Kulay ng Pagkakaibigan: The Beautiful Colors that Unite Us

In Rotary, friendship comes in many colors—each one telling a story of collaboration, compassion, and shared purpose. This year, the Kulay ng Pagkakaibigan service project beautifully embodied that spirit as the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center joined hands with the Rotary Club of Fukaya North, Japan on October 2, 2025 in service to the students with diverse abilities of San Lorenzo Ruiz Elementary School in Pasig City.

What began as a simple outreach became a vibrant celebration of friendship—both new and renewed. The bright colors of the day symbolized our blossoming bond with RC Fukaya North while rekindling our long-standing partnership with San Lorenzo Ruiz Elementary School, a cherished friend in service through the years.

This friendship carries even deeper meaning when seen against the backdrop of special education in the Philippines. With a scarcity of SPED teachers, often one teacher handling more than 20 learners with special needs and the lack of a dedicated national budget for special education, schools face daunting challenges in ensuring inclusion.

That is why projects like Kulay ng Pagkakaibigan are more than symbolic; they affirm to teachers and parents that their children are seen, supported, and celebrated by the community.

It was in this spirit that children’s faces lit up as they received specially designed coloring books generously provided by Rotary International District 3800 Governor Gina Sanchez, which feature illustrations by Assistant Governor Poela Jose. Each page carried not only drawings but also a quiet message of hope—that creativity, inclusion, and compassion can make learning joyful for every child, regardless of ability. The project was further enriched by the generosity of Virginia Food and Tita’s Choice, whose support ensured the day was not only meaningful but also memorable.

As colors blend to create something beautiful, so do friendships when nurtured in service. Through Kulay ng Pagkakaibigan, we are reminded that true Rotary friendship is more than fellowship alone, it is about working hand in hand, across cultures and beyond borders, to bring light, joy, and color into people’s lives.

Written by: GP Myron Montefalcon