The Color of Commitment - RC Pasig East’s Green Vests Signal the Start of Another Year of Service Above Self

It’s 9:00 a.m. in the bustling corridors of Pasig City General Hospital. Outside the main lobby, Rotarians in vivid green vests begin setting up rows of packed meals. Their backs carry not only their club name, but a quiet strength: a color worn in solidarity, symbolizing that for the Rotary Club of Pasig East (RCPE), service isn’t seasonal — it’s a way of life.

On July 30, 2025, RCPE launched its 37th Rotary Year with purpose and unity, not at a ballroom, but at the heart of public service: a city hospital.

In a powerful show of collective action, members fed 250 patients and frontliners, turning what is traditionally a ceremonial Handover and Induction into a hands-on mission of compassion.

“We choose to begin here,” said Good President Angel Gonzales already sleeves rolled. “Our leadership transition reflects our deepest Rotary value — continuity through service.”

Pasig City General Hospital, the city’s principal public medical facility, serves thousands of underprivileged citizens every year. Among the crowd that day was its own Medical Director, Dr. Paul Castro— a proud RCPE member — who stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow Rotarians, bridging healing and humanitarianism in one unified presence.

Feeding the Body, Honoring the Heart

The day’s program wasn’t just a symbol of change — it was an act of care. Instead of a grand hall or a banquet, RCPE chose a place where service is most needed—a public hospital serving the city’s most vulnerable. In an act that perfectly captured the heart of Rotary, the club began the new Rotary year by feeding 250 patients and frontliners.

While club officers were being inducted and banners were exchanged, meals were being quietly handed out by a special team of hospital nurses known as the RCPE Angels, led by Nurse Ailyn Gaddi. They moved through the corridors, carrying not just food, but comfort, warmth, and dignity.

Hunger hides in plain sight — and for RCPE, addressing it is both a priority and a promise. “Fighting hunger is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus,” Gonzales emphasized. “But more than that, it's about dignity. This is what it means to be people of action.”

Governor’s Visit: A Celebration of Unity

The day was made even more meaningful by the official visit of District Governor Gina Sanchez, who brought both inspiration and support. She awarded RCPE with additional District Grant funds to strengthen its outreach efforts and presented a Unity Tree, a living symbol of this year’s Rotary theme: “Unite for Good.”

Governor Sanchez also led the induction of the club’s Officers and Directors for Rotary Year 2025–2026, and warmly welcomed two new members, Atty. Stephen Espiritu and Romy Jamola, into the Rotary fold. In her address, she recognized RCPE’s consistency, strength, and high member engagement — encouraging the club to remain united and solid in purpose throughout the year ahead.

During the ceremony, Incoming President Angel Gonzales was formally inducted. Her message wasn’t just about assuming a title—it was about living out a calling: “I didn’t plan this—but He did. When I asked God, ‘Why me?’ the answer was clear: when it’s from God, it is good, pleasing, and perfect.”

Her speech, rooted in personal transformation and deep faith, reminded everyone that Rotary doesn't just change the world—it changes us, too. Angel closed with a call that resonated deeply: This isn’t just a start of another year—“it’s a chance to serve, shine, and change lives.”

Legacy of Service

Immediate Past President Dean Clark Ricardo M. Camua delivered his final message with sincere gratitude. He reflected on a year of challenges and milestones, anchored in teamwork: “This year was filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and meaningful moments—all made possible by the unwavering support of our officers, members, and partners.”

He handed over the reins with confidence, knowing the club was stepping into a future of even greater impact.

More Than a Theme — A Culture

This year’s banner call, Unite for Good, was worn by every member — not just on their vests, but in their actions. With over 90% turnout, the event embodied Rotary’s ideal of shared purpose. Green became more than a color; it became a quiet but powerful cape — a badge of honor, unity, and responsibility.

In his keynote address, Pasig City Councilor Paul “Coach Paul” Senogat remarked, “When government, citizens, and service organizations collaborate, we don’t just respond — we rebuild.”

Beyond the day’s outreach, the spirit of giving continued. Past President and Charter Member Amador Llona pledged to become RCPE’s first Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation — a historic milestone for the club. Several members likewise committed to becoming Paul Harris Fellows, with District Governor Nominee and Annual Fund Chair Sherrylou Khosiking on hand to recognize their dedication, She inspired the room with a reminder that generosity is the heart of sustainable service.

RCPE isn’t driven by applause, but by action. The club begins each year not with fanfare, but with service — a tradition rooted in humility, and powered by heart.

As the program closed, laughter filled the air, new officers were formally inducted, and fellowship flowed freely. Yet, what remained was a shared sense of promise — that the green vest, like a hero’s cape, isn’t for show. It’s for showing up.

In the words of one member: “We don’t serve to be seen. We serve so no one goes unseen.”

And as this new chapter begins, RCPE stands ready to do whatever it takes to unite, to uplift, and to act.