NATION

Rotary Club of Makati aids 200 flood-hit families in Calumpit

Hannah Cuyno · Sep 25, 2026, 6:39 PM

ANALY LABOR

The Rotary Club of Makati Hope Mission Team conducted a relief operation on 25 September at the Purok 1 Frances Evacuation Center in Calumpit, Bulacan, benefiting 200 families affected by flooding.

Led by Rotary Club President Chris Ferareza, Hope Mission Chair Nicky Ramos and fellow officers Boy Arteche, Notsky Lou and Chief of Staff Ron Dotaro, the team distributed 220 food packs, bottled water, sleeping mats and blankets.

Members of the Rotary Club of Makati Hope Mission, led by club president Chris Ferareza, distribute food packs, sleeping mats, blankets and bottled water to 200 flood-affected families in Calumpit, Bulacan, on Friday, 25 September 2026. Several families continue to struggle as their homes remain submerged following days of heavy rain. | Analy Labor — ANALY LABOR

The distribution was carried out with the coordination of the Bureau of Fire Protection and assistance from barangay officials.

Ferareza said the initiative aims not only to provide basic necessities but also to give affected residents hope and reassurance.

“Magbigay ng hope at pag-asa, hindi lang pagkain. Mas malaking bagay sa kanila ay yung pag-asa at may handang umagapay,” Ferareza said.

He also expressed concern over persistent flooding in Bulacan and stressed the need to adapt to the effects of climate change.

“Nakakalungkot sapagkat mayaman ang Pilipinas sa resources pero hindi nagagamit nang tama. We look forward na maka-adapt sa climate change,” he added.

Ramos said the group is also assessing conditions on the ground to identify additional ways to assist vulnerable residents, particularly senior citizens and those with medical conditions.

“The main concern is we have seniors, most of them have diabetes and co-existing conditions. Medically, yung baha, it actually aggravates their condition, so we have to see how we could help the local government,” Ramos said.

The Rotary Club previously conducted relief operations in Hagonoy, Bulacan, Marikina, Mindoro and Pampanga.

Among its future plans is the establishment of a potable water system to help address the lack of access to clean drinking water in flood-affected communities.

Seven families remain at the Purok 1 Frances Evacuation Center because their homes are still flooded and uninhabitable. Evacuees include children and elderly residents.

Floodwaters also remain in parts of Puroks 2, 3, 4 and 5 despite the rains having stopped weeks earlier.