Club History

The Rotaract Club of Brgy Sta Cruz, proudly celebrating 17 years of service, was chartered on September 30, 2008 through the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Makati North. Today, the club is composed of 20 active members and 7 dedicated Rotaract trainees, continuing its commitment to leadership, fellowship, and community development. Regular club meetings are held every third Sunday of the month, either via Zoom or in person, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN. These meetings are often conducted alongside the club’s signature learning and engagement sessions: RAC UNIV (Unified Introduction to Volunteerism) for trainees and RAC SkiRTS (Skills of Rotaractors To Share), where members showcase their talents, skills, and advocacies.

Significant Service Projects

Since its chartering in 2008, the Rotaract Club of Brgy Sta Cruz has continuously championed impactful initiatives that uplift communities, develop leaders, and strengthen global connections. Below are some of its most notable projects and milestones through the years:

  • Since 2008, the club has actively supported its sponsoring Rotary Club of Makati North through Book Reading sessions, Gift-Giving activities, Typhoon Relief Operations, house-building with Gawad Kalinga, Workplace Visits, and its signature program, Feed a Child, Build a Nation.
  • In RY 2011–2012, the club launched its first independent initiative—a Computer Graphics Seminar at Rizal Technological University – Mandaluyong Campus, providing graduating Computer Department students with valuable skills for the workforce.
  • RY 2012–2013 marked the club’s first international guest, the Rotaract Club of Macau, and its inaugural summer fellowship, laying the groundwork for future cross-cultural exchanges.
  • During RY 2013–2014, the club expanded its reach through unique projects like Project ASTIG (Assisting Students to Improve Grades), Love ko si Lolo, Love ko si Lola, and an Anti-Bullying Seminar, while still supporting the sponsoring club’s programs such as Book Reading with International School Manila and Brigada Eskwela at Francisco Benitez Elementary School – Main.
  • In October 2013, the club formalized its partnership with the Rotaract Club of San Juan, Batangas by signing a Twin Club Agreement, strengthening ties within the region.
  • RY 2014–2015 saw the introduction of the 4-in-1 Project, combining Book Reading, Proper Handwashing, Brushing of Teeth, and a Feeding Program. This year also included the renewal of the Twin Club Agreement with RAC San Juan and the launch of the Manila South Cemetery Gift-Giving Project, in collaboration with RC Cornwall, Canada and RCMN PP Chris Bellinger.
  • The same year, members participated in a Basic Life Support and Disaster Preparedness Seminar by RCMN and joined the International Coastal Cleanup Day hosted by RAC San Juan. Project ASTIG was awarded Best Interact Project by RI District 3830.
  • In RY 2015–2016, the club launched Cake for a Cause, a creative fundraising initiative that supported Caroling with a Twist, a holiday outreach project bringing joy and aid to underserved communities through music and gift-giving. Alongside its service projects, the club also prioritized leadership development and fellowship by actively participating in national conventions—beginning with the Pilipinas Rotaract Convention (PROCON) held in Bacolod. This milestone marked the start of a stronger presence in national Rotaract events, with the club later joining PROCON conferences in Palawan, Bicol, Cebu, and Manila, fostering camaraderie, collaboration, and continued learning among Rotaractors across the Philippines.
  • In 2016, the club embarked on its first international fellowship journey, visiting Rotaract Clubs in Hong Kong and Macau. This experience sparked a tradition of global engagement and paved the way for a series of regional fellowships, including visits to Singapore and Malaysia in 2017 and 2024, Indonesia in 2024, and Thailand in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024. These cross-border interactions have fostered lasting friendships and strengthened the club’s commitment to international camaraderie and cultural exchange.
  • That same year in 2016, the club partnered with former Rotary Club of Makati North scholars to organize the Free Clinic for Children with Special Needs in San Juan, Batangas, providing specialized care to children with developmental delays. Building on its impact, the project was later brought to Santa Maria, Bulacan in 2023 and Santa Rosa, Laguna in 2024, reaching more communities in need. In 2022, the club further expanded its healthcare outreach through Project BAI (Bigay Alalay at Inspirasyon), a medical mission conducted in Camotes Island, Cebu, and successfully implemented in four phases: Phase 1 in May 2022, Phase 2 in November 2022, Phase 3 in November 2023, and Phase 4 in January 2025. The project offered free medical consultations, medicines, medical equipment donations, and essential health services. This continued effort reaffirmed the club’s commitment to providing accessible and compassionate healthcare across various communities.
  • The club organized a series of creative workshops at Francisco Benitez Elementary School – Main, featuring an Art Workshop and a SAD (Sing, Act, Dance) Workshop that nurtured students’ artistic talents. These initiatives inspired a lineup of fundraising events such as an Art Auction, Play for a Cause, and Himig Kabataan, blending creativity with advocacy to support the club’s community projects.
  • In 2019, the club proudly signed its first international twin club partnership with the Rotaract Club of Royal Thai Air Force – Nursing Cullege (District 3350), marking a significant step in strengthening global ties. That same year, the club gained recognition at the Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for having the greatest number of delegates from District 3830, reflecting its active participation and growing presence in the international Rotaract community. In 2025, the club further demonstrated its commitment to international fellowship by sending its sole delegation to APRRC in Mongolia, proudly representing not only the club but also serving as the only Rotaract delegation from Rotary International District 3830.
  • In 2020, the club launched Project HOPE (Helping Out People Everywhere) as a rapid response initiative to support communities affected by urgent crises. Through this project, the club provided timely assistance to families displaced by the Taal Volcano eruption, extended relief efforts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and delivered aid to flood-stricken communities in Marikina following Typhoon Ulysses, demonstrating compassion and resilience in times of disaster.
  • Amid the pandemic, the club adapted to the challenges of remote engagement by launching creative and interactive online initiatives. These included the E-Games: Mobile Legends Tournament, the Virtual Challenge: Pass the Baton to End Polio, and a Virtual Raffle for a Cause. Through these efforts, the club successfully sustained its momentum, strengthened member involvement, and continued reaching out to the community despite physical restrictions.
  • To foster deeper connections among clubs, the club introduced RAC-Kamustahan, a virtual fellowship series designed to create a space for Rotaractors to share their stories, exchange goals, and strengthen bonds despite the distance.
  • The club introduced RAC SkiRTS (Skills of Rotaractors To Share), a platform that allows members to showcase their personal talents, professional expertise, and advocacy work during club meetings, fostering growth, confidence, and peer learning.
  • In 2021, the club signed its second international Twin Club Agreement with the Rotaract Club of Bali Denpasar (District 3420), further expanding its global footprint. This partnership was later renewed in February 2024, reaffirming the shared commitment to international collaboration and fellowship.
  • The club also established CAMP RAC (formerly known as RCMN Youth Camp), a leadership training initiative aimed at equipping new officers and directors with essential skills in club governance, project planning, and effective team leadership. This activity also includes strategic planning sessions to map out how the club can achieve its goals for the Rotary Year. It fosters camaraderie through shared experiences such as preparing meals together, engaging in meaningful conversations, and exchanging personal stories or insights from within the organization.
  • In 2021, the club launched its Rotaract Trainee program, giving potential members the opportunity to get to know the club and its members while actively participating in community service projects even before becoming official members. As part of this initiative, the club also introduced RAC UNIV (Unified Introduction to Volunteerism), a structured six-part orientation program designed to guide trainees through the basics of Rotary history, club protocols, service values, and the responsibilities of being a Rotaractor. These efforts ensure that new members are well-prepared, connected, and aligned with the club’s mission of service and fellowship.
  • In 2023, the club launched Project GUIDE (Gabay sa Pag-Unlad ng Isip, Diwa, at Edukasyon), a meaningful School supply drive aimed at supporting the educational needs of children living in orphanages and underserved communities. The project provided essential learning materials to help equip young minds for a brighter future.
  • That same year in 2023, the club partnered with the Interact Club of Maximo Estrella Senior High School to launch Be the BOSS (Bringing Out Student Solidarity), an initiative designed to introduce student leaders to the Rotary family while promoting dialogue on relevant issues such as gender equality, mental health, and youth empowerment. This collaboration fostered leadership development and encouraged meaningful conversations among young changemakers.
  • In 2024, the club sustained its service momentum through I am READY (Resilient Education and Action for Disaster Preparedness in Youth), a Disaster Preparedness Seminar aimed at equipping the community, especially the youth, with life-saving knowledge, emergency response strategies, and practical skills to enhance resilience in times of crisis.
  • Also in 2024, the club introduced BRAVE Defense (Building Resilience and Awareness Through Vital Education), a self-defense and legal rights education program aimed at empowering young women with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to protect themselves and understand their rights in everyday situations.
  • The Rotaract Mentors, composed of past presidents with over a decade of membership in the club, regularly conduct COMMIT Check (Club Obligation Monitoring and Member Involvement Tracking) to align and strengthen members’ commitment to the club. The initiative also fosters camaraderie and provides a space to address any underlying concerns within the organization.
  • To further strengthen international relations, the club annually organizes Rotaract QUEST (Quality Engagement with United Rotaract Clubs through Service and Travel), formerly known as the International Visit. This initiative promotes cultural exchange, fosters collaboration with Rotaract clubs abroad, and builds lasting friendships through shared service and meaningful travel experiences.
  • To support parents of children with developmental delays, the club conducted the GIFT (Guidance and Intervention for Future Triumphs) Symposium. This initiative aimed to help parents and teachers better understand the behaviors and needs of their children or students, promoting acceptance, informed intervention, and long-term growth.
  • As its first District Grant project, the club implemented Project SELF (Sustaining and Empowering Livelihood Fulfillment), which offered a free seminar on tocino and embutido making. The initiative provided participants with practical skills and an opportunity to start their own livelihood.

Flagship Projects

  • Project ASTIG (Assisting Students to Improve Grades)
  • Love ko si Lolo, Love ko si Lola
  • Manila South Cemetery Gift-giving Project
  • Cake for a Cause
  • Caroling with a Twist for the Homeless
  • Free Clinic for Children with Special Needs
  • SAD (Sing, Act, Dance) Workshop
  • Project HOPE (Helping Out People Everywhere)
  • RAC-Kamustahan
  • RAC SkiRTS (Skills of Rotaractors To Share)
  • Project BAI (Bigay Alalay at Inspirasyon)
  • CAMP RAC (formerly known as RCMN Youth Camp)
  • RAC UNIV (Unified Introduction to Volunteerism)
  • Be The BOSS (Bringing Out Student Solidarity)
  • I am READY (Resilient Education and Action for Disaster Preparedness in Youth)
  • BRAVE Defense (Building Resilience and Awareness Through Vital Education)
  • COMMIT Check (Club Obligation Monitoring and Member Invulvement Tracking)
  • Rotaract QUEST (Quality Engagement with United Rotaract Clubs through Service and Travel) (formerly known as International Visit)
  • GIFT (Guidance and Intervention for Future Triumphs) Symposium
  • Project SELF (Sustaining and Empowering Livelihood Fulfillment)

Foreign Twin Clubs

  • RAC Royal Thai Air Force – Nursing College D3350 (Thailand – 2019)
  • RAC Bali Denpasar D3420 (Indonesia – 2021)

Local Twin Clubs

  • RAC Santa Maria D3770 (2023)

Friendship Clubs

  • RAC Paseo de Roxas D3830 (2024)