Rotary clubs are each unique—shaped by the communities they serve and the advocacies they champion. One such club is our brother from the south—the Rotary Club of Zamboanga City West—renowned for delivering clean, accessible water to communities in need. On June 11, a large delegation from RC Makati—led by President Keith and Rachel Harrison—journeyed to Zamboanga. With them were PP Louie and Tess Aseoche, Jay Bernardo, PE Eddie Galvez, Director Neil and Camille Makasiar, incoming Directors CB Rivilla and Paolo Turno with Christine, and our baby Rotarians: Anton Cabrera, Ambassador Melvin Castelino, and Aaron Mempin. Welcomed by RC Zamboanga City West President Rey Ariño, and hosted for breakfast by PDG James and Tess Makasiar, the team wasted no time and set off on a scenic journey to Sitio Niyog-Niyog. There, they met students and community members whose lives were about to change. During a short but meaningful program, PP Nanding Yu shared the project background. President Keith highlighted Rotary’s mission and RC Makati’s commitment to water access in Zamboanga. Ambassador Melvin expressed joy in witnessing the power of service, encouraging young students to pursue education. PE Eddie congratulated RC Zamboanga City West and shared excitement for more collaborations to come. President Rey, in turn, expressed deep gratitude for the partnership—now on its second water project. A formal Memorandum of Agreement was signed by both Clubs and the barangay, who will manage the facility moving forward. Just a few meters away stood the newly constructed communal water station—a ₱230,000 project, partially funded by RC Makati with ₱160,000. This solar-powered facility will serve 189 students and nearby residents with clean, reliable water. It features a 100-foot deep well with durable PVC casing and a 1HP AC/DC submersible pump, delivering up to 2 cubic meters of water per hour. This is the second water project co-implemented by the two Clubs, following the Simanta Elementary School initiative last year that benefitted over 200 families. The day ended with a boodle-style lunch, hosted by the community—an expression of heartfelt thanks and fellowship. On the road back, stories emerged. Sitio Niyog-Niyog was once marked by conflict and recruitment by extremist groups. Today, it is more peaceful—its transformation powered by sustained presence, service, and hope. Two years. Two water projects. Countless lives touched. RC Makati and RC Zamboanga City West continue to prove that partnerships rooted in service create lasting, life-changing impact.
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