CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a strong demonstration of Rotary International’s commitment to service, the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro and the Rotary Club of Makati, in partnership with the local government of Cagayan de Oro City, have launched a transformative program aimed at empowering adolescent mothers. The initiative, titled “Empowering Adolescent Mothers and Their Children in the First 1,000 Days,” was officially introduced on March 1, 2025, at the City Hall Quadrangle.
The event was marked by a memorandum of agreement signing and the turnover of ₱300,000 in funding to kickstart the program. With a focus on education, job training, and employment opportunities, the initiative is set to benefit 50 young mothers, equipping them with essential skills and support to overcome financial hardships and enhance their quality of life.
Neil Ronard J. Que, President of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro, underscored the organization’s dedication to fostering resilience among the youth. “Rotary stands for service above self, and through this initiative, we are giving young mothers the tools they need to rebuild their lives. Challenges will come, but with the right support, they can seize new opportunities,” he remarked.
Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando A. Uy, represented by City Administrator Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas, expressed gratitude for Rotary’s involvement in addressing teenage pregnancy and its impact on communities. “This partnership ensures that young mothers and their children receive the support they need to secure a brighter future,” he stated.
Rotary International has long been at the forefront of humanitarian initiatives, and this latest endeavor aligns with its mission to uplift communities and create lasting change. With teenage pregnancy remaining a pressing concern in the Philippines, programs like this serve as vital interventions in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing young mothers with a path toward independence and success.
