Rotary Club Metro Kalibo Ignites "Bayanihan" Spirit at Tambuan Elementary School Brigada Eskwela

Embracing the Filipino tradition of Bayanihan, the Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo (D3850) gathered at Tambuan Elementary School on May 9, 2026, to participate in the annual Brigada Eskwela, a community-led initiative dedicated to preparing public schools for the upcoming academic year. The day was marked by physical labor, sustainable planting, and the strengthening of international partnerships.

​The club’s contribution focused on both aesthetic and environmental improvements. The club provided white paint and brushes to refresh the school’s plant boxes, lending the campus a clean, vibrant look. To promote long-term sustainability and food security, the team planted more than 10 fruit-bearing trees. In a unique gesture of legacy, each tree was tagged with the name of a dedicated Rotarian, symbolizing the club's rooted commitment to the school’s growth.

​"We definitely sweated today, but nothing beats the feeling of making a difference," said Rotarian Angel. Seeing the community - parents, teachers, and guests come together to volunteer their time and resources is what Brigada Eskwela is all about."

​A central highlight of the visit was the inspection of the Adopt-a-Library project and the E-Library Hub. This milestone project has been a collaborative effort crossing international borders.

​The club was honored to host fellow Rotarian Rtn. Holland Birkemeyer (Las Vegas, USA) who came to visit us for two weeks. As a former Interactor, she also represented the Fort Atkinson High School Interact Club, which donated the bookshelves.  Also, she and her Mom, Rotarian Kim Foelker of Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson (District 6250) from Wisconsin, USA, generously donated two computer desktop, for the E-Library Hub. 

​Accompanied by her husband, Colin, Rtn. Holland expressed her pride in seeing the project come to life.  She said, “It is an honor to see this project empowering the next generation of learners. Providing these students with the tools for digital and traditional literacy is a shared victory for our clubs.”

​The visit reaffirmed our commitment to Supporting Environment and Basic Education and Literacy, two of the seven Area of Focus of Rotary International. By combining local labor with international resources, the partnership ensures that the students of Tambuan Elementary School have a safe, beautiful, and technologically equipped environment in which to thrive.

​A huge thank you to Pres. Nora Helber for hosting a fun and meaningful dinner to cap off our day at Tambuan Elementary School. Cheers to a day well spent!