Coming from my previous article “Can You Make a Difference while Travelling?” you will read that one of the ways of making a difference while in another place is through volunteer work. With my career spent mostly working as a full-time staff in non-profit charities like international organization Habitat for Humanity, Points of Light Foundation and Hands On Network’s Philippine affiliate Hands On Manila, and local foundation Dr. Pablo O. Torre Foundation, I have experienced volunteering while traveling or have hosted volunteers coming from other places, locally and internationally. I know firsthand how fulfilling it is to share one’s time, talent and treasure in uplifting the lives of other people.
Working in the development sector, I have partnered with various associations, groups and corporations doing projects that better the lives of those in need. If you are one who is interested in working with an organization that solves real problems, then you can take a closer look at Rotary. In my previous jobs, I have engaged with them through their various chapters from different localities here and abroad.
Rotary is a global network of individuals that promote its values of service, integrity, diversity, fellowship, and leadership. Anchored on their motto “Service Above Self”, Rotary Clubs all over the world work together to promote peace, fight diseases, grow local economies, save mothers and children, support education and provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Rotary is composed of Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation, and the Rotary clubs.
In Bacolod City, Negros Occidental in the Philippines, the Rotary Club of Bacolod South (RCBS) focuses on Literacy and Education. Its sustainable project is the RCBS Day Care and Community Center at Zone 5 in Purok Pepsi, Barangay Bata, Bacolod City. The center is built on a 1,180-square-meter lot that is owned by the Rotary Club of Bacolod South Foundation, Inc. It is part of the Club’s Purok Pepsi Children’s Park, which has a basketball court and stage, designed for the sports and cultural programs and activities of the residents of Purok Pepsi and the rest of Barangay Bata.
Since 1993, RCBS has been supporting the center through celebrating RCBS’ annual Christmas Party with the Day Care wards, helping Day Care teacher Ms. Espi, maintaining the place, and supporting its upgrade.
Part of this maintenance and upgrade is repainting and improving the Center. For this RY 2017-2018, RCBS launched its “Oplan Hilam-os“, which was aimed at beautifying the Day Care and Community Center and making it more conducive and comfortable for the Day Care wards, providing an environment that would further encourage and improve their learning skills. Hilam-os is a local word for washing the face.
RCBS members, the parents and other volunteers enthusiastically lent a hand in “Oplan Hilam-os“, making the current 100 students of the Day Care Center happy with the outcome. The whole community was mobilized to work together in bringing vibrancy to the educational environment of the children. RCBS members were proud of their participation in providing a facility that helps children of Purok Pepsi acquire their initial school experience to prepare them as they take their first step in nation-building and achieving their dreams through education.
The end result? A lively and lovely center that can uplift the mood of children to imbibe a more active outlook on learning. If you are planning a trip to Bacolod City, try to visit the RCBS Day Care and Community Center, interact with the students and see how Rotary colors their future through their continued support and commitment to promoting Literacy and Education in the City of Smiles. It will surely sweeten up your travel experience with a volunteer work.
Moreover, you can even join the RCBS for their annual Christmas party here or you can do your own Christmas outreach in this community. Indeed, it will be a beautiful way to color the season of Christmas by giving your time to these kids. In return, you will receive the gift of a smile from happy children.
*Photos are from Rotary Club of Bacolod South.