Higanteng Awareness to End Polio Now: Rotary’s Cultural Advocacy at the 2025 Higantes and Arts Festival in Angono

On November 16, 2025, the Rotary Clubs of Zone 5 (Rizal Area) of R.I. District 3800 partnered with the Higantes Arts Festival in Angono, Rizal, launching a culturally-grounded campaign entitled “Higanteng Awareness to End Polio Now.” 

This campaign has long been an annual End Polio Now activity of the Rotary Club of Angono. But this year, all of the Zone 5 clubs were invited, thereby making this activity a zonal project. With Rotary Club of Angono headed by Good President Elvie Bismonte as the lead club, the event was attended by no less than District Governor Gina T. Sanchez, SAG Marilyn Santos, DDS Eric Santos, and officers and members of the District RCC Committee.

Almost all the clubs from Zone 5 area participated and willingly braved a long walk which traversed most of the town población area together with their sponsored Rotaract and Interact Clubs. The initiative aimed to leverage Angono’s iconic higantes—giant papier-mâché figures traditionally paraded during the festival—to raise awareness about polio vaccination and eradication.

Merging Culture and Health Advocacy

Rotary’s campaign sought to connect with the community by integrating the symbolic power of the higante. These towering figures, deeply rooted in Angono’s history, served not only as cultural icons but also as potent emblems of vigilance and strength in the fight against polio. Through the campaign, Rotary volunteers displayed polio awareness materials (such as “End Polio Now” shirts, caps, etc.). Their bright red shirts, banners, and symbolic Higantes amplified a message that cannot be ignored: Polio must be eradicated, not just in the Philippines, but all over the world. The volunteers paraded all around the town center to engage families, particularly parents of young children, for them to be aware about the importance of completing polio immunization.

Significance for Rotary’s Mission

This activity aligned with Rotary’s long-standing global mission to eradicate polio. By embedding health messages within a deeply cultural and festive context, Rotary hoped to reinforce the message that polio prevention is not just a medical issue—it’s a shared community responsibility.

The campaign also demonstrated Rotary’s strategy of finding creative, locally relevant platforms to reach broader audiences.

In a town celebrated for its artistic heritage, harnessing the energy and visibility of the Higantes Festival made public health messaging more accessible, personal, and impactful. The commitment displayed during the festival reflects Rotary’s unwavering mission—educating communities, inspiring action, and ensuring that future generations live free from the threat of this preventable disease.

Together, we march. Together, we advocate. Together, we rise as one giant force for good. Together, let us Unite to End Polio for Good.

Note: The 22 participating Zone 5 Rizal Area Rotary Clubs included RC Angono, RC Baras, RC Binangonan, RC Cardona, RC Greater Pililla, RC Jalajala, RC Lakeshore Rizal, RC Metro East Taytay, RC MOrong, RC Paraiso ng Rizal, RC Rizal Premier, RC Rizal Urban, RC Tanay, RC Taytay, RC Taytay Renaissance, RC Teresa, RC Antipolo East, RC Metro Cainta, RC East Rizal, RC Rizal Mideast, and RC Upper East Side Antipolo. 

Written by: AG Jun Bismonte, Rotary Club of Angono