Investing in Education: "Adopt-A-Library" Project

​The Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo (D3850), under the leadership of IPP Jess Fernandez and now, President Nora M. Helber, initiated an extensive community assessment to ensure their "Adopt-a-Library" project would be truly effective and meet local needs.

​The Rotary assessment process ​went beyond just checking on available books to ensure the Tambuan Library would be a dynamic community asset.

​Members evaluated the existing resources—including books, and databases, to ensure they were current, diverse, and aligned with DepEd's educational curricula and user interests.

They gathered essential feedback through meetings, and interviews, to understand what services the community valued and what resources were still needed (such as more study spaces or new programming).

​The team ensured they could measure the impact and attendance of planned literacy programs, workshops, and events to justify their continuation and identify key areas for improvement.

​Plans were made to analyze how different areas (reading rooms, computer labs, and quiet zones) would be used, informing future decisions on renovations and space allocation.

​This thorough Rotary assessment ensures the library will actively improve service and demonstrate its value to the community, rather than simply maintaining existing resources.

​Then, the Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo (D3850) invited strategic partners to collaborate and bring the project to life.

​On September 12, 2025, the club celebrated the ceremonial turnover of a P113,000 fund from their sister club, the Rotary Club of Forbes Park (D3830), led by President Ronald Cillo. Special thanks to D3830 Governor Reggie Nolido.

This generous donation is a direct and powerful investment in the future of our children, with the funds dedicated to completing the Tambuan Library and Development Center (Multi-Purpose Building)—a space set to be filled with books, ideas, and endless possibilities.

​The project is supported by a dedicated network of strategic partners:

• Infant Jesus Academy Kalibo will spearhead the capacity building for the teachers and library-in-charge, and will fill it up with books.

• Tambuan Elementary School overseeing the on-going repair and completion of the physical building.

• The Fort Atkinson Interact Club (D6250), Wisconsin, USA, will donate additional educational tools like a television and bookshelves.

• ​Tambuan Elementary School Alumni and Teachers Association (TESATA) will sponsor window materials and other necessary equipment.

This "Adopt-a-Library" project is a testament to the power of teamwork and the Theme: "Unite for Good". The Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo thanks all partners for turning this vision into a reality and ensuring every child has the chance to learn and grow. We can't wait for its final completion and see children smiling!