The Rotary Club of Lucena South, in proud partnership with its sponsored club, the Rotaract Club of Lucena South, officially launched HeartWork Village: Bayanihang May Puso in Barangay Dalahican – Badjao Village. This initiative represents more than just a one-time outreach. It is the beginning of a long-term, sustainable commitment to improving the lives of one of Lucena’s most underserved communities through compassionate, inclusive, and action-oriented service.
Through a series of well-planned and meaningful activities, this project set the foundation for a legacy of community service and development, with Rotary’s core values—service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership—at its heart.
Empowering Communities Through Environmental Education
To help the community build healthier surroundings and sustainable habits, the project featured a Waste Segregation and Proper Waste Management Seminar conducted by Mr. Marek Tabernilla of the Lucena City General Services Office (GSO). Residents were taught simple, actionable ways to manage waste, reduce pollution, and protect the environment—especially vital for a coastal village like Badjao.
To support the lessons taught, the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs donated a garbage collection cart and metal waste bins for use by the community. The residents also committed to cleaning their seashore area, with the collected trash scheduled for regular pickup by the GSO. These efforts not only improve the environment but promote a culture of accountability and collective action.
Advancing Health and Hygiene Awareness
Public health was another core focus. In collaboration with the Department of Health – Lucena City, a Monkeypox Awareness and Prevention Seminar was held. This session empowered residents with information on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to the disease—reinforcing the importance of education in disease prevention.
For the sixth consecutive year, the “I Have Two Hands” hygiene project returned, this time reaching the children of the Badjao community. Volunteers demonstrated proper handwashing techniques, reminding everyone that even small habits can create big impacts in preventing illness.
To extend these lessons beyond the event, hygiene kits were distributed to families. These included basic essentials like soap, alcohol, toothbrushes, and more—items that are often difficult to access in communities with limited infrastructure.
Feeding the Mind and Body: Busog Lusog and Literacy Program
One of the highlights of the kickoff was the Busog Lusog Feeding and Literacy Program – Year 3, designed to combat hunger and promote early education. Children received MANAPAC fortified rice meal packs—a nutrient-dense, affordable food solution backed by medical research. Each pack contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin A, making it ideal for children facing nutritional deficiencies.
While enjoying the meals, the children also participated in basic reading and writing activities, facilitated by volunteers. This dual approach addresses two Rotary Areas of Focus: maternal and child health and basic education and literacy. By nourishing both body and mind, the program offers hope for a brighter, healthier future.
Promoting Inclusion Through Rotary Values
As a symbol of unity and shared values, a pre-unveiling of the Rotary Four-Way Test Marker was also held. What made this version special was its translation into English, Filipino, and Sama Badjao—a deliberate move to make the values of truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit accessible and inclusive to all members of the community.
This marker will serve as a permanent reminder of the ethical foundations of Rotary and the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in building a truly unified village.
Service Begins with Fellowship
The day concluded with a heartfelt Share-a-Meal moment. Volunteers and residents came together to enjoy simple food and meaningful conversations, embodying Rotary’s belief that fellowship enhances service. These small acts of kindness create lasting bonds and make service more than just work—it becomes a shared human experience.
Gratitude to Our Partners
This launch would not have been possible without the dedication of our project partners: Lucena City GSO, DOH – Lucena City, Don Orione Foundation, Inc., JCI Lucena, Kiwanis Club Lucena Famous, Risen Savior Mission (USA), Elixir Club Lucena, Kiwanis International Region 4C, and the Sangguniang Barangay ng Dalahican.
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