In a world where connectivity and access define quality of life, there are still remote corners that struggle for basic necessities. One such place is the island of Manuk Mangkaw in Tawi-Tawi Province, home to 4,362 residents across the barangays of Timundon, Manuk Mangkaw, and Luuk Datan. For the people here, access to healthcare and electricity was once a distant dream. But in the face of such isolation, a story of resilience, collaboration, and transformation has emerged; one that inspires not only a nation but holds the power to inspire the world.
Under the visionary leadership of President Karlo Benjamin Nisce, the Rotary Club of New Manila East (RCNME) embarked on a mission that redefined the very boundaries of service. What began as a celebration of the club’s 40th anniversary quickly evolved into a monumental campaign of empowerment. This transformation was rooted in RCNME’s commitment to its signature project, the Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS), a joint initiative with the Metrobank Foundation. Their crucial support helped turn this ambitious vision into reality.
Partnering with PROTECT (Police Officers Responsible in Organizing, Transforming, and Empowering Communities), an alumni organization led by COPS honorees, the mission gained unstoppable momentum under the leadership of Police Major General Edgar Alan Okubo (Outstanding Filipino - COPS 2013). As president of PROTECT as well as the Rotary Club of Camp Crame, and the PNPA Tagapagpatupad Class of 1992; Major General Okubo expertly united the worlds of law enforcement, civil society, and humanitarian efforts. Together with RCNME, they built BRIDGE; an initiative that provided access to healthcare, clean energy, and the transformative power of Rotary, bringing hope and progress to one of the nation’s most underserved communities.
The BRIDGE Mission, originally conceived by Police Colonel Byron Allatog (Outstanding Filipino - COPS 2014) of PROTECT and former chief of the Bongao Municipal Police Station in Tawi-Tawi, impacted every aspect of life for its nearly 1,500 beneficiaries. It delivered not only immediate relief but also laid the groundwork for long-term, sustainable progress in healthcare, renewable energy, community development, and ethical stewardship.
At the heart of the mission was the Holistic Essential Aid for Lifecare (HEAL) medical initiative, which brought specialized healthcare to Manuk Mangkaw for the first time. Residents received comprehensive services, including dermatology, women’s health, optometry, and alternative treatments like acupuncture, all tailored to meet the community’s unique needs. In addition to general medical consultation, free medicine as well as corrective eyewear, HEAL provided a holistic approach that addressed the gaps in local healthcare. For many women, the chance to receive free pap smears and consultations marked their first experience with critical reproductive healthcare, making it a transformative, life-changing milestone for the island.
In parallel, the Total Effort for Enhancing Teeth and Health (TEETH) dental mission tackled the often-neglected need for dental care. Police officers and volunteers worked tirelessly to address untreated dental conditions as well as provided dental education and supplies to the community, restoring not only smiles but also the dignity and well-being of the island’s residents.
To further ground the mission in the values of service that the Rotary Club stands for and upholds dearly, the BRIDGE initiative unveiled the Promoting Rotary’s Integrity and Stewardship Marker (PRISM) at Panglima Central School Auditorium. The installation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test Marker, symbolizing truth, fairness, goodwill, and integrity, stands as a lasting reminder to the people of Manuk Mangkaw, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi; that even in the most remote areas and the furthest corners of the world, these timeless Rotary values endure.
One of the most transformative aspects of the BRIDGE mission was the Sustainable Opportunities for Lighting and Affordable Renewables (SOLAR) project. Thanks to the combined efforts of the mission partners, solar lights were installed in 4 schools, 2 mosques, and the island’s only police outpost. These installations did more than just illuminate public spaces, they gave the people of Manuk Mangkaw access to safety and security; while promoting environmental sustainability in a community previously reliant on scarce and costly resources. For the children, light after sundown became a powerful symbol of their bright future.
The mission extended beyond healthcare and energy. Recognizing the importance of security and infrastructure, the Metrobank Foundation rehabilitated the only police substation in Manuk Mangkaw. Enhanced with the solar lights installed by the mission partners, the newly revitalized outpost now serves as both a symbol of safety and a guiding light of hope for the community.
This project, jointly initiated by RCNME under the leadership of President Karlo Benjamin Nisce, PROTECT led by Major General Edgar Alan Okubo, and the Metrobank Foundation under President Chito Sobrepeña; quickly grew into a powerful alliance. Joined by the PNPA Tagapagpatupad Class of 1992 and Rotary Club of Camp Crame, both led by Major General Okubo, Rotary Club of Camp Panopio under President Albert Avila, and Rotary Club of Makati Poblacion under Executive Director Dr. Morena Canizares, joined forces, supported by the local government of Simunul, the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi, as well as the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police. Together, they created a united front to deliver transformative services to the island of Manuk Mangkaw. Through their collaboration, they bridged vast distances and barriers, bringing hope, healthcare, and sustainable progress to one of the nation’s most isolated communities.
The mission’s impact was underscored by Simunul Mayor Wasilah Abdurahman, who graced the occasion and expressed her warm gratitude to the entire BRIDGE team. She acknowledged the medical mission as historic in both its scale and the range of services provided, marking a turning point for her community. Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali also honored the BRIDGE team with tokens of appreciation and friendship. His gift, a symbolic boat representing unity and progress; embodied the deep connection forged between the BRIDGE alliance and the people of Tawi-Tawi. The governor’s gesture highlighted the profound impact of the mission and the shared commitment to building a brighter future.
The BRIDGE mission is more than a story of community service, it is a testament to the power of leadership, collaboration, and the belief that no obstacle is too great when compassion and innovation come together. The beneficiaries of Manuk Mangkaw now have access to healthcare, clean energy, and safety; transformations that seemed impossible just months ago.
As RCNME President Karlo Benjamin Nisce reflects on the mission’s success, he reminds us that this is just the beginning: "The BRIDGE Mission has brought light and the magic of Rotary to one of the Philippines’ most isolated communities, but its legacy of service and collaboration will continue to shine across the nation."
Together, they have proven that with unity, no corner of the Philippines need remain in darkness. The light they brought to Manuk Mangkaw is only the start of a brighter, more connected future for all.
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