The Rotary Club of Melbourne announced the successful completion of several critical infrastructure projects across marginalised communities in the Philippines for year 2023-2024. These initiatives aimed at improving clean water accessibility, sanitation, education and economic development, reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to uplift underprivileged areas.
In Bacnotan La Union, barangays of Pandan, Baroro, Cabarsican and Tumacalao, the Melbourne Rotary and Central Melbourne Rotary with Disaster Aid Australia, constructed comprehensive water filtration, and sanitation hygiene facilities. Philippine Consulate General Victoria formalised Rotary’s Certificate of Deed of Donation, a step towards sustained growth.
In Poblacion, Looc, Occidental Mindoro, Rotary Melbourne established a Books/Toy Library, which addressed the educational and literacy needs of children. The first-ever facility in the area, it is designed to improve motor skills and educational development, providing children with essential learning resources and opportunities for growth.
In Barangay Magsikap, General Nakar, Quezon, Melbourne Rotary completed a spring water development, water conservation tanks, pipeline distribution network to cluster water stations, at Magsikap Elementary School, Barangay office and the Rural Health Center, ensuring a reliable water supply for these critical institutions. In addition, a farm-to-market vegetable livelihood program was launched; a great step for sustainable agricultural practices and market access.
At Agkawayan Elementary School in Looc, Occidental Mindoro, Melbourne Rotary Club constructed a toilet block, with facilities for persons with disabilities and washing stations, conducted sanitation and hygiene training for better health practices among students.
Moving on to San Jose Provincial Hospital, Occidental Mindoro, as a prelude to Covid 19, viruses, and preventive healthcare, Melbourne Rotary Club funded the construction of a medical van equipped and specially designed to support virus prevention, conduct awareness and community vaccinations, significantly improving healthcare accessibility in the region.
Already started for 2024-2025, the Rotary Club of Melbourne commenced the funding of a new Water Sanitation Hygiene undertaking at Jose Diaz National High School in San Mateo, Rizal to construct and provide facilities for clean water and washing stations to students and school staff. MOU is in progress with DepEd, Rotary’s Melbourne and Greater Marikina Valley.
Down south, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao, in answer to the critical lack of access to clean water in 18 underserved barangays, Past President Ruth Carlos Martinez, International Service-Rotary Melbourne is in discussions with CDO local government, Agricultural Productivity Office and Water authorities towards provision of a spring water development and pipeline distribution network. Consultations were undertaken with Consul General Salcedo and Rotary Australia World Community Services. Rotary International is dedicated to responding to the critical needs of marginalised communities, ensuring long-term sustainability and development.
