgy. Atbu, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, Unifying President Joel I. Bartolome of the Rotaract Club of Bayombong joins the community dance during Unity in Diversity: Project Lente. The project celebrates and captures the beautiful faces and stories of the diverse families of Brgy. Atbu, while fostering deeper understanding of their needs—made possible through the support of partners such as TESDA–Provincial Training Center Nueva Vizcaya.
1. Intercultural Dialogue: Every time we host an international twin-club project or a friendship exchange, we are dismantling stereotypes. You can’t hate someone whose story you’ve actually heard.
2. Local Conflict Resolution: Whether it’s mediating disputes in a local neighborhood or teaching “peace literacy” in schools, we act as the bridge.
3. Sustainable Development: When our clubs provide a micro-loan to a local entrepreneur, we are fostering economic stability—a key pillar of a peaceful society.
The Challenge to You
Caption – You will always have a right. Legal rights education, mental health and financial wellness sessions, and the distribution of hygiene kits formed the core of Project Kamalayan Year 3 at the Lucena District Jail Male Dormitory on November 29, 2025.
Peace isn’t just a goal for diplomats in Geneva; it’s a commitment for the person in the Rotary or Rotaract pin. It’s about choosing empathy over ego and collaboration over competition.
We came bearing donations, yet walked away carrying lessons — that kindness heals in ways no punishment ever can. For the only permanent thing in this world, is change durinng the Project Beyodn Bars.
In our clubs, we don’t just talk about the Four-Way Test – we live it. If we can ensure our actions are fair to all concerned and beneficial to all concerned, we’ve already started the work of peacebuilding.
