Expanding a Legacy of Healing and Compassionate Service

Where It All Began

It all began with a simple yet powerful conversation.

Through “Mare, Ano ang Latest?”, women came together—not only to talk, but to truly listen, share, and learn from one another. In that space of openness and trust, stories were courageously told, questions were answered, and silent concerns were finally given a voice. What started as a small forum soon became the foundation of something far greater.

From Conversation to Advocacy

From this meaningful beginning emerged “Cease, End the Cyst”—now one of the flagship initiatives of the Rotary Club of Marikina Hilltop under Rotary International District 3800.

Now on its third year, the project has evolved into a life-changing advocacy that provides surgical assistance to women diagnosed with myoma and ovarian cysts who are unable to afford the cost of medical intervention. More than a program, it is a mission—one that raises awareness, promotes early detection, and ensures that women have access to the care they deserve.

This initiative was spearheaded by Dra. Sharon Joyce P. Mendoza, an OB-GYN and spouse of Past President Serge Mendoza, whose passion for women’s health and unwavering commitment to service brought this vision to life.

Strengthening Partnerships, Expanding Impact

In line with its continuing commitment, the Rotary Club of Marikina Hilltop formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to further strengthen the reach and impact of the project.

This new partnership enhances the Club’s capacity to deliver critical healthcare services, complementing its existing collaboration with Cardinal Santos Medical Center. Together, these institutions enable the program to extend life-saving surgical interventions to more women in need.

The MOA was signed by Mr. Paul Camangian, CEO and President of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital; Dra. Sharon Joyce Mendoza, Project Proponent; Past President Serge Mendoza; Club President Goodlucky Nicolas; and Dr. Jane Tuquero, Chairman of the Department of OB-Gyn, together with active consultants Dr. Miriam Ramos, Dr. Irene Datu, and Dr. Ghia Esquibal.

Also present during the signing were members of the hospital’s administrative team, including Dr. Katrina Luna (Chief Medical Officer), Mr. Jun Diamante (Chief Finance Officer), Ms. Rea Guevarra (Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer), and Mr. Paolo Decena (Talent Management Group Manager), along with RCMH leaders Past President Dr. Alfred Tan, Past President Enrico S. Bautista, and Spouse Anne M. Bautista.

A Continuing Commitment

What began as a conversation has grown into a sustained movement—one that the Club remains deeply committed to nurturing and expanding.

Through education, screening initiatives, medical missions, and now strengthened institutional partnerships, the program continues to reach more women, offering not only treatment but hope. It strives not only to inform, but to heal; not only to respond, but to prevent.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

This partnership marks another milestone in the continued expansion of a service-driven initiative dedicated to improving women’s health and access to essential surgical care.

As the Rotary Club of Marikina Hilltop carries this advocacy forward, it reaffirms its commitment to building a legacy rooted in healing and compassionate service—touching lives, empowering women, and fostering healthier communities for generations to come.

Changing lives—one woman, one conversation, one act of care at a time.

Written by: Good President Goodlucky Nicolas, Rotary Club of Marikina Hilltop