Project KAySAYA, Kalinga at Saya para sa mga Kuya

An Outreach Service Project for the PDLs of the BJMP Mandaluyong Male Dormitory

“Heavy rains and extreme floodings cannot stop our project for the day, we are needed more than ever during these situations”. These were the words of Good President Angeli Ancheta of RC Mandaluyong West when asked about the weather condition during the early morning preparations.

“Kalinga at Saya para sa mga KUYA” aims to elevate the PDLs’ “Kuya”, or older brother, a friend or a call of respect to a male in modern Filipino times. 

Reaching out to bring hope to almost 600 Persons Deprived of Liberty or PDLs, RC Mandaluyong West provided more than just slippers, food, and basic items - it responded to the assessed concerns of the PDLs with undertakings consistent with Rotary’s Causes;

For Basic Education and Literacy:

1. Hepatitis B & C Awareness Talk by Yellow Warriors Philippines; 

2. CPR Caravan conducted by volunteers from the Red Cross Mandaluyong Chapter; and 

3. Distribution of 35 Scientific Calculators, essential for the college education of qualified student scholars of Rizal Technological University.

For Disease Prevention and Treatment:

4. Hepatitis B & C Testing by Viral Hepatitis Free Philippines Inc. for close to 100 patients facilitated by Nurses Rtn. Sarah Mae Masinsin of Phil. Red Cross and Nurse Tess Abuy of St. Lukes 

5. Liver Ultrasound and consultation to concerned patients/PDLs by KylledMed

6. Distribution and Turnover of Vitamin C by CNERGEE

For Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention: 

7. Talks on Peace & Order by Jail Officer Rtn. JB Lomongo.

8. Distribution of New Testament Bibles and Karunungan for Life Books courtesy of FLS Group and Philippine Bible Society.

9. Bible Reading and talks on Mental Health by Rtn. Ruby Mendoza

Moreover, job opportunities were made available to the families of the PDLs from corporate partner Prestige Alliance MPC.  

“We are extremely grateful for the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong West headed by Good President Angeli Ancheta along with her colleagues and partners for extending these kinds of unforgettable services to the PDLs of our facility. I am sure that you will be able to make them feel important, and cared for by people like Rotarians. Mabuhay ang Rotary!”, said Chief Warden Mr. Joey Genecera.

A side-tour of the facility led by Jail Officer / Rotarian JB Lomongo with BJMP officers, a lunch 

fellowship, and an appreciation ceremony made the event more meaningful. Also noteworthy

is that BJMP Mandaluyong has top state-of-the-art facility in the entire country, including

 clean dorms, art and music room, library, commissary, barbershop, and gymnasium, as well as E-dalaw, and E-burol facilities. 

Our utmost appreciation to all partners and individuals for making this possible and more importantly for the opportunity to serve.

Together, We Can!

Written by: PP Joel Reña