“There’s A Wheel, There’s A Way”: Restoring Mobility and Dignity for the Elders and PWDs

Baras Municipal Hall, Baras, Rizal - In a meaningful display of unity and service, the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong, Rotary Club of Marikina North, and Rotary Club of Baras came together for the Wheelchairs of Hope project, benefiting elderly and persons with disabilities in the community.

The Rotary Club of Mandaluyong represented by President Jethro Bañez, SAG Oliver Salud, PP Apollo Tan, Spouse Jojo Bañez, and Spouse Aileen Tan joined hand-in-hand with the Rotary Club of Marikina North, represented by President Mark Macallan, PDG Tonipi Parungao, President-elect Chemai Macallan, President-Nominee Designate Lemmie Landingin, Treasurer Edwin Valenzuela, and Spouse Jessa Valenzuela, together with the Rotary Club of Baras, led by President Katrine “KC” Robles—who also serves as Municipal Vice Mayor—ably hosted the activity, reflecting a strong and united Rotary presence across Zones 4, 5, and 8.

Through this collaboration, fifteen (15) wheelchairs were formally turned over to the Baras LGU, symbolizing not only improved mobility but also renewed dignity and independence for the beneficiaries. The ceremony was graced by Vice Mayor KC Robles, several municipal councilors, representatives from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and other local officials, underscoring the importance of partnership in community service.

This initiative was made possible through the generous cash incentive of the Rotary Club of Makati given to R.I. District 3800's Paing Hechanova Youth Leadership Awards (PHYLA) Coordinators, in the persons of PDG Tonipi Paruñgao (RC Marikina North) and his deputy PP Lui dela Cruz of RC Mandaluyong, for submitting the highest number of eligible and deserving nominees for this biennial search for the top youth leaders in the country. As this accomplishment was the direct result of the joint efforts and hard work of the two coordinators, they decided to use the funds to undertake this joint service project by their respective clubs.   

More than providing assistive devices, the project delivered a message of hope and compassion—affirming Rotary’s enduring commitment to Service Above Self and its mission to uplift lives in meaningful and lasting ways.

Written by: Good President Jethro Bañez, Rotary Club of Mandaluyong, and PDG Tonipi Paruñgao, Rotary Club of Marikina North