Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris Turns Landfill Shadows into Limitless Futures in Honor of Rotary International’s 121st Anniversary

In the shadow of a landfill, hope began with a whisper—and grew into laughter.

On September 9, 2025, three-year-old Juliana Albaracin stood quietly in Inayawan—tiny and timid, her arms measuring only 12 cm in circumference. Weighing 11.8 kilograms, she rarely played. Energy was scarce. Confidence, even more so.

Through AMOMA Sa Kaugmaon, the flagship nutrition initiative of the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris, that story began to change.

For five months, the club provided daily nutritional shakes, vitamins, regular check-ups, and careful monitoring to 26 children from St. Arnold Janssen Daycare Center. What began as a quiet intervention led to a powerful Culminating Activity on February 24, 2026—held during Rotary Week in celebration of the 121st Anniversary of Rotary International.

This was not mere closure; it was a celebration of transformation.

Games filled the venue with laughter as 26 daycare children participated with renewed energy. “Biggest Gainers,” including Juliana, were recognized amid cheers. Parents attended “Pagpadako og Sakto,” gaining practical tools to nurture healthier homes.

Past Presidents Jodelyn May Seno and Marietta Socorro Briones led behavior workshops. Secretary Dorothy Borces and President Roxene Rosario guided the children through activities. PP Mita Caballes documented the joyful moments. Project Chair and Past President Gay Marie Tiu, together with Secretary Dorothy Borces, steered the program from start to culmination—turning five months of shakes, monitoring, and care into a meaningful anniversary tribute, with the support of partners VisayasMed and BMD.

Behind the smiles were measurable results.

Juliana’s mid-upper arm circumference increased from 12 cm to 14 cm. Her weight rose to 14.2 kilograms. Once withdrawn, she now runs confidently with friends. 

Her mother shared that Juliana now eagerly asks for snacks and plays freely—small victories that reflect a profound change.

Zoae Fernandez’s journey mirrored that hope. Previously anemic at 12.8 kilograms, steady nutritional support and her father’s weekly commitment led to visible improvement. By culmination day, she weighed 14.1 kilograms, with brighter eyes, rosy cheeks, and boundless energy.

Parents expressed gratitude not only for the weight gained, but for the knowledge gained—skills they can sustain at home long after the program ends.

Celebrating 121 years of Rotary’s global legacy, this initiative embodied service in action. It advanced Maternal and Child Health through consistent monitoring, Disease Prevention through vitamin supplementation, and Basic Education through parental empowerment.

For the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris, the mission is deeply personal. Serving families living in the harsh realities near the landfill strengthens their resolve to turn vulnerability into strength.

As applause filled the room, Juliana ran freely across the stage—no longer silent, no longer frail.

One small child. One committed club. One global movement, 121 years strong.

In Inayawan, hope was no longer a whisper.

It was running.