The Zonta Club of Macajalar Bay, Philippines, the newest club under District 17, Area 3, has officially launched a series of community development initiatives as it prepares for its official chartering.
Comprised of women leaders from the medical, government, business and academic sectors, the club is deploying three targeted programs focused on educational literacy, economic empowerment and youth mental wellness.
To promote literacy in remote and underserved communities, the club has launched a book donation campaign that provides storybooks and educational materials to public schools and community centers, helping foster a culture of reading while giving new life to pre-loved books.
At the same time, the club has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Children’s Progressive School (led by Directress Corabel Diel), and City Councilor Imee Rose Moreno to sponsor a Bread and Pastry Production NC II training program. This intensive 18-to-23-day course equips local women with 140 to 182 hours of hands-on culinary instruction, business fundamentals and a national certification to confidently launch independent food businesses.
Finally, the club introduced its "Play It Forward" Pickleball Grassroots Program to promote physical activity and mental wellness among high school students. Led by Badminton World Federation Level 2 Coach and Shuttle Time Teacher Jen Cayetano, the initiative encourages physical fitness, teamwork, character development and social connection through sport.
"Our interim officers and prospective members are turning passion into actionable service," the club committee stated in a joint release. "As we transition toward our formal chartering, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that women’s rights are recognized as human rights."
The sports clinics serve 30 to 50 children ages 7 to 15 and are implemented in partnership with the local Barangay Council, the Department of Education, local sports organizations, parents, volunteers and Higala Pickleball.
Through these combined efforts, the club aims to instill confidence in local youth while establishing a solid grassroots foundation for future community-based development programs.