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DECADES OF SERVICE ABOVE SELF

The story of the Rotary Club of Marbel began with a vision shared by Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris: to bring professionals together in friendship and service. This spirit reached the heart of South Cotabato, where a group of passionate community leaders aspired to create positive, lasting change.

Originally chartered on June 30, 1980, the club was born from the Rotary Club of Koronadal’s desire to expand Rotary’s reach. Under the leadership of the late Rey Tolosa, the Extension Committee recruited dynamic young professionals, culminating in the establishment of the Rotary Club of Marbel. The late Gerardo Calaliman, our Charter President, guided the club through its formative years, laying the groundwork for an enduring tradition of service, inclusivity, and excellence.

A Legacy of Impactful Projects

From the beginning, the Rotary Club of Marbel embraced diverse community initiatives to uplift lives:

  • Medical, Dental, and Surgical Missions for underserved families

  • Adopt-a-Harelip surgeries in partnership with international clubs

  • Literacy and English Proficiency Programs for children

  • Career Orientation and Anti-Bullying Campaigns in schools

  • Environmental Projects, such as tree planting in Lake Sebu, Sarangani Bay coastal clean-ups, and creek rehabilitation

  • Feeding Programs and Gift-Giving every December

  • Breast Cancer Awareness and Bloodletting Drives

These efforts were often carried out hand in hand with local agencies, civic groups, and global partners. Through the years, the club proudly collaborated with international Rotary clubs and benefactors:

  • With RC Singapore, life-changing projects included:

    • Operation Harelip (2001)

    • TB in Children initiative (2002)

    • Avoidable Blindness prevention (2003)

    • Hepa B Vaccination (2004)

    • Project Agos 2 – Water Installation Initiative (RY 2024–2025)

  • With RC Johor Bahru (Malaysia):

    • Water System project (2004)

  • With Chiba, Japan through World Community Service (WCS):

    • Braille and Computer Units for children with visual and hearing impairments (2002)

    • Adopt-a-Harelip program (2002)

    • St. Lawrence Orphanage Livelihood Projects (2002)

    • SPED Classroom Building (2003)

These collaborations have transformed communities and left an imprint that continues to inspire.

Nurturing Future Leaders

The club has been dedicated to developing young leaders through the Rotary family:

  • Sponsoring the Rotaract Club of Notre Dame of Marbel University in 1988

  • Chartering the Interact Club of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School in 2014

  • Launching the Rotaract Club of Korbel and Interact Club of Korbel in 2018

  • Forming the Community-Based Rotaract Club of Marbel during the pandemic in 2021

These youth organizations continue to ignite service-oriented passion among new generations.

Building Bridges Across Borders

The club has forged strong ties beyond Philippine shores:

  • Sisterhood agreements with the Rotary Clubs of Singapore and Johor Bahru (Malaysia)

  • Partnership projects with RC Alabang LAMPARA, RC Cheonan West (South Korea), and RC Chiba (Japan)

  • In 2024, RC Cheonan West provided water purifiers to ensure safe drinking water for local schools

  • During Rotary Year 2024–2025, RC Singapore sponsored Project Agos 2, bringing clean water closer to communities

Honoring Excellence and Philanthropy

In its 44-year journey, the Rotary Club of Marbel has been honored with numerous awards, including the Rotary International Citation and recognition as one of the most outstanding civic organizations in South Cotabato.

The club’s contributions to The Rotary Foundation are also a source of pride. Benjamin M. Garcia, a trailblazer, became the club’s first Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor Level 2, and the first District 3860 Governor from Marbel. His leadership set a standard of generosity and dedication that endures today.

United in Service

Today, the Rotary Club of Marbel stands as a pillar of service, fellowship, and compassion. From medical missions and literacy drives to environmental action and youth empowerment, members have given their time, skills, and hearts to make a difference.

Their bond—rooted in the belief that Service Above Self transforms lives—remains unbreakable. As the club looks to the future, it does so with hope and a shared commitment to building a world where every act of service creates lasting change.