The Green Light That Changed 195 Lives.

After the Storm: A Green Light of Hope

Project Green Light: Our Signal to Move Forward

Food Packs distribution from Virginia Foods Inc.

September is Basic Education and Literacy Month, and for us at the Rotary Club of Pasig East (RCPE), there was no better way to celebrate than by reaching out to the children who need it most.

On September 10, 2025, at Makabata School Foundation, Inc., we lit up a path of hope for 195 street children and out-of-school youth through Project Green Light.

This project was our signal to them: you are ready, you can move forward, and you don’t have to remain where hardship left you. The name Project Green Light itself carries deeper meaning—it is a symbol of renewal and progress after the storm and floods that recently hit the community. Just as a green light signals the way forward, we wanted this initiative to inspire families and children to rise and rebuild with hope.

We started with nourishment—serving food packs from Virginia Foods, Inc. with the help of our friends from Rotary Club of Ortigas Center—because learning is easier when tummies are full.

Turned over P180,000.00 worth of Textbooks from TechFactors Inc., Later on, RCPE Members arranged it at Makabata School Foundation Inc. Library.

We then turned over ₱180,000 worth of textbooks from Tech Factors and arranged it at the School's Library, bond paper reams for their school modules (our RCPE yearly tradition), and coloring books with crayons from RC Malarayat Premier that taught kindness through Kulay ng Kabutihan.

We didn’t just hand things over—we went inside the classrooms, read stories, guided the children in coloring, taught lessons about goodness, and distributed vitamins from Auspicia, Inc. to keep them healthy and strong.

And because service is about more than just one day, RCPE members also came together to donate a ₱41,000 check to Mother Divine Mercy, which directly supported students and families affected by the floods. Relief goods were purchased and distributed, and through photos of this distribution, the smiles of children and families remind us of why we serve: to help them recover, rebuild, and move forward.

Flood-affected families receiving relief goods made possible through RCPE’s donation

As a gesture of gratitude to Tech Factors for their remarkable donation of textbooks, RCPE presented them with a painting by Gloria Keh from Singapore—a work she personally donated so it could be used for charity. This gift symbolized not only our appreciation but also the way art and generosity can come together to uplift communities.

Of course, learning should also be joyful. With games, laughter, and the energy of our wonderful host Michelle Ocampo Sapnu, the children enjoyed an afternoon of fun that reminded them that school and community can be a source of happiness.

Project Green Light is more than service—it’s a signal of hope and sustainability.

Finally, as we celebrate Basic Education and Literacy Month, we also planted the seeds of future leadership by organizing the soon-to-rise Interact Club of Pasig East. Because education isn’t just about books—it’s about shaping the next generation of service-driven leaders.

Our Future Interact Club of Makabata School Foundation Inc. sponsored by RCPE.

The Rotary Club of Pasig East’s commitment to service is also a commitment to sustainability. Most of our projects are designed with continuity and long-term impact in mind, ensuring that what we start continues to benefit communities beyond a single day. Project Green Light itself is not a stand-alone effort, but rather a continuation of more than a decade of RCPE’s steadfast support for the Makabata School Foundation, Inc. in the area of basic literacy and education. This ongoing partnership reflects our vision of sustainable service that nurtures both present and future generations.

Because of its sustainable framework, Project Green Light stands out as a high-impact project—one that not only meets immediate needs but also lays the foundation for lasting change in the lives of children, their families, and the broader community.

This day was made possible with the presence and support of RCPE leaders and friends: Past President Arnold, Past President Amador Llona, President-Elect Rafael Chavez, Rotarian JJ Cruz, Rotarian Marie Flores, Good President Angel Gonzales, Guest Michelle Sapnu, and Guest Herold Pineda.

This project is the fruit of the hard work of RCPE Members and Partners uniting for good, being steadfast in their commitment to change lives.

At its heart, Project Green Light was a celebration of Basic Education and Literacy Month, and a message to these children: with books to read, paper to write on, vitamins to keep them healthy, kindness to guide them, art to inspire gratitude, and community to support them—they have everything they need to move forward.