Project ASTIG

The History of ASTIG

Launched during Rotary Year 2013–2014, what began as a simple idea and a playful experiment with a project name has grown into one of the Rotaract Club of Brgy Sta Cruz’s most enduring initiatives. Project ASTIG—Assisting Students To Improve Grades—has since become a cornerstone of the club’s service journey, continuously evolving to meet the needs of students and reaffirming its commitment to education and community development.

The Beginnings (2013–2014)

The idea for Project ASTIG traces back to 2013, when the third generation of Rotaractors from the club were still fresh out of college. During the Easter break that year, they hosted the Rotaract Club of Macau during its tour of the Philippines. The stories, energy, and fellowship of the visiting Rotaractors planted in them the belief that even small acts of service could create lasting impact. Inspired, the members resolved to put into action all the projects lined up for Rotary Year 2013–2014—and with financial readiness and youthful determination, they took their first big step.

Before the start of that Rotary Year, the club’s Twin Club, the Rotaract Club of San Juan, D3820, invited them to attend the District Assembly in San Juan, Batangas. A keynote speaker at the event emphasized the importance of giving projects names that were unique, memorable, and intriguing—something “astig.” That challenge resonated with the members. From there, Rotaractor Jan Moriel Opto coined “ASTIG,” and after much brainstorming, the club agreed on its meaning: Assisting Students To Improve Grades.

Originally, the project’s focus was to help Grade 2 students at Francisco Benitez Elementary School – Main improve their reading comprehension. Soon after, mathematics was also incorporated. The weekly Saturday sessions became meaningful not only to the students but also to the members, as they witnessed steady progress. Recognition from the Department of Education and the heartfelt gratitude of students—such as one saying, “Thank you po, dahil sa inyo, Grade 3 na po ako (Thank you, because of you, I’m already in Grade 3)”—affirmed that ASTIG was redefining service in its own way.

A key milestone came in March 2014, when the first batch of ASTIG students graduated. Then-Principal Ms. Evelyn Bolivar remarked that the Rotaract Club of Brgy Sta Cruz had given new meaning to the word “ASTIG.” This marked the beginning of the project’s reputation as one of the club’s flagship initiatives.

Growth and Evolution (2015–2019)

In the years that followed, Project ASTIG expanded in scope. What began as reading and math tutorials grew into a broader educational support program.

A pivotal moment occurred in 2018, during the club’s Sing, Act, Dance Workshop. At that time, it became evident that many Grade 5 and 6 students struggled with basic computer use, such as typing on a keyboard. This eye-opening discovery inspired discussions between the Rotaract Club, its advisors, and school partners about integrating computer literacy into ASTIG’s framework.

The Pause and the Comeback (2020–2023)

Like many programs worldwide, Project ASTIG was temporarily put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the pause, the vision to expand into computer literacy never faded. As schools reopened and restrictions eased, the club revisited the idea and prepared for ASTIG’s revival.

In 2023, the project was relaunched with its new computer literacy component. After coordinating with Ms. Magno, the computer teachers’ coordinator at Francisco Benitez Elementary School - Main, the club conducted a test run in September 2023 with Grade 5 students. The official relaunch followed on October 21, 2023, supported by the sponsoring club Rotary Club of Makati North, partners in the Rotary Satellite Club of Makati North Partners, the Rotary Community Corps of Brgy Sta Cruz, and their twin club, Rotaract Club of Santa Maria.

Continuing the Legacy (2013–Present)

From reading and math tutorials to computer literacy lessons, Project ASTIG has consistently adapted to the needs of its beneficiaries. It has strengthened the partnership between the Rotaract Club of Brgy Sta Cruz and Francisco Benitez Elementary School–Main, leaving a lasting mark on hundreds of students and underscoring the power of consistent service.

For the Rotaract Club of Brgy Sta Cruz, Project ASTIG has always been more than just a program. It has served as a classroom for leadership, perseverance, and compassion. It has shown that time, talent, and dedication are the greatest gifts they can offer to young learners. And as leadership transitions from one generation of Rotaractors to the next, the legacy of ASTIG endures—a testament to the club’s unwavering commitment to Making a Difference in education.