Rotary Club of Iron Wheels Embarks on Maiden Project: Bringing Clean Water and Hope to Fire Victims in Malabon

In the spirit of “Service Above Self,” the newly-chartered Rotary Club of Iron Wheels marked its first community service project by responding swiftly to the needs of fire victims in Barangay Catmon, Malabon City.

A massive fire recently ravaged a residential area in the barangay, leaving hundreds of families homeless and displaced. The blaze, which consumed several homes in a matter of hours, forced affected residents to seek temporary shelter in various evacuation centers across the city.

According to reports, the fire displaced 49 families at the Tonsuya Covered Court, 59 families at Catmon Elementary School, 277 families at Acacia Elementary School, and 57 families at the Malabon Evacuation Center—a total of approximately 1,000 individuals left reeling from the tragedy.

Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, Rotary Club of Iron Wheels President Bart Dizon and President-Elect Jonn Santos immediately called upon their fellow Rotarians to take action. The appeal was met with overwhelming generosity, as members promptly contributed funds to support the club’s maiden relief effort.

Through their collective effort, the club was able to prepare and donate 300 containers of clean water to the displaced families—a crucial resource in the aftermath of the disaster, when access to safe drinking water is often limited.

On October 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., the Rotary Club of Iron Wheels personally distributed the water containers at Acacia Elementary School, one of the largest evacuation centers housing fire victims. Each family representative received a container in an orderly and dignified manner, reflecting Rotary’s commitment to compassion and service.

The distribution activity was graced by key city officials, including Hon. Mayor Jeannie N. Sandoval, Vice Mayor Edward Nolasco, and City Councilors Ian Borja, Gerry Bernardino, Maricar Torres, Leslie Yambao, and Paulo Oreta. Also in attendance was Ricky Sandoval, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Red Cross – Malabon Chapter, who witnessed the donation and expressed appreciation for the club’s swift humanitarian response.

Mayor Sandoval commended the Rotary Club of Iron Wheels for their meaningful initiative, noting that such partnerships between civic organizations and local government play a vital role in helping the city’s residents recover and rebuild after crises.

For the Rotary Club of Iron Wheels, this first project symbolizes more than just relief—it represents the club’s enduring commitment to service, unity, and compassion.

By extending a helping hand to the fire victims of Barangay Catmon, the club demonstrated that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple into hope and resilience for an entire community.

As the club looks forward to future projects, its members remain steadfast in their mission to uplift lives and foster positive change—one act of service at a time.

Submitted by: Rtn. Eric Demetillo, Rotary Club of Valenzuela, Rotary International District 3800