Rotary Club of Baguio Showcases Community Impact Through Health, WASH, and Livelihood Programs

The Rotary Club of Baguio (RCB), under the leadership of President Jose L. Ursua, continues to make a meaningful difference in the community through projects aligned with Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus. Among its highlighted initiatives were two major medical missions conducted in Barangay Irisan and at Abanao Square Mall in celebration of Baguio Day in September 2025. In partnership with Abanao Square Mall, six volunteer doctors and several Rotarians provided free medical consultations, medicines, and bone densitometry services to selected beneficiaries. These activities promoted disease prevention and improved access to healthcare for underserved members of the community.

Complementing these health initiatives, the club partnered with the Philippine Red Cross–Benguet Chapter to conduct blood donation drives, successfully collecting 18 bags of blood during the Baguio Day event and additional donations during a medical mission in Barangay Irisan. The Irisan activity also served as a kickoff project in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, led by President Andrea Manongdo, together with its officers and members. Further advancing Rotary’s focus on Maternal and Child Health, club members visited the Obstetrics and Pediatrics wards of Benguet General Hospital, where they distributed clothing for newborns and face masks for patients and healthcare personnel. This project was carried out in partnership with a Korean Rotary Club led by Past Governor Yu Daibong.

Another major initiative highlighted by the club was its WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program for Child Development Centers (CDCs) in Barangays Happy Hollow and Fort Del Pilar. Led by Project Chair PP Chris Faelnar and the committees on Disease Prevention and Maternal and Child Health, the Rotary Club of Baguio donated and installed rainwater harvesting facilities to improve water access, sanitation, and hygiene for young learners. The project also included anti-dengue interventions in both communities. Beyond the projects featured, the club likewise implemented economic and community development initiatives by providing welding and electrical technology training opportunities to 15 beneficiaries, helping equip them with practical skills for employment and livelihood. Through these diverse and impactful programs, the Rotary Club of Baguio continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving lives and building stronger communities.

Submitted by: Jose Ursua, Rotary Club of Baguio