Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris Strengthens Ties with RC Kanuma Japan to Fight Child Malnutrition

Rotary transcends borders, and this was beautifully exemplified through the recent visit of the Rotary Club of Kanuma, Japan, to the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris (RCCGM).

What began as a chance meeting in Marina Bay, Singapore has now blossomed into a promising international collaboration dedicated to fighting child malnutrition through AMOMA Sa Kaugmaon.

The journey toward this partnership started in May 2024, when RCCGM President Myra Urbiztondo and Secretary Roxene Roscios met with fellow Rotarians in Singapore. During this encounter, they introduced AMOMA Sa Kaugmaon, RCCGM’s flagship project that directly addresses malnutrition among children in Cebu. The program provides not only nutritious meals but also health education and family support, ensuring a sustainable and impactful approach to tackling child malnutrition. This discussion sparked interest among Japanese Rotarians, particularly those from RC Kanuma, who saw the potential for meaningful and long-term impact.

By March 2, 2025, the connection had grown stronger, with RC Kanuma officially reaching out through their club’s social media channels. Their intent was clear: they wanted to explore collaboration opportunities and deepen their understanding of AMOMA Sa Kaugmaon. Recognizing the urgency of the global fight against child malnutrition, the Japanese Rotarians were eager to see how they could support the initiative.

True to their commitment, a distinguished delegation from RC Kanuma, Japan, led by Deputy Secretaries Takehiro Sakurai and Kiyoshi Kawanabe, along with member Takahiro Ugajin, arrived in Cebu on March 17, 2025. Their presence underscored Rotary’s commitment to fostering international partnerships in service of those in need.

On March 18, 2025, RCCGM formally welcomed the delegation at the Magallanes Room, City Sports Club, Cebu Business Park, marking a milestone in this budding international partnership. The evening’s highlight was an in-depth presentation of AMOMA Sa Kaugmaon by Immediate Past President Gay Marie Tiu, where she provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s mission and impact. She emphasized how malnutrition continues to hinder the growth and potential of countless children in Cebu and how Rotary’s global network can work together to combat this pressing issue.

The RC Kanuma delegates listened attentively, expressing their appreciation for the project’s structured approach to nourishing and supporting malnourished children. Discussions revolved around potential avenues for collaboration, including funding opportunities, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and ways to engage other Rotary clubs in the mission. This dialogue reinforced a shared commitment to addressing child malnutrition—not just in Cebu, but as part of a broader humanitarian effort.

Beyond the formal discussions, the evening was also a celebration of fellowship and camaraderie, two values deeply embedded in the Rotary spirit. The RCCGM family also took this opportunity to celebrate the birthday of Past President Christine Lee Racaza, making the gathering even more meaningful.

It was a testament to how Rotary is not just about service—it is about forging lasting relationships that turn ideas into action.

With the seeds of collaboration now firmly planted, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris looks forward to a strengthened alliance with RC Kanuma, Japan, ensuring that AMOMA Sa Kaugmaon continues to grow with international support. This visit was not just a meeting of clubs but a reaffirmation of Rotary’s commitment to service, friendship, and creating a healthier future for Cebu’s children.

Submitted by: Dorothy Borces, Director of Public Image