Marapara Rotary to Strengthen Ties With Japanese Rotarians

May 17, 2025

Hideki Yomoda, president of the Rotary Club of Kyoto-Fushimi and April Kitagawa, incoming president of the Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara.*

A delegation from the Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara (RCBM) is set to visit the Rotary Club of Kyoto-Fushimi in Japan, from May 27 – June 1, to celebrate their recent partnership project in the municipality of Murcia.

The 21-member delegation will be led by club president Virgil Rupert “Igie” Villarosa and incoming president, April Kitagawa.

During their visit, RCBM members will not only have the opportunity to enjoy Kyoto, a historical city rich in culture, known for its numerous shrines, temples and gardens, but also will hear more about their host’s community outreach programs.

“Our partnership with the Rotary Club of Kyoto-Fushimi is very special to us. We are looking forward to bonding with our Japanese fellow-Rotarians, learning more about their activities and exploring future joint projects,” said RCBM president, Villarosa.

Members of the Kyoto club are no strangers to Negros Occidental. On their last visit in January they announced they had secured funding to buy medical equipment for the benefit of the people of Murcia.

The project’s funding, through a Rotary Global Grant, will be used to provide much-needed equipment including an ultrasound machine, delivery table and incubator.* (Robert Harland)