Rotary Club of Manila 101 Continues to Empower Lives Through "Mobility for Dignity" Program

The Rotary Club of Manila 101, in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross, Wheelchair Foundation, and Chair the Love, is proud to sustain the continued success of the Rotary Club of Manila 101’s signature program, "Mobility for Dignity."

Established in Rotary Year 2022-2023, "Mobility for Dignity" addresses the critical need for mobility assistance among marginalized Filipino communities. By providing high-quality wheelchairs, the program empowers individuals to regain independence, participate more fully in their communities, and improve their overall quality of life.

This Rotary Year, themed "Magic of Rotary," the Rotary Club of Manila 101 and the Philippine Red Cross hosted Chair the Love, donors who traveled from Florida, Utah, and Texas, USA, to distribute a total of 270 wheelchairs to beneficiaries of all ages.

The distribution events began with the launch of the "Mobility for Dignity" wheelchair distribution at the Philippine Red Cross headquarters in January. Ninety (90) beneficiaries and their families from PRC Chapters in Manila, Pasay, Cavite, Rizal, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Navotas, and Malabon, along with twenty four (24) recipients from the Rotary Club of Manila 101 and the Philippine Franchise Association, attended the "fiesta" style event. The event received generous sponsorships from Wendy’s, Potato Corner, Jollibee, RI District 3810 Magical Irresistible Presidents, Rotary Club of Manila, and Rotary Club of Manila Foundation, Inc.

Partnering with the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA), led by RC Manila 101 Rotarian Dra. Erica Tania Davillo, together with Bacnotan Elementary School, DepEd in La Union, and PRC Baguio/Benguet chapters, the program distributed wheelchairs to seventy-eight (78) beneficiaries. Simultaneously, home visits to personally deliver the wheelchairs were conducted by Rotary Club of Manila 101 President-Elect Dr. Melissa Oreta and Honorary Member, Former Malabon Mayor LenLen Oreta, to fourteen (14) beneficiaries in Malabon.

Responding to a high number of beneficiaries from Cavite, the Rotary Club of Manila 101, in partnership with the PRC Cavite Chapter and Imus, Cavite Councilor Jelyn Maliksi, hosted a separate distribution for forty-five (45) beneficiaries. Recently, additional wheelchairs were provided to ten (10) recipients from Dasmariñas, Cavite City Social Welfare and Development, hosted by Asia’s Golden Icons Awards, led by Founder and CEO Dr. Ronnel Ybanez. 

Furthermore, ten (10) youth beneficiaries from the Philippine Children’s Hospital received wheelchairs sponsored by the Maryknoll/Miriam College Alumni Association (MMCAA), led by Rotary Club of Manila 101 Executive Director and Past President Majella Tumangan-Villaroman, who is also an MMCAA Board of Trustee.

"We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a dignified and fulfilling life," said Sherill R. Quintana, President of the Rotary Club of Manila 101. "Through 'Mobility for Dignity,' we are not just providing wheelchairs; we are providing a pathway to greater independence, social inclusion, and hope for a brighter future."

"We are honored to partner with the Rotary Club of Manila 101 on this life-changing initiative," said Gwendolyn Pang, Ph.D., Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Manila 101. "Providing mobility assistance is a fundamental aspect of our shared humanitarian mission, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve."

Majella Tumangan-Villaroman, Executive Director of the Rotary Club of Manila 101, assures the commitment to expanding the reach of "Mobility for Dignity" and continuing efforts to improve the lives of individuals with mobility impairments.

Rotary Club of Manila 101, from Rotary International District 3810, is united in addressing local and international issues, promoting peace, and fostering goodwill through humanitarian service and ethical leadership. The "Mobility for Dignity" signature program's ongoing success is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering dedication of all involved.

Submitted by Majella Tumangan-Villaroman, Executive Director, Rotary Club of Manila 101