Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris: The Unstoppable Rise of Women in Rotary

On March 21, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris proudly launched its very first

podcast, “Founding Voices: Leadership and Legacy,” an evocative and deeply inspiring tribute to the club’s remarkable journey since its chartering on May 8, 1992. Hosted by Dorothy Borces, the club’s president nominee and Director of Public Image, the podcast featured intimate interviews with two of its pioneering charter members, Dr. Vivian Dyhongpo and Dr. Maribel Du—two extraordinary women whose leadership, resilience, and dedication have shaped the club’s identity and impact for over three decades.

The Beginning of a Legacy: Joining Rotary and Embracing Service

Dr. Maribel Du, Cebu’s first female surgeon and a trailblazer in pediatric surgery, recounted how her exposure to Rotary began early through her father, a Rotarian himself. When invited to join the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris, she embraced the motto “Service Above Self” without hesitation, driven by a lifelong commitment to charity and healing. Similarly, Dr. Vivian Dyhongpo, an optometrist, shared how persistent encouragement from a classmate led her to test the waters of Rotary, a decision that blossomed into over 30 years of unwavering service.

Both women’s professional backgrounds deeply influenced their approach to Rotary. Dr. Du’s surgical discipline and compassion translated into a leadership style marked by resilience and precision, while Dr. Dyhongpo’s optometric expertise underscored the importance of clear vision—not only in restoring sight but also in guiding the club’s mission and outreach.

Overcoming Challenges: Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated World

The podcast revealed the profound challenges faced by these women in the early years, as the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris was the first all-women’s Rotary club in Cebu, established under the sponsorship of the all-male Rotary Club of Cebu East. At that time, Rotary International had only recently begun accepting women members, and the presence of women Rotarians was met with skepticism and condescension.

Dr. Dyhongpo recalled how women members were often relegated to the sidelines, viewed as “Rotary aunts” or mere “dance partners” and “intermission performers” during Rotary gatherings. The spouses of male Rotarians would meet separately, and female Rotarians had to assert their presence and prove their worth as leaders and contributors. Dr. Dyhongpo took a personal vow during her presidency to ensure that their club would not be stereotyped as entertainers or side performers but as serious, capable Rotarians who could lead and serve with distinction.

Dr. Du echoed this sentiment, describing the initial lack of seriousness with which their club was regarded. Yet, through patience, resilience, and consistent demonstration of their capabilities, the women of Cebu Gloria Maris transformed perceptions. Today, they are recognized as a formidable force in Rotary, proudly owning their identity as “badass ladies” who have earned respect and admiration.

Leadership in Medicine and Rotary: Lessons from the Operating Room

Dr. Maribel Du’s pioneering career as Cebu’s first female surgeon was marked by challenges similar to those she faced in Rotary. When she applied for surgical residency, she encountered resistance from male consultants and was required to undergo a six-month unpaid trial period to prove her competence. Her determination to “toughen up” and not seek special treatment helped her break through barriers, ultimately leading her to become the chair of the Department of Surgery at Cebu Doctors Hospital.

Her medical journey profoundly shaped her Rotary leadership, instilling discipline, perseverance, and a heart for service. She found particular fulfillment in pediatric surgery, where she could make a lasting difference in children’s lives. One of her most memorable achievements was successfully separating conjoined twins—a first in Cebu Doctors Hospital—demonstrating not only her surgical skill but also the profound impact of compassionate care.

Dr. Du’s medical missions, often conducted in partnership with Rotary projects, extended her healing beyond the operating room to underserved communities. She recounted missions in Balamban and Argao, where her team performed major pediatric surgeries for indigent patients, giving them new hope and a chance at normal lives. These missions were deeply rewarding, as many patients and their families returned years later to express gratitude, a testament to the enduring impact of Rotary’s service.

Vision Beyond Sight: The Broader Meaning of Service

Dr. Vivian Dyhongpo, as an optometrist, found a powerful metaphor in her work restoring sight and the broader vision of Rotary’s mission. She explained how her profession, though female-dominated in the Philippines, was led mostly by men internationally, reflecting the broader challenge women face in leadership roles. Her experience in optometry reinforced the importance of clarity, focus, and insight—qualities essential to effective leadership and meaningful service.

Through her years in Rotary, Dr. Dyhongpo witnessed the evolution of women’s roles in service organizations and business, observing how the club’s growth mirrored societal progress in gender equality and empowerment. Her leadership helped nurture a culture where women’s voices are heard and valued, inspiring younger Rotarians to embrace their potential as leaders and change-makers.

Messages to New and Young Rotarians: A Call to Serve with Heart and Courage

Both Dr. Du and Dr. Dyhongpo shared heartfelt messages for new and young Rotarians, urging them to embrace Rotary’s core value of service above self with passion and perseverance. They emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of challenges and the power of collective action to transform communities.

Dr. Du encouraged young Rotarians to use their unique talents and skills to serve others, reminding them that leadership is not about titles but about making a difference. She highlighted the joy and fulfillment that come from giving selflessly, especially to those most in need.

Dr. Dyhongpo echoed these sentiments, urging new members to be patient and persistent, to build relationships, and to assert their presence as leaders. She emphasized that Rotary is a platform for personal growth and community impact, where every member’s contribution matters.

Their stories serve as a beacon of inspiration, showing that with courage and commitment, Rotarians can break barriers, create lasting legacies, and uplift lives far beyond their immediate reach.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service That Transcends Time

The “Founding Voices: Leadership and Legacy” podcast is more than a recounting of history; it is a living testament to the power of leadership forged in adversity and sustained by heart.

The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris, through the voices of Dr. Maribel Du and Dr. Vivian Dyhongpo, exemplifies how service can transcend gender barriers, professional challenges, and societal expectations to create a legacy of hope and empowerment.

Their journey from being underestimated women in a male-dominated Rotary world to becoming respected leaders and changemakers is a story that resonates deeply with Rotarians across the Philippines and around the globe. It reminds all who hear it that Rotary is not just an organization but a family bound by shared values and a commitment to making the world a better place.

As the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris continues to inspire new generations, their founding voices echo a timeless message: leadership is service, service is love in action, and legacy is the enduring impact of hearts united in purpose.