Over the past seven years, the tandem has undertaken a number of vital social development projects in the area, such as the construction of a new school building and a library, as well as sponsoring school supplies like bags, notebooks, pens and clothes for children every year.
According to Bishop Joseph Galaroza of the Congregation of St. Charles—one of the recognized religious and social leaders of the Rotary Club of Pag-Asa — the standard of living of the estimated 250 families in the underserved mountainside community has notably improved given these initiatives.
“Sabi nga ng ating pambansang bayani na si Dr. Jose Rizal, edukasyon sa mga bata ang pag-asa ng bayan [As our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal said, educating the youth is the hope of the nation],” he echoed.
He shared his observation that the people of Kanawan used to be aloof to outsiders. Physically, the community was disconnected to the outside world—before one could reach Kanawan, one has to walk almost half a kilometer. Illiteracy rate among the residents, especially the youth, was also high.
Through positive engagement and learning opportunities from the initiatives of ARC and the Rotary Club of Pag-Asa, the community has come alive with dynamism, and compassion for each other and society.
Bishop Galaroza adds that one of the strongest and most important messages they want to impart to the youth of Kanawan, along with their parents, is the value of entrepreneurship—the very same driving force behind the establishment of ARC when it reintroduced the RC Cola brand in the Philippines more than a decade ago.
Despite tough com-petition in the local soft drinks market, RC Cola rose to prominence as the preferred cola especially among the mass market and the most ordinary of Filipinos. The people of Kanawan are no different from the millions who patronize and enjoy the value-for-money refreshment.
“Pinakamalaki at pinakadakilang nagawa iyong mabigyan ng katuparan ang mga inaasam-asam ng mga magulang para sa magandang bukas ng kanilang mga anak [The most important and noble achievement of the partnership is to help realize all parents’ dream of a bright future for their children],” says Galaroza.
After laying the right foundation of education, the discipline and skill of entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood is key to the sustainability of the efforts of ARC and the Rotary Club of Pag-Asa long after they have been completed, concludes the bishop.
