RC Cebu Gloria Maris Partners with JCI Mandaue to Create a Safe Space for All

The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris is proud to join forces with JCI Mandaue for their impactful project, “TOGAther, We Stand”. Through this collaboration, both organizations are working together to make a positive impact on the community by promoting inclusivity, safety, and kindness, with a special focus on empowering students and raising awareness about the importance of creating safe spaces.

One of the most memorable moments of this collaboration took place on April 10 at Regino Mercado National High School, where Dorothy Borces, Public Image Director and President-Nominee of the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris, served as the Keynote Speaker for the Anti-Bullying Campaign, "Breaking the Cycle: From Bullied to Bold - Creating a Safe Space for All." In front of 58 graduating students, Dorothy addressed the issues of bullying and emphasized how every individual can take a stand to create safer, more supportive environments for everyone. Her empowering words encouraged the students to rise above the challenges they may face and to boldly embrace their role in shaping a better future.

The message that day was clear: while bullying may impact lives, it does not define one's future.

Dorothy spoke about the importance of self-empowerment, standing up for others, and making kindness the foundation of everyday actions. 

Her speech resonated deeply with the students, inspiring them to be leaders in their own right and to promote inclusivity and respect within their communities.

While the workshop was in full swing, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris distributed snacks to the students, offering a small but meaningful gesture to keep them energized and engaged throughout the event. This effort was just one of the ways the Rotary Club showed their commitment to the well-being of the students, highlighting the importance of both physical and emotional support during such significant moments.

After the workshop, JCI Mandaue distributed togas to the graduating students, a symbolic gesture marking the end of their academic journey and the beginning of new opportunities. The toga ceremony was a poignant reminder of the hard work and dedication that brought them to this point, and it sparked excitement for the future ahead.

The event also saw the participation of Rotarians Evelyn Mercado, Floramay Gonzales, Hazael Urbiztondo, and Bernadette Ponce, who joined in supporting the students and reinforcing the message of unity and resilience. Their presence added to the collective effort of spreading hope and empowerment, and it was a true reflection of the spirit of Rotary—"Service Above Self."

The “TOGAther, We Stand” project is part of a larger initiative to foster a community where kindness, respect, and mutual support thrive. This collaboration is about more than just one event—it's about making a real, lasting difference. Through the combined efforts of the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris and JCI Mandaue, the message of unity, kindness, and empowerment is being shared far and wide. Both organizations remain committed to continuing this journey of transformation, ensuring that every effort made has a positive and lasting impact on the community.

Looking ahead, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris and JCI Mandaue are dedicated to continuing their work together, supporting the youth, and fostering a culture of kindness and inclusivity. The mission goes beyond just an event; it’s about building stronger, more compassionate communities, one step at a time.

Together, we stand stronger. Together, we create a brighter future for all.

Submitted by: Dorothy Borces, Director of Public Image, Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris