Tabang para sa Sugbo: Proof That Hope Still Finds a Way

Typhoon Tino left its mark, not just on the land of Cebu, but on the quiet despair of families in remote villages. In those silent days following the storm, when the long road to recovery seemed impossible, a light emerged. This was the "Tabang para sa Sugbo" (Help for Cebu) project, a heartfelt endeavor born from the deeply empathetic hearts of the Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente.

Led by the vision of President Jason Ong and tirelessly carried out by Project Chair Past Asst. Governor Bernz Amago, this was more than a relief operation; it was a mission to find and embrace the forgotten. They sought out the barangays that felt alone—the ones the larger efforts could not easily reach—bringing with them the promise of care. In total, they delivered hope to 1,570 households through comforting packs of relief goods, clean water, and clothes.

The Soul of Bayanihan: A Club United by Love

The beauty of "Tabang para sa Sugbo" lies in the way it gathered souls. It was a nostalgic reflection of true Filipino community spirit, where every hand was placed on the common burden.

Imagine the Rotarians, not just as club members, but as a family pouring their essence into this cause:

• Some members quietly called upon our Sister clubs, family, and friends, their voices filled with sincerity, asking for the funds that would buy a moment of comfort for a stranger.

• Others gathered in the generous homes of hosts who welcomed the chaos of repacking, carefully sorting and wrapping each item, knowing that inside every relief bag was a piece of their own heart.

• The distribution teams traveled, not just on roads, but through difficult landscapes, motivated by the thought of the faces waiting at the end.

• And always, some members held the light through prayer, a gentle support system asking for safety and solace for everyone involved.

Finding Their Way to the Forgotten

The dates on the calendar now stand as cherished memories—days when warmth was delivered to places like Asturias, Balamban, Cebu City, and Liloan. They brought necessities, yes, but they truly delivered a message: "You are not forgotten."

Date	Barangay	Municipality/City	Distributed Items
10-Nov-25	Brgy. Tag-Amakan & Brgy. Ubogon	Asturias	Tag-Amakan: 280 relief bags, 300 1L water Ubogon: 170 relief bags, 30 sacks of rice, 220 water
11-Nov-25	Brgy. Nangka	Balamban	420 relief bags, 400 1-Liter bottled water
15-Nov-25	Brgy. Binaliw	Cebu City	200 relief bags, 200 1L water, 200 60ml water
16-Nov-25	Brgy. Cabadiangan	Liloan	500 relief bags, 1000 1L water, 40 60ml water

The Treasured Gift: A Smile That Heals

Nothing mattered more than the moment of exchange. The hands that received the packs were often tired, but as they looked up at the Rotarians, the gratitude that flowed was pure and powerful. The beneficiaries gave back a thousand times more than they received: they offered smiles that spoke a thousand thank yous. These are the smiles that rest sweetly in the memories of the club, reminding them why service is the deepest joy.

Remembering Our Angels here on earth: The Golden Hearts

We hold deep in our hearts the memory of the kindness shown by those who made this possible. To the people with golden hearts, whose generosity became the lifeline for a community, we offer our eternal thanks:

• Past President Jun Torres & Family

• Dick Mercado & Family

• Alan Mercado & Family

• TIIC

• BBH (Business Breakfast Hub)

• MARLAW 1982

• Eddu & Karen Ibañez

• Patrick & Lalaine Salve-Esmeralda

• Mical & Kristine Naranjo-Gatchalian

• Francis & Michelle Mendez-Palmares

• Past District Governor Yumi and Spouse Sandra Espina

• Past Asst. Governor Maricel Borromeo-Amores

• Past District Governor Mary Anne Solomon

The Ripple of Inspiration

The true Rotary Story is often found not in the numbers, but in the enduring inspiration. During the project, one outside volunteer watched the Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente pour its heart out—no fanfare, just dedicated service. Seeing this genuine commitment, the volunteer felt a calling deep in their soul and has decided to join the club.

This is the beautiful legacy of "Tabang para sa Sugbo": that by giving love, we not only heal communities, but we also grow the circle of love, ensuring the work of compassion continues, heart by dedicated heart.