HeartWork Village: Building a Legacy of Compassion in the Highlands of Puerto Galera

In the lush but underserved mountains of Sitio Canluman, Barangay Tabinay, Puerto Galera, a quiet revolution is taking place—one grounded in compassion, community, and the enduring spirit of service.

Led by the Rotary Club of Lipa West under the banner of HeartWork: Bayanihang may Puso, the HeartWork Village project is a flagship initiative under District 3820’s legacy projects for Rotary Year 2025–2026. With District Governor Jeremie Lo at the helm, the initiative aims to transform Sitio Canluman—a remote Iraya Mangyan community of over 200 individuals—into a self-sustaining, resilient, and empowered model village that embodies Rotary's seven areas of focus.

A Milestone Marked in Stone and Service

On June 1, 2025, the HeartWork Village held its highly anticipated groundbreaking ceremony, kicking off a five-phase transformation project. Despite a 45-minute trek up muddy hills, Rotary members, LGU partners, and tribal leaders came together to witness history unfold.

The event was more than ceremonial—it was an outpouring of love and support. Alongside the symbolic laying of the first stone, the club distributed relief groceries, slippers, and school bags filled with supplies to local children. A set of first-aid kits was also turned over to the community leaders to bolster basic healthcare. Rotary’s signature gesture of inclusion was seen as volunteers shared meals with Iraya Mangyan families under open skies.

A heartfelt video summarizing the event later earned 2nd Place for Best Legacy Video at the District Awards—a testament to the story’s power and the spirit behind it.

From Vision to Reality: The HeartWork Village Model

At the heart of this initiative is a holistic, multi-phase development plan that integrates infrastructure, education, health, livelihood, and environmental sustainability. As outlined in the club’s project proposal, these interventions include:

Multi-purpose Hall & Evacuation Center (Completion by November 2025): A central hub for learning, safety, and community activities.

Water and Sanitation Projects: Wash stations, CRs, and sanitation kits to reduce disease and promote hygiene.

Medical & Dental Missions: Regular outreach with medicine distribution, particularly for mothers, children, and the elderly.

School Support Programs: Provision of raincoats, slippers, baon kits, and even a mini-library for early childhood literacy.

Livelihood Trainings: Community-based programs in soap-making, backyard farming, and animal raising to promote self-sufficiency.

Environmental Action: Tree planting and waste management initiatives for long-term ecological balance.

Each phase builds upon the last, with full monitoring and sustainability workshops planned for early 2026

Unite for Good: A Call to Action

The journey of HeartWork Village is far from over. As we enter the construction and livelihood phases, fundraising efforts are now in full swing. The Rotary Club of Lipa West is inviting sponsors, fellow clubs, companies, and individuals to take part in this heart-led movement.

One key event is the upcoming “Teeing for a Cause” Golf Tournament, set for October 17, 2025 at Summit Point Golf & Country Club. Proceeds from this fundraising activity will help complete the multi-purpose hall, expand livelihood programs, and support further educational outreach.

With donation tiers starting at just ₱1,000, every contribution helps build a future where no one is left behind. Top-tier donors will be recognized with handcrafted gifts, village site recognition, and media exposure.

Building Beyond Today

The HeartWork Village is more than a project. It is a movement of unity, empathy, and sustainable transformation. It is proof that when Rotary clubs, government leaders, and local communities come together, real and lasting change can take root—even in the most remote corners of the country.

To those reading this: you are invited to be part of this legacy. Whether through donations, partnerships, or simply spreading the word—your heartwork matters.

For partnership inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Rosemarie L. Gerdtman

President

Rotary Club of Lipa West

📧 rcoflipawest@gmail.com

Let’s build the HeartWork Village—where compassion becomes community.

Submitted by: Charmaine Bacila, Secretary, Rotary Club of Lipa West