The event was followed by a dance contest with prizes held on December 20. Both events provided gifts and foods, led by our club Rotarian Imelda and Past President Ivan.

Video and lecture of “Effective Parenting and Family Planning” performed by Captain Aimy Casabuena of Bry. Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines were presented with an assistance by DSWD (Department of Social Welfare Development) Alfonso. We distributed 100 sacks of rice, 100 canned goods, and 200 coconuts to 100 indigent families. RIMM and RC of Geelong Central  received the Certificate of Appreciation as sponsors of this event.

On December 12, 2019, another Christmas event was held at the same place for Aeta Elementary School students to which RIMM also sponsored. Total of about 30 including students, parents and teachers participated and enjoyed.

Both events were lead by Rotarian Imelda assisted by past president Ivan.

Gina of Alfonso DSWD (Department of Social Welfare Development) conducted a group workshop to find out what contraceptives they are using and their thoughts of the disadvantages of unplanned pregnancies. Some women were not using any form of contraceptives and decided to use them during the seminar after realizing it was a serious matter for the future of their children, although their knowledge of contraceptives at that time was only pills.

RIMM donated sacks of rice, canned goods and firewood. PP Casey gave P20 bills to all the children there. Rotarian Miki assisted in the distribution of the said donation.
The indigent women and the Barangay officials of Amuyong were grateful of the meaningful event. 

In order to purchase additional items such as bags of rice, cans of corned meat, bath soaps and noodles the following donors namely PP Don and Loida and the mother of Rotarian Kimiyo gave P10,000 and P8,000 respectively.

In addition many used clothing and foot wear for adults and children that were brought by guests from Japan, assorted hygiene kits donated by relatives of Captain Domeng’s relatives through Christine and bundles of firewood were distributed. Our home grown bananas were even enjoyed by the children. Due to the uncertainty of weather the venue was held at the premise of Captain Cynthia of Luksuhin Ibaba where a tent cover was installed.

During the event everyone sang Christmas songs. There were even dancing and singing presentations by mothers and children who received a little Xmas cash donations from Pres. Betty, PP Don and Loida.

Many mothers with their children were joyous to receive their bags of rice and other mentioned items as they were called and were grateful that they were remembered.

PP Don and his wife Loida committed to participate in our club’s community services as mentioned below:

1. As invited by President Ann San Antonio of Rotary Club of Manila Kalaw we will participate in their club’s community services at Asis Elementary School in Mendez, Cavite. It was originally scheduled on December 18, 2017 but postponed due to rainy weather. Media will cover the event wherein more than 500 public elementary school children along with their parents will be the recipients of the whole day humanitarian event.

RIMM will donate toothpaste and used clothing from Japan (donated by some guests of AWH) for the pupils and their parents. In addition, RIMM President Betty bought toothbrush and cotton earbuds for the event.

2. On December 28, 2017 we will be going to Usting in Luksuhin Ibaba in Alfonso, Cavite to donate rice, canned goods, used clothing including footwear from Japan and firewood for 80 indigent families. Gina of DSWD and Barangay Captain Cynthia of Luksuhin Ibaba will assist us.

PP Don has committed to donate P10,000 to buy needed additional items mentioned above to provide for 80 indigent families. In additional the mother of Rtn. KImiyo donated P8,000. Their monetary donations will be fully used for those 80 indigent families.

President Betty has invited us to join her on December 25, 2017 at her home to celebrate Christmas Day with many indigent families. She is going to prepare healthy sumptuous meals and give out gifts to them. We will also include this event in our club’s Midyear Review Report.

PP Don mentioned that his wife Loida was interested in joining our club. He also conveyed that many 2nd hand items in Australia (ie. remote controlled folding hospital beds, etc.) in good condition can be shipped to the Philippines. He told us to request any items we need from Australia, while customs matters in the Philippines are another issue.

Our neighbor friends donated 72 big bath soaps and 55 pieces of instant noodles. We intend to include these donations to Usting.

The gift distribution team consisting of IPP Raymund, PE Betty (with husband Fred, grand daughter Ashana & assistant Andy), Honorary Member Jun Baurile, volunteer Christine, DSWD Alfonso Officer Gina (with husband Ric) and supportive members of her staff then quickly departed for the scheduled all-day event. Most of the items were distributed at individual homes but because of time limitations, some were distributed at a barangay hall. The handing out of gifts to surprised but very appreciative participants was accompanied by singing of Christmas carols with the children also heartily participating and receiving P20 bills for their spirited efforts in addition to ice cream from the ice cream vendor. It was truly a memorable and meaingful Christmas event for everyone.

RIMM members took two cars loaded with sacks of rice and snacks for children, then later switched to a jeepney arranged by the barangay captain to access the steep mountain dirt road. A Christmas party spirit persisted with the singing of Christmas songs during the presentation of gifts for 30 families that also included P100 for each family from club funds and P20 bills for every child and senior donated by new Rotarian member Betty.

After the Christmas giving party event the barangay captain invited our members to his home for a delicious lunch of fresh tilapia prepared by his wife.