RA 11148 Or the First 1000 Days Law is in Full Support by Kiwanis Club Mckinley

The Kiwanis Club of Mckinley for their “Baby Shower” Series. The concept is based on the passage of RA 11148 or the First 1000 Days Law provides the enabling environment for the sustained provision of critical early child care interventions for the first 1000 days of a child's life, for optimal growth and development.

The activities includes; Health Check Up, Feeding Program, Provisions of Vitamins and Medicines, Grooming and Health & Wellness Talks among others. The activity is for the span of almost 3 years from the conception up to 2 years of a child. 

KC Mckinley was established last August 1, 2021 and now headed by Dr. Rocaya Vanessa Mangondato of Taguig. The Baby Shower Series is her project and focus on the indigent expectant mothers and parents at Marawi Compound in The Muslim Community in Maharlika, Taguig. 

For the pampering session, Reyes Haircutters with 70 branches nationwide provides Hair & Make Up and Manicure and Pedicure courtesy of the founder and CEO, Les Reyes with the assistance of Division 3A under Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District. The club provides fresh fruits also to all participants. Some mothers gave birth already and some are still pregnant. 

Last time, the division provided skincare for the mothers and contributed in the gift giving for them. The project started October 2023 and Dr. Rocaya is hoping that the next President will continue the project.

The first 1,000 days refers to a child's life from the moment they are conceived until they reach 2 years of age (24 months). This is a time when their brain, body and immune system grows and develops significantly. During pregnancy, your health, nutrition and stress levels can have an effect on your baby's future.

Philippine Luzon District brought home the bacon making them more inspired to care for the children worldwide

As what Belle Garcia put it as the chair of the recently concluded 48th Kiwanis Asia Pacific Convention (ASPAC), “Mission Accomplished! and was successfully done last March 16 to 18, 2023 at Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson, Malaysia.”

Kiwanians all over the world joined forces to attend the ASPAC which is a yearly event with trainings offered and elections of officers. 

The opening ceremony was graced and made the event more successful by the presence of her Royal Highness DYMM TUNKU AMPUAN BESAR NEGERI SEMBILAN TUANKU AISHAH ROHANI BINTI ALMARHUM TENGKU BESAR MAHMU. As per Belle, her royal presence has made the occasion extra special. 

The House of Delegates had elected the following officers for the Admin Year 2023-2024

Chair (Designate) Sujan Shrestha, Chair Elect Huang Wu Tien, Vice Chair Michelle Cordioli and KI Trustee (3 year term) Chang Ching Hsu

The Philippine Luzon District with more than 120 club members who attended the event in Malaysia and won multiple competition that includes the best booth and the cultural dance. Other districts that won the competitions were Japan for Best Service Project while Taiwan as the runner up. Truly success can only be achieved with handwork. For months, Maria Luisa Pel, the chair of the cultural dance together with the performers worked and rehearsed tirelessly for the dance moves and usually hold the practices at The Manila Hotel with the support of Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas who provided the venue and food. Governor Elect Glenda Hufano also provided food for the performers. 

The Keynote Speaker was Zy Ker Lee who is a Malaysian Paralympian Swimmer. He shared his life journey and it made the hearts of the guests melt and eyes in tears according to the ASPAC Chair. 

“The book “Walking without Legs” which was written by his father Walter Lee was truly motivating and inspiring.”- Belle Garcia 

Che Almendras has been highlighted also and called to be on stage for her contribution and as part in the administration’s initiatives in “Leadership in Technology”, the ASPAC Virtual Office that was launched also during the opening of the event. 

According to Belle, “Kiwanians and guests made an effort to come to the Cowboy Night (opening dinner) and Beach Global Party (closing dinner) with their complete costumes and attire.  The fun and prolific events started with a Dragon dance and ended with a fireworks display.”

“Lastly, please accept my sincerest thanks to all of you - the Organizing Committee, District Governors, KI officers and staff, the members of the Executive Board and most specially the convention delegates who made the convention a success.”- Belle Garcia 

The next convention will be in Australia for the 49th Asia Pacific and will be on March 2024 where the upcoming Governor, Glenda Hufano is part of the board and will sit as the head of PLD on that time.

Governor Elect Glenda Hufano Together with PLD performers Enthralled the Kiwanians in Malaysia

If you’re going to check one of the characteristics of a leader, one is definitely and undoubtedly with a charm. Aside from being smart, capable and always has a ready  smile. Glenda Veloria Hufano who was also one of the cultural performer during the recent 48th Asia Pacific Convention in Port Dickson, Malaysia was congratulated by Kiwanians from all over Asia and the USA, praising her for the exceptional cultural dance performance showcasing 4 different local dance in the Philippines. 

The dance presentation from Philippine Luzon District, was based on the following concept:

Banga: is a earthen pot made of clay that can be round or spherical jar used for fetching water. 

Salisid: A courtship dance that symbolizes a rooster trying to attract of the attention of a hen. 

Ragragsakan dance: is an adaption of a tradition in which Kalinga women gather and prepare for a peace pact. 

Sinulog” means “graceful dance”, Sinulog is held in celebration of one of the country's most famous historic relics: the Santo Niño de Cebú.

Donned a dark blue gown with a crown, Glenda as a leader showed her other side as one of the females who tirelessly rehearsed multiple times at The Manila Hotel to perfect the dance number and won against New Zealand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, India and Nepal. 

Glenda was also presented together with the upcoming governors in Asia Pacific as part of the Board of Trustees for 2023-2024 event. Some of the performers this year includes Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Daisy Anzures, Dolly Mapili, Venessa Noda and Ezelle Theresa Alvarez Gascon who are all under her division. 

The Asia Pacific Convention under Kiwanis International is a yearly celebration by the members from different parts of the globe with the objective to improve the welfare of the indigent children and statistically provides more than 150,000 service projects annually globally. Glenda is the upcoming Governor that will lead  over 5000 members nationwide which comprises 27 divisions.

Rising Tiger—Atty. Arnel Mateo goes by the rule Right People Is Imperative In Business

As a young businessman, he believes that mentoring and inspiring employees are essential for the success of any enterprise. 

“It is important to choose the right people who are willing to learn, who are not afraid to take calculated risks, and who are willing to embrace the company’s core values.”

 

As a leader, he advocates for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He believes that any organization or business for that matter will grow if it welcomes people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Everyone should be given equal opportunity to express their thoughts, share their talents, and lead a project. Everyone in a group should feel that their presence, ideas, and contributions are appreciated and valued.

 

In life, he believes that we measure happiness and success with how others become because of you. Prior to getting married, ARNEL was a professor of business and law in several universities and colleges. He takes pride that most of his students are now successful lawyers, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.

 

He is a Rotarian, a member of the Rotary Foundation’s Arch Klumph Society, and an active member of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Quezon City where he currently holds the position as its Executive Vice-President.

 

A loving husband and father, ARNEL always find time to spend quality moments and activities with his family.

Atty. Arnel Mateo (ARNEL) is a recognized data privacy and protection lawyer. He is currently the President & CEO of ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting Inc. (ADM & Partners), one of Philippines’ leading data privacy firms and one of the institutional privacy trainers accredited by the National Privacy Commission. Established in 2017, ADM & Partners provides data privacy protection, compliance and legal services to several government offices and private business organizations.

 

A lawyer, litigator by profession, and a career service professional, ARNEL is also the Vice-President for Legal at SPD Jobs Inc. (SPD), a leading service contracting/staffing company in the Philippines which is already twenty-six (26) years in the industry.

Los Baños Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Kiwanis Club of Los Baños for “FEB-IBIG SA BAHAY NI MARIA”

 Los Banos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LBCCI) headed by President Grace Bondad Nicolas with CSR Committee Chair Carmen Garan in participation with Kiwanis Club of Los Banos(KCLB) headed by President Mike Benito celebrated “FEB- IBIG SA BAHAY NI MARIA.”

Bahay ni Maria, a Foundation located at St. Joseph Cardinal Village, Brgy. Sampiruhan, Calamba City is managed by a Missionary Sisters of our Lady of Fatima. The foundation is not only a house for the elderly but also a home for the abandoned and mistreated women and children with special needs. 

 LBCCI and KCLB shared some blessings with the elderly as they celebrated February the month of love. According to Carmen Garan, CSR Committee Chair from LBCCI and also past president of Kiwanis Club of Los Baños, “We exerted effort to reach out to these elderly with disabilities because they were also integral part of our society. We need to interact on personal level and not just provide donations because we need to understand that they also have emotional and psychological needs.”

 As a simple act of kindness and sharing of blessing, the organisation  brought a big joy to their heart as can be seen in their overwhelming smiles. 

“We enjoyed the moment as we shared the precious moment with them with smiles. We entertained and at the same time we were also entertained with our short program by joining them in dancing and singing.”- Carmen Garan 

After the program, Sister Immaculate lead the prayer for the blessing of the food. Jollibee meals was served and prepared by LBCCI. The volunteers shared more donations like rice, US goodies from Garan family, Bathroom toiletries and milk from KCLB. 

The elders inside Bahay ni Maria were truly blessed for they are fully taken cared of by Missionary Sisters of our Lady of Fatima.

         

Sister Immaculate, one of the missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima who have been managing and taking care of the elders at Bahay ni Maria said, “We are indeed thankful to LBCCI and KCLB for sharing time and effort to visit to bring Love, Care and Joy to Bahay ni Maria”

“Great gratitude to my Kiwanis family who joined today with this meaningful cause…Pres. Mike Benito, Pp Allan Villegas, Sec. Florence Villa, Coach Ernie and Sis Sonny Tababa.”- Carmen Garan

Kiwanis from BGC McKinley applied the 1000 Days Law with a Baby Shower Activities in their community

The passage of Republic Act 11148 or the First 1000 Days Law provides the enabling environment for the sustained provision of critical early child care interventions for the first 1000 days of a child's life, for optimal growth and development for the goodness of the future of the children and the country. 

Kiwanis International, Philippine Luzon District, Division 3A, KC McKinley applied the RA 11148 in their activities or one of their signature projects headed by its President, Dr. Rocaya Vanessa Mangondato. She started with 20 expectant mothers this year and on its 2nd check up today, February 22, 2023 at Marawi Street in Maharlika Village, Taguig and attended by the head of the division, Lieutenant Governor, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas. 

Dr. Rocaya did a much needed check up to these expectant mothers, discussed what to do to be healthy, gave gifts and snacks. Her club under Kiwanis called this activity, “Baby Shower.” The monitoring started the moment the expectant mothers reported in her clinic. All check ups are free of charge that includes also giving free vitamins. The program is every two months but there’s also monthly consultations. 

The first 1,000 days refers to a child's life from the moment they are conceived until they reach 2 years of age (24 months). This is a time when their brain, body and immune system grows and develops significantly.  According to Atty. Joey Lina who is the chairman of an Alliance to fight malnutrition or Child’s first 1000 days coalition, it is very important to monitor the health of the mother and the child. 

According to experts, during pregnancy, the health, nutrition and stress levels of the mother can have an effect on baby’s future. According to Grace Bondad Nicolas, who had a nutritionist when she’s pregnant with twins, after the baby is born, their physical environment, nutrition and relationships can have a lifelong impact on their health and wellbeing.

In their first 1,000 days, the baby will need healthy food, time to play, loving relationships, safety and security and a healthy environment.

Glenda Hufano: Hailed as Hero for helping the children of the world with Unity, Transparency and Integrity

Okada Manila—Side by side with other leaders from different industries, award winning entrepreneur and civic leader, Glenda V. Hufano was hailed as one of the honorees under Asia’s Modern Hero Awards last February 17, 2023. 

More than 300 guests attended the event to celebrate these heroes as bestowed by the board of judges. Ms. Hufano is the incoming Governor of Kiwanis International, Philippine Luzon District to lead the more than 4500 members. 

Awardees includes Dante “Klink” Ang of The Manila Times and received by his brother, Consul Micheal Ang. Other notable guest was General Kerby Brion Kraft who was from Calauan, Laguna and former Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director with perfect 10 rating under then Mayor Sara Duterte. 

Rising Tigers Magazine Managing Director, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas attended the festivity to support Glenda with Kiwanis Club of Manila Bay President Ezelle Gascon. 

Congressman Lordan Gualberto Suan is also one of the honorees and from Cagayan De Oro City's First District. 

Kiwanis clubs are advocating to help the indigent children and is existing in the Philippines for more than 50 years. To continue its advocacy, it needs people with genuine concern for others. It needs leaders who have the heart, as well as the strength to take swift action, armed with integrity, genuine care and solid determination, all traits of a true-blooded Kiwanian.

With her track record in the Kiwanis community, then and now, it’s undoubtedly, the Governor elect Glenda Hufano will not just be an icon in Philippine Luzon District but also internationally soon after. 

Glenda in her tenure is pushing for for Unity, Transparency and Integrity. Ms. Hufano has been a Kiwanis Club President for 4 consecutive years and a Lieutenant Governor for 2019-2020. She got several awards and citations from different organizations here and abroad. She helped and support most of Kiwanis organizations in different clubs in the Philippines. High decision-making skill is one of Ms. Hufano’s outstanding traits on top of being a reliable and trustworthy individual. 

Ms. Glenda Hufano, a mother of 4 young professionals, is someone to trust a position with, for everything that she does, she lifts it up with the Lord. She believes on Isaiah 49:23: “She who trusts in the Lord will never be disappointed” 

Kiwanis International according to it’s website was established in 1915 at Detroit, Michigan. Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, we stand with more than 600,000 members from K-Kids to Key Club to Kiwanis and many ages in between in more than 80 countries. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and offering guidance. Kiwanis clubs host nearly 150,000 service projects each year.