RC Metro East Taytay's Five-in-One Kick-Off to Rotary Year 2026–2027

FROM DAY ONE, WE SERVE

A NEW ROTARY YEAR BEGINS WITH ACTION

A new Rotary year often begins with plans, goals, and aspirations. For the Rotary Club of Metro East Taytay (RCMET), Rotary Year 2026–2027 began with something more meaningful: action.On July 1, 2026, RCMET launched its 5-in-1 Service Project Kick-Off under the Rotary theme Create Lasting Impact. It was a powerful opening statement—a reminder that lasting impact is not something we wait for. It is something we choose to create.

LEADERSHIP, TEAMWORK, AND SERVICE

The kickoff was led by Club President HIP Elmer Deloritos, with the unwavering support of Service Project Director PN Olan Panlaqui, Vice President PP Ariel Espino, RCMET officers and members, RACMET, sponsors, partners, and volunteers.Their work reflected one of Rotary's greatest strengths: people with different skills and responsibilities coming together around one purpose. The projects may have been different, but the heart behind them was the same—Service Above Self.

KEEPING ROTARY VALUES VISIBLE

In Muzon, Taytay, RCMET refurbished and replaced the Rotary 4-Way Test Marker. In Banguiad, Taytay, the club installed and unveiled the Create Lasting Impact Rotary Marker, 4-Way Test Marker, and End Polio Marker.These markers are more than structures in public spaces. They keep Rotary's values and causes visible to the community. Every person who passes them encounters a reminder that integrity, service, and compassion still matter.

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FORTY BAGS, FORTY CHILDREN, FORTY REMINDERS TO KEEP DREAMING

The service journey continued in Sitio Gipit, San Jose, Antipolo, where 40 school bags were distributed to deserving children in support of Basic Education and Literacy.For an adult, a school bag may be an ordinary item. For a child, it can feel like a gift of possibility.It carries books and school supplies, but it can also carry encouragement. It tells a child that someone cares about their education and believes they deserve the opportunity to learn and dream.Sometimes, lasting impact begins with something as simple as putting a school bag into a child's hands.

SEVEN TEAMS, ONE COMMUNITY

In Sitio Gipit, RCMET also unveiled a 4-Way Test Marker and sponsored a community basketball tournament involving seven teams. Each team was provided with a complete set of uniforms.The uniforms gave the players a sense of identity and belonging, but the deeper impact was on the community itself. Sport brought young people together in a positive environment where competition could coexist with respect, friendship, and teamwork.This is where Public Image meets Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention—not through words alone, but through a shared community experience.

BUILDING MORE THAN A COURT

The fifth project was the construction and renovation of the whole basketball court in Sitio Gipit.The court is more than a playing surface. It can become a gathering place, a training ground, a space for youth development, and a venue where families and neighbors come together.By improving the community's shared space, RCMET invested not only in sports, but in connection, participation, and the healthy development of young people.

A DAY THAT BROUGHT FIVE PROJECTS TO LIFE

Governor Celso Montalla graced the event, while SAG Ellen Salac joined RCMET in this meaningful kickoff.The presence and support of partners, sponsors, volunteers, Rotaractors, Interactors, members, and community leaders helped turn the first day of the Rotary year into a day of visible impact.Five projects were completed across Muzon, Banguiad, and Sitio Gipit. But the numbers tell only part of the story. Behind every marker, school bag, uniform, and renovated court are people who gave their time, resources, skills, and hearts.

TATAK RCMET

That is Tatak RCMET—not simply beginning another Rotary year, but beginning it with service.The July 1 kickoff showed that Create Lasting Impact is not merely a theme. It is a commitment translated into action.A restored marker keeps values visible. New Rotary and End Polio markers keep important causes alive. Forty school bags encourage children to keep learning. Seven basketball teams gain not only uniforms, but a stronger sense of belonging. And a renewed community court creates a place where young people can play, connect, and grow.Rotary Year 2026–2027 has only begun. Yet from its very first day, RCMET has already shown its direction: serve with compassion, lead through partnership, and create lasting impact.We did not simply start a new Rotary year.We started it by serving.

Written and Submitted by: IPP Donato G. Santiago, Rotary Club of Metro East Taytay