RC Makati Participates at ARK’s Insider Trip in Sorsogon

Whenever a project calls for our presence—or when there is an opportunity to witness its progress firsthand—RC Makati makes it a point to be represented so that we can see the impact on the ground. In line with this commitment, the Club sent Dir. Patrick & Mitzi Parungao, incoming Dir. Bom Villatuya, and PE Chris Ferareza, who joined Dir. Philip Soliven, a member of the board of Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), in the recent Insider Trip held in Sorsogon for Wave 11 of the Feed Back Program.

The first batch, which arrived on the morning of February 27 in Legazpi, was immediately transported to Bulusan Lake for a paddle boat race with members of the community, followed by a traditional boodle lunch. In the afternoon, the insiders met with barangay leaders to review and validate the Feed Back Reunion Plans and Presentation, before capping the day with a welcome dinner at Siama Hotel.

The following day, February 28, PE Chris was able to join the group, while Dir. Philip had to leave early for another appointment. This day marked the main event of the Insider Trip, highlighted by the Grand Feed Back Exchange, followed by the Ancestral Cooking Contest Presentation and the Pantomina Dance Contest. It was during this segment that the RC Makati representatives were able to personally witness how the vegetable exchange system takes place within the community and even participate in some of the activities and groundwork involved in the process.

The Feed Back Project was first introduced to RC Makati by DS Louie Aseoche in RY 2021–22, in partnership with Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK). Its mission is to establish sustainable neighborhood vegetable exchange programs in rural communities, empowering families to grow and share food while strengthening community bonds.

Previous waves have been successfully implemented in Bay, Laguna; La Libertad, Negros Oriental; Inabanga, Bohol; and Reina Mercedes, Isabela, with remarkable success—95% of participating families continue to grow their own produce. The project has likewise earned national recognition, receiving 1st Runner-Up in the Philippine Rotary Media Foundation, Inc. (PRMFI) Most Outstanding Environmental Project Awards in the Philippines for RY 2023–24.

This Rotary year, the Club has extended its support to three communities in Sorsogon, further expanding the reach and impact of this meaningful sustainability initiative.

The Insider Trip gave partners and supporters the opportunity to personally witness the positive outcomes of the program within the community. Participants were able to engage with beneficiary families, observe the progress of the backyard farming initiatives, and gain a deeper appreciation of how the project continues to empower households toward food security and long-term sustainability.