Marapara Rotary Brings Joy to Children in DSB

September 2, 2025

(top photo) Rotary and Rotaract members bring smiles, support and fellowship to children in Don Salvador Benedicto. (featured photo) Slippers lined up and ready to go – one pair at a time.*

The Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara, together with the Rotaract Club of Marapara, recently brought smiles to some 200 children from the indigent community of Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) through a day filled with joy, care and fellowship.

The clubs distributed free footwear, food packs, snacks and fresh fruits, followed by lively games that sparked laughter and delight among the young participants. This hands-on community engagement marked the first major initiative under the leadership of newly-elected Club President April Kitagawa.

“It was deeply moving to witness the children’s joy and laughter,” said Ms. Kitagawa. “To begin my term with a project that embodies Rotary’s spirit of compassion and service was truly meaningful and energizing.”

The Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara remains steadfast in its commitment to “Service Above Self,” delivering impactful programs from medical missions and coastal clean-ups to feeding initiatives, school supply distributions, computer literacy programs, mangrove planting and Eco-tourism support. With each endeavor, the club continues to build bridges of hope and uplift lives across communities.* (Robert Harland)