RC Cebu Gloria Maris Restores Water Supply for Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School

On November 23, 2024, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris conducted an important site visit to Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School, located in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City. The purpose of this visit was to assess the school’s water needs, particularly the condition of its artesian well, which had been out of service for some time. This well served as the primary source of water for the school’s students, faculty, and staff.

The visiting Rotary team was led by Club President Myra Urbiztondo and included her husband, Rotarian Alden Urbiztondo, Secretary Engr. Roxene Rosario, Past President Cherryl Desucatan, Assistant Governor Christine Tan Ashby, and Rotarian Floramay Gonzales. They were accompanied by Principal Phamela Oliva, who provided a detailed briefing about the challenges the school faced due to the lack of a reliable water source.

During the assessment, it became clear that the broken artesian well was a major obstacle to the school’s daily operations. With over a thousand students enrolled, the school struggled to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation standards without a dependable water supply. The absence of clean and accessible water affected not only drinking and handwashing but also the overall health and well-being of the entire school community. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris pledged to assist in repairing and restoring the artesian well to full functionality.

The repair work began promptly on December 2, 2024. The project involved thorough cleaning of the well, repairing or replacing damaged mechanical components, and testing the water pump system to ensure it was fully operational. By December 4, 2024, the restoration was successfully completed, and the artesian well once again provided clean, safe water to the school. The school administration expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club for their swift and effective response. 

The restoration of the well significantly improved the daily lives of students and staff, enabling better hygiene practices and a more conducive learning environment.

Following the completion of the repairs, preparations were made for the formal turnover of the water pump to the school. On April 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM, a turnover ceremony was held at Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School. The event was attended by Club President Myra Urbiztondo, Rotarian Alden Urbiztondo, Assistant Governor Christine Tan Ashby, Director of Public Image Dorothy Borces, and Rotarians Hazael Urbiztondo and Floramay Gonzales. Representing the school were Teachers Association President Marjun Campuso, Principal Phamela A. Oliva, and Assistant Principal Devina Aleño.

During the ceremony, the Rotary Club officially handed over the restored water pump to the school’s administration and teachers’ association. 

This milestone marked the successful collaboration between the Rotary Club and the school community, demonstrating Rotary’s commitment to addressing essential grassroots needs. 

The event underscored the importance of community partnership in solving local challenges and improving quality of life.

The restoration of the artesian well is expected to benefit not only the current students and staff but also future generations who will attend Don Vicente Rama Memorial Elementary School. Access to clean water is fundamental for maintaining hygiene, supporting daily school operations, and promoting a healthy learning environment. This project aligns with Rotary International’s strategic focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), which remains a key area of service worldwide.

The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris continues to support local communities through projects that address urgent needs and improve quality of life. The successful repair and turnover of the school’s water supply system exemplify the club’s dedication to service and its ability to mobilize resources and expertise for meaningful impact. Through such initiatives, the club reinforces Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self” by directly improving the well-being of children and educators in the community.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris and their ongoing projects, interested parties may contact the club through their official Facebook page.