Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo Marks World Polio Day with Action and Partnership

Last October 18, 2025, the Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo (D3850), Philippines, significantly advanced the progress toward a polio-free world, held at CityMall Kalibo, Kalibo, Aklan. 

​Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Club President Nora Helber welcomed attendees, highlighting the importance of the day.

​"This isn't just another service project; this is a landmark moment. We stand on the verge of making medical history," she declared. "When the final case of Polio is reported, it will be because of the tireless dedication of people like you and me in this place."

​President Helber, alongside Rotaract President Angel, Interact President Stelie, Citymall Manager Ms. Ritchel Refendor, and Philippine Red Cross Aklan Chapter Administrator Mary Joe Galeon, led the "Free Patak Polio" drive, administering oral polio vaccines to children under five. They were ably assisted by nurses from the LGU Kalibo Rural Health Unit.

​The event featured a dynamic talk show, "THE WORLD WE WANT: POLIO FREE," hosted by Past President Megs Lunn. The panel included distinguished medical experts: Dr. Cornelio "Bong" Cuachon, Jr. (Chief of Hospital at DRSTMH, Province of Aklan) and Dr. Nikki James "Nikoy" Francisco (Pediatric Specialist at Asia Pacific Medical Center, Aklan). The discussion was covered live by media partners, Kalibo Cable TV Network and Love Radio.

​While the talk show was in progress, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) Aklan Chapter, provided free blood typing for participants and shoppers. Also, the Philippine Red Cross Aklan educated attendees on the critical importance of Vaccines. 

​The club with WASH Strategic partner, Soap Cycling Philippines, distributed 100 free soaps to mothers and shoppers, along with giveaways for members of the Mommies Breastfeeding of Aklan group.

​Rotary members and partners took action in honor of World Polio celebration to raise essential awareness, funds, and support to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that remains a global threat.

​The successful campaign was made possible through the collaboration with, Rotaract Club of Metro Kalibo, NIS Interact Club of Metro Kalibo, and TVL Club of Numancia Integrated School, Bread and Butter, Dunkin', Craftopia Corner, and CityMall Kalibo, together with Aklan Trimedia - Akeanon News, XFM Kalibo 96.5, Barangay RU 92.9 Super Radyo Kalibo, and the Aklan Press Club.

Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere, and Rotary members like that of the Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo (D3850), together with other clubs in the world, have long worked to end the paralyzing virus, which will be only the second human disease ever to be eradicated. They are contributing either monthly or annually to Polio Plus Society, and give awareness education when needed. 

Today, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent. 

To sustain this progress and continue to reach every child with the polio vaccine, let us make an effort to donate to End Polio. 

Visit Rotary.org and endpolio.org for more about Rotary and how to eradicate polio, forever.