Newly Chartered Rotary Club of Lucena City Maharlika launches legacy project for Senior Citizens

By Nimfa Estrellado The Rotary Club of Lucena City Maharlika LUCENA CITY, Quezon– The Rotary Club of Lucena City Maharlika (RCLCM), in i...

By Nimfa Estrellado

The Rotary Club of Lucena City Maharlika

LUCENA CITY, Quezon– The Rotary Club of Lucena City Maharlika (RCLCM), in its inaugural year, kicked off its legacy project, "Project ARNOLD," aimed at empowering senior citizens. The project's first event, held in Barangay Pinagbayan, Pagbilao, Quezon on July 1, 2024, provided a day of pampering and learning for 50 senior beneficiaries.

"We believe that our senior citizens deserve to be celebrated and empowered," said Leila Bunag, Chairwoman of the kick off project Arnold. "Project ARNOLD is our way of giving back to them and ensuring that they have access to the resources and support they need to live fulfilling lives. We want them to know that they are not forgotten, and that they are still valuable members of our society. This is just the first step in our commitment to making a difference in their lives."



RTN Alex Garcia, owner of Glam and Glamor Salon, offered free haircuts, hair spas, manicures, and massages to the seniors. "It's our pleasure to pamper these wonderful seniors and make them feel special," said Garcia. "A little pampering can go a long way in boosting their confidence and well-being."

The seniors' health was also a priority. Dr. JB Camaligan educated them on oral hygiene, emphasizing the importance of proper care for their mouths and gums, which are often neglected. "Oral health is an essential part of overall health, and we want to ensure that our seniors have the knowledge and tools to maintain healthy smiles," said Dr. Camaligan.

He added, "Prevention is key, and regular oral hygiene practices can significantly improve their quality of life." The Vice President of NDAP South Luzon and the NDAP Quezon Chapter, along with the nutritionist of Doctors Hospital, RTN Joey Kathlyn Samonte, conducted body mass indexing and discussed proper nutrition, stressing the significance of maintaining a healthy weight and diet for overall well-being. "We want our seniors to understand that healthy eating habits and regular exercise can help prevent chronic diseases and improve their overall health and longevity," said Samonte.

The club also provided blood pressure and blood sugar testing, vitamins, and a Zumba session led by RTN Rina Velasco, which even saw the participation of PDG Maria Lewina Tolentino. The Zumba session not only promoted physical activity but also fostered a sense of community and fun among the seniors. 

Each senior went home with a smile, a set of oral health kits, a water container, a duster, and shorts. The event was not just about providing services but also about showing the seniors that they are valued members of the community. "We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Lucena City Maharlika for this wonderful event," said one of the senior beneficiaries. "It made us feel loved and appreciated. We hope to see more projects like this in the future."

"Seeing the joy on their faces and hearing their heartfelt gratitude makes all our efforts worthwhile," said PDG Tolentino. "We are committed to continuing our mission of serving the community and making a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most. Our seniors have given so much to our society, and it's our turn to give back to them. We are honored to be a part of their lives and to help them thrive in their golden years."

"This successful event would not have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of our partners," said PDG Tolentino. "We are deeply grateful to the LGU - Barangay Pinagbayan, Pagbilao, Quezon, for their invaluable assistance in organizing and hosting the event.

"We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Glam and Glamour Salon, NDAP South Luzon, NDAP Quezon Chapter, Sentinel Times, RED: Eured Meds Trading, and Seabless Food Processing for their contributions and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our senior citizens. Their partnership has made Project ARNOLD a reality and has brought joy and hope to the lives of many." she added.

"We are proud to have partnered with the Rotary Club of Lucena City Maharlika on this important project," said RTN Alex Garcia, of Glam and Glamour Salon. "Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our senior citizens."

The Rotary Club of Lucena City Maharlika is committed to continuing its work in uplifting the lives of senior citizens in the community, making this Rotary Year a truly magical one. The club plans to conduct more Project ARNOLD events in different barangays, reaching out to as many seniors as possible and providing them with the support and resources they need to live fulfilling lives.

"This is just the beginning," said PDG Maria Lewina Tolentino President of RCLCM. "We are excited to see what we can accomplish together in the years to come. We believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for our senior citizens. We are determined to make Project ARNOLD a resounding success and leave a lasting legacy for the seniors in our community. We will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, and we will never stop working to improve the lives of those we serve."