Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris Forges Stronger Ties with Daegum Murim for Global Friendship and Service

"Friendship is the foundation upon which great service is built."

This powerful truth resonated deeply on November 22, 2025, as the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris (RCCGM) and the Rotary Club Daegum Murim of South Korea came together to sign a historic Friendship Agreement. The setting was the elegant Humabon 1 Function Room at the Bai Hotel, Mandaue City where warmth and anticipation filled the air, signaling the beginning of a promising partnership oriented toward impactful projects and lasting camaraderie.

The signing ceremony was not merely a formality but a vivid celebration of mutual respect and shared vision. President Roxene Rosario of RCCGM, along with Secretary Dorothy Borces, Past District Governor Lilu Aliño, District Rotaract Chair Mary Catherine Englis, and Past Presidents Jodelyn May Seno and Mayette Lao, stood alongside the visiting delegation from Daegum Murim to formalize this significant alliance. The presence of District Governor Angel “Jong” Fernandez Jr. underscored the district’s commitment to this collaborative milestone.

From the outset, the atmosphere sparked with excitement as leaders spoke about the potential of this new friendship — transcending borders and cultures to address vital community concerns. The partnership underscores Rotary’s core values and its Areas of Focus, particularly Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Community Economic Development, and Basic Education and Literacy.

Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris has always placed a premium on creating meaningful connections that amplify service efforts. The alliance with Daegum Murim reflects this ethos and marks a heartfelt chapter in RCCGM's ongoing journey. Their collective efforts focus on nurturing peace and understanding between two vibrant communities, while championing programs that promote literacy and socio-economic growth, particularly among youth and marginalized sectors.

“This agreement embodies more than partnership; it is a promise to unify efforts for common good and to sow seeds of lasting friendship that ripple beyond our shores,” said President Rosario during her address. This statement reverberated throughout the room and echoed the spirit of Rotary’s internationalism — simple acts of cooperation that trigger waves of positive change.

The ceremony was rich with vivid cultural exchanges, smiles, and handshakes, illustrating the warmth that underpins international Rotary relations. It also showcased the dynamic leadership of RCCGM, which continually strives to uphold Rotary’s mission with initiative and heart. With the signing’s momentum, future collaborative projects are anticipated that will leverage resources, ideas, and manpower from both clubs to tackle challenges in education, health, and economic empowerment.

This friendship agreement highlights Rotary’s unique role as a bridge connecting diverse communities to achieve peace and sustainable development. It tells the story of two clubs, separated by geography but united in purpose, stepping boldly into a future of shared growth, understanding, and tangible service impact.

The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris and Rotary Club Daegum Murim have modeled a profound lesson: When hearts and hands join across borders, the power to build a better world strengthens exponentially. Beyond formal documents, this agreement is a vivid testament that kindness, collaboration, and friendship remain the most effective tools to address global and local challenges.

Why This Partnership is Close to RCCGM’s Heart

This meaningful Friendship Agreement encapsulates the spirit of Rotary’s international service that RCCGM passionately champions. The club recognizes that service thrives when diverse perspectives join forces, transcending cultural boundaries. For RCCGM, this partnership is a beacon of hope and a channel to extend goodwill beyond local borders while fostering peace, education, and socioeconomic progress in partnership with a trusted international ally.

As the sun set on the Humabon 1 Function Room, the promise of this new alliance shone brightly. True friendship, like Rotary service, ignites transformation—one handshake at a time.