💡 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 | ReCASC's Project BITUIN Shines Light on Health, Hygiene, and Family Well-Being

Heavy rain and flooded streets did not stop Rotary E-Club of All Star CAMANAVA’s Project BITUIN from bringing health education, essential supplies, and moments of joy to families in Longos, Malabon.

After several postponements due to inclement weather, ReCASC finally conducted the first leg of Project BITUIN on August 26 at the Longos Pampano Child Development Center. The activity brought together daycare learners, parents, and guardians for a morning of health discussions, demonstrations, games, and fellowship.

Despite the difficult weather conditions, the children eagerly joined the activities prepared for them, including singing, dancing, and lessons on proper handwashing and toothbrushing. Through demonstrations and discussions, they were encouraged to develop healthy habits and practice proper personal hygiene.

Distributing dental and hygiene kits further reinforced the importance of oral health and cleanliness among young learners. The children also received art materials such as pencils, modeling clay, and crayons, giving them an opportunity to explore their creativity.

For the parents, the program provided an opportunity to learn about an important but often less discussed aspect of women’s health. Resource speaker Mae Montalla-Rizardo, a professor at the College of Nursing of World Citi Colleges in Quezon City, discussed perimenopause and its possible effects on mothers’ physical and emotional well-being, behavior, and relationships. Professor Mae also briefly discussed andropause, a medical term commonly associated with “male menopause.”

The discussion also touched on how hormonal changes may affect communication and married life. She emphasized the importance of understanding the changes both women and men experience, particularly within the family. Parents were reminded that each partner may be facing personal struggles and that patience, understanding, and support are essential in maintaining a strong relationship.

For Melissa, one of the participants, the lessons were valuable not only for her children but also for her relationship with her husband.

“Sa kids po, iyong tinuro sa amin ay about sa proper na pagtoothbrush ng mga bata saka yung proper na paghugas ng kamay. So, malaking impact din po ’yon as a parent kasi ma-a-adapt po ng mga anak namin ’yung ganung techniques na tinuro niyo po sa amin, kaya maraming maraming salamat po,” she said. [“For the children, what was taught to us was proper toothbrushing and proper handwashing. That made a significant impact on us as parents because our children can adopt the techniques you taught us. So, thank you very, very much,” she said.]

She also expressed her appreciation for the discussion on marriage and relationships.

“Then, itinuro rin sa amin bilang husband and wife kung paano maging strong couple at mapanatili yung good relationship ng mag-asawa. So may mga kanya-kanya pala kaming pinagdaraanan. So kailangan lang namin ng pagkakaunawaan sa isa’t isa. Salamat po kay Prof. Mae, yung nagturo po sa amin,” she added. [“Then, Prof. Mae also taught us, as husbands and wives, how to become a strong couple and maintain a good relationship. We realized that each of us has our own struggles, so we just need to understand one another. Thank you to Prof. Mae for teaching us,” she added.]

Adding inspiration to the activity, Vice Mayor Edward C. Nolasco shared an encouraging message with the families and community partners. His presence highlighted the importance of collaboration among local leaders, civic organizations, and community members in creating programs that respond to the needs of families.

Project BITUIN, which stands for Building Impact Through Unified Initiatives for Nurturing Families, is Rotary E-Club of All Star CAMANAVA’s flagship annual daycare adoption program. It supports children and families through initiatives focused on maternal and child health, oral hygiene, disease prevention, education, and access to essential resources. This project also supports Rotary International’s areas of focus on Maternal and Child Health, Disease Prevention and Treatment, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).

The activity was made possible through the support of the Philippine Dental Association, led by Hiraya President Dr. Mariusse Chars Reyes Esquillo; its local chapter, the Malabon-Navotas Chapter, led by Dr. Weeden F. Fofue; and the Office of Vice Mayor Nolasco.

Project BITUIN also highlighted the participation of dental clinics that helped fund the health kits, including BesTeeth Smile Projects Dental Clinic from Mandaluyong City, KDC Dental Services from Nueva Vizcaya, and SMILExpert Dental Clinic from Cebu City.

Their participation showed that the project opened opportunities for partners from different places to contribute to the well-being of a community. It also reflected that the spirit of Rotary knows no geographical bounds.

Meanwhile, the art materials were donated by SQI Group Int’l. Corp., while the snacks were provided by Kangkong King.

With the support of its partners, ReCASC hopes to continue bringing similar activities to more families through Project BITUIN.