Rotary Week 2026 Marks 121st Founding Anniversary in District-Wide Celebration to “Unite for Good”

Rotary International District 3860 officially kicks off Rotary Week 2026 on February 23, commemorating the 121st Founding Anniversary of Rotary International. Anchored on the theme “Unite for Good,” the week-long celebration will run until March 1, 2026, bringing together Rotary clubs across the district in a synchronized series of humanitarian projects and service initiatives with fellowship activities.

Rotary Week is a district-wide effort designed to highlight Rotary’s ongoing commitment to community development. It is anchored on Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus—peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community economic development, and protecting the environment.

District Governor Angel “Jong” G. Fernandez Jr. of Rotary Year 2025–2026 emphasized that Rotary Week serves as a meaningful reminder of Rotary’s collective identity and purpose.

“It is an especially fitting time to celebrate who we are as Rotarians. We highlight the service we render and demonstrate together, and the impact we create as a living expression of unity and joy in serving our communities,” Fernandez said. “This year’s Rotary Week aims for a district-wide celebration that is aligned, inclusive, and impactful.”

Each club is encouraged to implement at least one activity through district-wide collaborations, area-led projects, or independently organized club initiatives. Existing projects may also be highlighted as Rotary Week activities, reinforcing that what matters most is participation and measurable community impact.

Planning and coordination are led by Rotary Week Overall Chair PAG Rey Lyndon Lawas of the Rotary Club of Dumaguete East, with Area Rotary Week Chairs overseeing activities across the district’s three major areas: Area 1, chaired by PAG Vic Vosotros (Rotary Club of Cebu West); Area 2, chaired by PP Ish Tan (Rotary Club of Central Davao); and Area 3, chaired by PAG Jeff Honculada (Rotary Club of Uptown Butuan).

Rotary Week 2026 will feature major service activities that reflect Rotary’s commitment to education, health, livelihood, and family-centered community building.

Highlighted Projects and Community Events

Among the highlighted events is Frontline Defense: A Comprehensive Look at Rabies Prevention, scheduled on February 25, 2026, at the Brgy. Bulacao Talisay City Multi-Purpose Hall. The initiative strengthens local response and awareness through a dual-track learning approach that addresses both human and animal aspects of rabies prevention. Target beneficiaries include barangay health workers, purok leaders, tanods, and first responders.

Another key project is the Unang Lakang Aklat Project 2.0, an education and literacy initiative happening on February 26, 2026, at the Paknaan Barangay Hall, led by the Rotary Club of Banilad Metro and Rotary Club of Cebu Port Centre in partnership with the Book Club of Mandaue City Comprehensive High School. The project includes storytelling and interactive learning activities for 180 daycare pupils, along with a book donation turnover for Barangay Paknaan.

To support employment and workforce development, Rotary Week will also feature Trabaho Fair 2026 on February 28, 2026, at SM Seaside City Cebu (Cube Wing Atrium). The job fair connects jobseekers with employers and provides access to skills training and livelihood opportunities, supporting both immediate employment and long-term economic empowerment.

Community-centered celebrations also include Rotary Family Day, set on February 28, 2026, at the MCWD Family Park – The Pavilion, with the theme “Strong Families, Strong Communities, Unite for Good.” 

Culminating on March 1, Rotary Week 2026 ends with a day dedicated to fellowship-oriented activities for Rotarians and their families, together with their partner communities.

Through Rotary Week, Rotary International District 3860 continues to strengthen its role as a community partner, convenor, and catalyst for service—bringing together individuals, institutions, and organizations to deliver meaningful projects that uplift lives.

Rotary International is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. It is composed of professionals and community leaders dedicated to addressing the most pressing needs of society through service, leadership, and global fellowship.

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ROTARY WEEK 2026 MEDIA BRIEFER

Community Projects and Major Events

Rotary International District 3860

February 23 – March 1, 2026

Theme: “Unite for Good”

Kick-off: February 23 (Rotary International Founding Anniversary)

Culmination: March 1 (Fellowship / Family / Sports-oriented activities)

The Rotary Week is a synchronized district-wide celebration designed to highlight Rotary’s service projects across the region, anchored on Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus:

• Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention

• Disease Prevention and Treatment

• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

• Maternal and Child Health

• Basic Education and Literacy

• Community Economic Development

• Protecting the Environment

Rotary Week 2026 is led by District Governor Angel “Jong” G. Fernandez Jr., with district-wide planning and coordination supported by the Rotary Week Overall Chair and Area Rotary Week Chairs.

Rotary International District 3860 is composed of Rotary clubs across Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, parts of Mindanao, and Eastern Visayas.

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1)         FRONTLINE DEFENSE: A COMPREHENSIVE LOOK AT RABIES PREVENTION

ROTARY AREA OF FOCUS: Disease Prevention & Treatment

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Venue: Brgy. Bulacao Talisay City Multi-Purpose Hall

Project Overview

Frontline Defense: A Comprehensive Look at Rabies Prevention is a localized and targeted community health initiative designed to strengthen rabies prevention awareness and response. The program empowers barangay leaders and frontline responders with practical knowledge on how to handle bite incidents, respond to inquiries, and coordinate with proper medical and veterinary protocols.

Target Beneficiaries

• Barangay Health Workers (BHWs)

• Purok Leaders / Tanods

• Local first responders

Key Learning Tracks / Speakers

• Clinical Insights (Human Aspect): Evelyn Alesna, MD, FPCP, FPSMID

• Veterinary Protocol (Animal Aspect): Dr. Hanilu Galvan, Veterinarian

• Local Government Input: Dr. Ma. Cristine Hope Ibañez Dejadena, Talisay City Veterinarian

Program Flow

8:30 – 9:00 AM Registration and Seating

9:00 – 9:20 AM Introductory and Preliminary Matters

9:20 – 10:00 AM Human Aspect (Clinical Insights)

10:00 – 10:30 AM Animal Aspect (Veterinary Protocol)

10:30 – 11:00 AM LGU Input: City Veterinary Mandate and Initiatives

11:00 – 11:20 AM Q&A and Distribution of Snacks

11:20 – 11:30 AM Certificate Distribution and Closing

Stakeholders / Partners

• Government agencies

• Private institutions and/or individuals

Rotary’s Role

Rotary members lead the overall event planning and coordination, ensuring strong collaboration with partner agencies, mobilizing participants, securing speakers and sponsors, and managing documentation and reporting.

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2)         UNANG LAKANG AKLAT PROJECT 2.0

ROTARY AREA OF FOCUS: Basic Education & Literacy

Date/Time: February 26, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Venue: Paknaan Barangay Hall

Lead Clubs: Rotary Club of Banilad Metro & Rotary Club of Cebu Port Centre

Partner: Book Club of Mandaue City Comprehensive High School

Project Overview

The Unang Lakang Aklat Project 2.0 is a literacy and education initiative designed to nurture early reading habits among young learners through storytelling, interactive learning activities, and book donations. The project promotes joyful learning experiences while strengthening long-term access to reading materials within the community.

Beneficiaries

• 180 Day Care Pupils (Event Day Participants)

• Barangay Paknaan (Book Donation Recipient)

Project Objectives

• Encourage early reading habits among children

• Provide access to books and educational materials

• Create engaging literacy experiences through storytelling and creative activities

• Strengthen partnerships between Rotary and youth-led organizations

• Promote community involvement in education initiatives

Program Highlights

Activities include storytelling sessions, interactive “read with kids” segments, creative art workshops, energizers, trivia games, and the formal turnover of book donations.

Expected Impact

• Strengthened literacy foundation among daycare pupils

• Increased access to reading resources within the barangay

• Greater youth participation in community service

• Reinforced Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self across generation

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3)         TRABAHO FAIR 2026

ROTARY AREA OF FOCUS: Community Economic Development

Date/Time: February 28, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Venue: SM Seaside City Cebu, Cube Wing Atrium

Project Overview

Trabaho Fair 2026 is an economic development initiative that connects jobseekers with employers while also providing access to skills training and livelihood opportunities. It aims to support workforce development by creating a centralized space where employment and government services can be accessed efficiently.

Target Beneficiaries

• Fresh graduates

• First-time job seekers

• Unemployed individuals

• Individuals seeking skills upgrading and livelihood opportunities

Event Components

• Employer / Job Fair booths

• Training and skills development centers

• Livelihood providers and entrepreneurship support

Stakeholders / Partners

• Private companies and employers

• Training institutions

• Livelihood providers

• Government agencies

• Rotary Clubs and volunteers

Rotary’s Role

Rotary leads event coordination, logistics management, volunteer mobilization, and partnership building with government agencies such as PESO. Rotary also ensures safe crowd management, accessibility, and proper documentation of outcomes.

Success Indicators / Expected Results

• Number of hires

• Number of registrants for skills and livelihood training

• Number of successful government registrations (SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, BIR, PSA)

Employer Requirements (for Participation)

• Business Permit 2026 (or 2025 permit with proof of renewal in process)

• Proof of PhilJobNet registration

• BIR Certificate

• SEC Registration

• Updated list of vacancies

Deadline for Submission: On or before January 30, 2026

Submission Email: qfn.externalrelations@gmail.com

Key Contacts

• Frederick Rizon – 0917 625 9463

• Joslyn Canon – 0917 300 5639

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4)         ROTARY FAMILY DAY

ROTARY AREA OF FOCUS: Maternal & Child Health / Fellowship

Date: February 28, 2026

Venue: MCWD Family Park – The Pavilion

Theme: “Strong Families, Strong Communities, Unite for Good”

Event Overview

Rotary Family Day is a fellowship-centered celebration held during Rotary Week that emphasizes family unity, nurturing relationships, and the vital role families play in building strong communities. It reflects Rotary’s belief that service begins at home, and that strong families are essential foundations for healthy, compassionate societies.

Aligned with Rotary’s focus on Maternal and Child Health, the event promotes positive parenting, emotional wellness, and healthy family environments while strengthening fellowship among Rotary members and clubs.

Program Flow

8:30 – 9:00 AM Registration & Welcome Refreshments

9:00 – 9:20 AM Opening Ceremony

9:20 – 9:40 AM Icebreaker Family Activity

9:40 – 10:30 AM Family Bonding Activity Stations

10:30 – 11:00 AM Snack Break

11:00 AM – 12:00 NN Maternal & Child Health Awareness Session

12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch & Fellowship

1:00 – 2:00 PM Outdoor Fun Activities

2:00 – 2:30 PM Talent Showcase

2:30 – 3:00 PM Recognition

3:00 – 3:15 PM Closing Ceremony and Group Photo

Closing Remarks: District Governor Angel “Jong” G. Fernandez Jr.