Child Care Not War: Unite for Good Solidarity Peace Project

"We dream of a world without borders where everyone is born free.We dream of a humane society where everything is shared equally, where every child is everyone’s child, free from fear, war, and hunger."

Guided by the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self and the vision of creating lasting change in communities, the Rotary Club of Malabon Highlands (RCMH), in partnership with the Abakadang Kayumanggi Community Development Foundation (AKCDF), continues to advance the Child Care Not War: Unite for Good Solidarity Peace Project.

This initiative reflects several key Areas of Focus of Rotary International, particularly Promoting Peace, Basic Education and Literacy, Community Economic Development, Maternal and Child Health, and Supporting the Environment through values-based community action. Through this project, underserved children and families are given opportunities for learning, nourishment, empowerment, and hope.

As the culminating activity of the annual Educate and Feed the Children flagship program, RCMH and AKCDF organized the Child Care Not War: Journey of Children and Families for Peace Solidarity Day Camp on March 1, 2026 at Paradise Adventure Camp and Resort.

The program began with prayer and messages of welcome, followed by a report from Paul Galang on peace and global solidarity. Updates from partner peace advocates in Asia, including AKAY Japan and the Save the Dugong Campaign Center, were also shared to strengthen awareness of international people’s cooperation and cultural understanding for freedom from war and poverty.

Children and families participated in friendship-building and peace education activities, including video greetings and cultural presentations from KOZEN children and Korean students. These exchanges highlighted Rotary’s commitment to fostering goodwill and mutual understanding among peoples of different nations.

Beneficiaries of the AKCDF-RCMH program also presented cultural dance interpretations of Peaceful World and No Borders, expressing the dreams of children for harmony and equality.

An Art for Peace workshop was facilitated by Elito “Amangpintor” Circa of the Rotary Club of Golden Harvest, using creativity as a tool for healing, self-expression, and peacebuilding.

Rotarians, parents, teachers, and volunteers worked hand in hand to make the camp a joyful and meaningful experience. Families shared meals together in fellowship, demonstrating Rotary’s spirit of compassion, inclusion, and community service.

Beyond the peace camp, RCMH and AKCDF also organize Child Care Not War Charity Fundraising Concerts with fellow Rotary clubs, civic groups, and generous partners. These initiatives support education assistance, feeding programs, and livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged families under the Livelihood for Peace Bayanihan Mission.

RCMH recognizes the participation of Rotary Club of Malabon, Rotary Club of Malabon East, Rotary Club of Malabon Central, Rotary Club of North Bay East, Rotary Club of Navotas, Rotary Club of All Star CAMANAVA, Rotary Club of Broadway, Rotary Club of Golden Harvest Nueva Ecija and other Rotarians of District 3800, District 3780 and District 3770 for supporting the Educate and Feed the Children: Childcare Not War Peace Concerts.

Since 2010, the partnership between Rotary Club of Malabon Highlands and Abakadang Kayumanggi Community Development Foundation has sustained programs that uplift urban poor youth, women, and children through education, health promotion, skills training, and peace-centered community development.

As a committed club of Rotary International District 3800, the Rotary Club of Malabon Highlands remains steadfast in living out Rotary values of service, integrity, fellowship, diversity, and leadership—uniting for good to build stronger communities and a more peaceful, humane world for all.

Written by: PP Paul Galang, Rotary Club of Malabon Highlands