Project G.A.N.D.A.: A Holistic Celebration of Women’s Empowerment Through Service, Wellness, and Sustainability

In celebration of International Women’s Month, the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Uptown launched Project G.A.N.D.A. — Gabay at Alaga para sa Nutrisyon ng Diwa at Adhikaing Kababaihan — to empower the women of Barangay New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City. More than a commemorative activity, the project served as a holistic platform focused on livelihood, legal awareness, wellness, dignity, and environmental responsibility, guided by Rotary’s principle of “Service Above Self.” Fifty pre-selected female residents, primarily mothers, teenage mothers, and senior citizens, participated in the program. These groups were chosen for their vital roles in the family and community, allowing the project to create an inclusive space for learning, support, and long-term empowerment.

Women play a vital role in shaping families, communities, and society. As mothers, caregivers, leaders, and changemakers, they serve as the foundation of both the home and the wider community. Recognizing this, the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Uptown chose to celebrate International Women’s Month by investing in women’s growth, confidence, and self-sufficiency. The club believed that true empowerment begins when women are given access to knowledge, opportunities, and support systems that allow them to thrive. Project G.A.N.D.A. was therefore built on the idea that every woman deserves both “Ganda at Galing” — beauty and skill — to confidently navigate modern life while contributing meaningfully to her family and community.

The initiative was made possible through the collaborative partnership of the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Uptown, the Barangay Council of New Zaniga under the leadership of Punong Barangay Liza Cruz, Soroptimist International of Pasig and CTC Group Philippines. This collaboration created a holistic approach to service by addressing livelihood, wellness, environmental awareness, and legal empowerment. Together, these partners transformed the project into a meaningful community initiative that equipped women with practical skills, knowledge, and confidence for long-term empowerment. 

The title itself—Gabay at Alaga para sa Nutrisyon ng Diwa at Adhikaing Kababaihan—perfectly captures the spirit and purpose of the project. It emphasizes that women need both guidance and care, not only for their physical well-being but also for their aspirations, emotional strength, and personal development. Project G.A.N.D.A. aimed to nurture both the inner and outer strength of women by addressing practical life skills alongside dignity, confidence, and social awareness. It recognized that empowerment is holistic; it is not simply about livelihood, but also about legal protection, mental well-being, and the ability to actively participate in building a healthier and more sustainable community.

One of the strongest pillars of the initiative was Legal Empowerment (Diwa), which sought to educate women about their fundamental rights and legal protections. Through the featured talk Women’s Rights in Everyday Life, led by Atty. Nikki de Vega of Nicolas & De Vega Law Offices, participants were given practical guidance on important issues involving women and children, particularly in cases of separation and financial support. The session explained the legal obligations of fathers to provide support, the rights of mothers to claim such support, and the proper legal steps women can take when these responsibilities are neglected. More importantly, it taught participants where to seek help and how to assert their rights with confidence. This session empowered women with knowledge that could directly protect their dignity, welfare, and future.

Another major component of Project G.A.N.D.A. was Technical Skill Acquisition (Adhikain), centered on providing women with practical livelihood opportunities through hands-on learning. One of the project’s most engaging activities was the live workshop How to Make a Good Massage Oil, facilitated by technical specialists from CTC Group Philippines. This practical session taught participants how to create effective and safe natural massage oils using accessible ingredients and proper blending techniques. The workshop explored the science behind formulation while also demonstrating the product’s therapeutic value for personal wellness. More importantly, it introduced participants to the idea that such simple yet valuable products could become the foundation of small-scale entrepreneurship and home-based income generation. This was complemented by the session Healthy Hair, Happy You! led by Ms. Jaslyn Jessa Ortiz, Registered Chemist of CTC Group Philippines, which combined a talk and hands-on workshop on hair serum oil formulation. Participants learned science-based hair care practices, proper routines, and how to create their own hair serum oil using safe and effective methods. The session emphasized not only hair health and maintenance but also the importance of self-care in building confidence, dignity, and overall well-being. This focus on dignity and personal wellness was further strengthened through Wellness and Alaga, particularly through the concurrent activity called Gupit-Ganda: Complimentary Hair Styling. Professional haircut services were provided free of charge to the first fifty female registrants by the expert stylists of HappyHub Salon and proudly sponsored by Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Uptown. While simple in nature, this activity carried a deeper message about the importance of self-care and emotional wellness. For many women, especially those who spend much of their time caring for others, moments of personal attention and grooming can become powerful reminders of self-value. The activity created not only smiles and confidence but also a sense of appreciation and dignity among the participants.

Project G.A.N.D.A. also strongly emphasized Environmental Stewardship (Sustainable Sisters) through the session Women Driving a Plastic-Free Community, led by Mr. Willy “Megs” Omega, Pollution Control Officer of CTC Group Philippines. This empowering discussion highlighted the vital role of women in leading environmental responsibility within both the household and the community. Participants learned practical and everyday ways to reduce plastic consumption, practice proper waste management, and promote sustainable habits at home. The session reinforced the idea that environmental advocacy begins with simple daily choices and that women, as household decision-makers, are in a unique position to lead this change. It reminded participants that empowered women do not only nurture their families—they also shape a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for the next generation.

Beyond the individual sessions, Project G.A.N.D.A. successfully fulfilled its goal of strengthening institutional synergy by creating meaningful collaboration between the private sector, civic organizations, and local government units. It demonstrated how shared purpose and aligned values can produce community programs that are both relevant and sustainable. Rather than functioning as separate entities, the partners worked as one united force, each contributing expertise and support to maximize impact. This collaboration became a strong example of how service becomes more powerful when institutions work together to respond to real and pressing community needs.

For the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Uptown, Project G.A.N.D.A. represents what Rotary service truly stands for—service that uplifts, empowers, and transforms lives. It is not simply about conducting outreach activities, but about creating opportunities that allow people to rise above challenges and build better futures. Through this initiative, the club demonstrated that celebrating International Women’s Month can be done in the most meaningful way: by investing in women’s strength, dignity, and potential.

As the women of Barangay New Zaniga move forward with newly acquired skills, stronger legal awareness, improved confidence, and a deeper sense of self-worth, the impact of Project G.A.N.D.A. continues far beyond the day of the event. It lives on in every woman who learned to stand up for her rights, care for herself with dignity, protect her environment, and believe in her ability to create change. Ultimately, Project G.A.N.D.A. is more than a Women’s Month celebration—it is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and possibility. It is a reminder that when women are empowered, communities flourish, and when service is driven by compassion and purpose, transformation becomes inevitable.

Written by: Good President Lei Naguimbing, Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Uptown