Peace at the Heart of the Barangay: Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands Unveils Peace Pole in Silangan

In a meaningful affirmation of Rotary’s commitment to peace and understanding, the Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands successfully installed and unveiled a Rotary Peace Pole on

the morning of December 20, 2025, at the AFP Garden inside AFP Village, located in Barangay Silangan.

The Peace Pole stands in a deliberately chosen and highly visible location—across the Barangay Hall, adjacent to the Multi-Purpose Covered Court and the Public Market, just a few meters away from the church and nearby public schools, and along a route leading to various housing projects within Barangay Silangan, the largest and most populous barangay in San Mateo, Rizal. Positioned at the crossroads of daily community life, the Peace Pole ensures that its universal message—May Peace Prevail on Earth—is encountered by students, families, workers, worshippers, market-goers, and community leaders alike.

The importance of this visibility cannot be overstated. Peacebuilding is most meaningful when it is present in everyday spaces where people of diverse backgrounds converge. In communities where even the smallest units, such as the barangay, may experience misunderstandings or conflict, the Peace Pole serves as a quiet yet constant reminder to

choose dialogue, respect, and unity over division. Its presence promotes peace not as an abstract concept, but as a daily responsibility shared by all.

The unveiling ceremony was witnessed by District 3800 leaders led by Gina Sanchez, accompanied by district officers including Service Project Chair Noel Cuico and Peacebuilding and Community Chair Michael Raymundo. Their presence underscored Rotary’s collective commitment to advancing peace at the grassroots level, where its impact is most deeply felt.

The initiative was spearheaded by Lerma Membrado, Good President of the Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands, together with the club’s officers and dedicated members whose unwavering commitment made the project possible. Their leadership and hands-on service exemplified Rotary’s spirit of unity in action.

The unveiling marked the culmination of a week-long preparation, during which club members undertook rehabilitation and beautification works at the AFP Garden despite intermittent weather. Landscaping, cleaning, and site preparation were carried out with the active support of Rotaractors—reflecting strong intergenerational partnership and shared ownership of the project. 

Close collaboration with the AFP Village Homeowners Association and the AFP Village Ladies Club further ensured the project’s smooth execution. Through coordination meetings and collective problem-solving, challenges were addressed and community stewardship strengthened, helping ensure the Peace Pole’s lasting presence and relevance. For the Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands, the project holds deep significance. Barangay Silangan is where the club was founded, and erecting a Peace Pole on its high grounds symbolizes the aspiration to elevate peace so it may be seen, remembered, and lived by all.

Standing prominently at the heart of barangay life, the Peace Pole now serves as a lasting beacon—inviting reflection, understanding, and harmony across the diverse communities of San Mateo, Rizal. This initiative aligns with Rotary International’s focus on Peacebuilding and Community Service and reflects District 3800’s continuing commitment to promoting peace—beginning at the barangay level and extending to all sectors of society.

Written by: Good President Lerma Membrado, Rotary Club of San Mateo Highlands