Our experience with Lions International highlights the profound impact of community service and collaboration. Immersing ourselves in Pampanga on January 11 allowed us to engage with diverse cultures and beliefs, enriching our understanding of the communities we serve.
Collaborating with the Baguio and Friends Family Lions Club, our “soulmate club,” emphasizes the strength of partnerships in conducting meaningful missions. Such joint efforts not only enhance outreach but also foster deeper connections among clubs, ultimately benefiting those in need. Our commitment to serving hard-to-reach areas exemplifies the core values of Lions International.
The Cavite ASMEPPS Lions Club PMJF, along with Saint Francis of Assisi College LC PMJF, left Bacoor early in the morning to meet the Baguio Family and Friends LC PMJF at Sunday Haven Hotel. From there, we traveled for an hour to Sitio Target (Sapangbato), Angeles, Pampanga.
We drove to the site on a rough road where only 4×4 vehicles were allowed. Thanks to BFF’s, who provided vehicles and arranged rented vehicles for the rest of our delegates, including students and faculty from Immaculate Conception Academy, who also donated goods for this activity. After almost 20 minutes of travel, the chieftain briefed us on the activities for the afternoon.
We started to group them for service activities such as diabetes screening, blood pressure monitoring, dental hygiene, storytelling, and the distribution of clothes, canned goods, rice, blankets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and farm tools to almost 150 individuals.
It was a heartwarming experience to see their faces full of laughter while receiving the items we shared. Although we were tired from the trip from Cavite and Baguio, everyone moved with gladness in providing services to the minority sector of our society, the Aetas.
After three hours of activity, we headed back to our hotel to prepare for a simple dinner with our twin club. Our clubs had been established for five years and have both received various recognitions despite being young.
Along with our other twin clubs, BFFLC is the closest to our hearts as our history is almost identical. Both clubs have been recognized for our contributions in our respective Districts 301-C (Northern Luzon) and 301-A2 (NCR, South Luzon, Bicol, Mindoro, and Palawan).
We are happy about our clubs’ participation at the district level, wherein their past president, Lion Ralph Yambao, is currently the SVDG and will be its District Governor in 2026. His wife, Lady Pres Steffi, has also been appointed as District Officer. Despite just recovering from childbirth a few months back, she is again active in community service, tagging along with their months-old baby.
For our part, most of our officers and members have joined the cabinet of District 301-A2 with Ln Prof. Eloisa Olivera as Cabinet Secretary and Charter President Ln Celia Rasing as her Deputy. Dr. Santos Castillo was Zone Chair and is currently Director for Campus Clubs, and Dr. Janet De Guzman is Director for Special Projects. My lovely wife, Ln China Marie Deferia, was appointed as Zone Chair for Bacoor A this LY.
The dinner night rekindled our friendship and camaraderie. Present during the dinner were Baguio Family and Friends PMJF LC members Pres. Steffi Anne Bautista, SVDG Ralph Eduardo Yambao, Lions Amyliza Caburian, Christian David Alacar, Jhonel Medina, Arnel Guevarra, Dave Flores, Jericho Collado, Guen Velasco, Jairus John, Yana Gail Castillo, Rosalie Crocket, Blessy Fernandez, Cristina Lappao, Nelson Lappao, Monika Macadangdang, Richard Tamayo, Alice Tamayo, Sherwin De Guzman, Kourkinah Martin, Christel Calinao, Josh Baguindoc, Lawrence De Vera, Phoebe Polagon and Simon Gayado.
From the Cavite ASMEPPS and Saint Francis delegates were Pres. Dexter Deferia, Pres. China Marie Deferia, PZC Dr. Santos Castillo, Ln Mary Castillo, CDS Ln Eloisa E. Olivera, DDS CP Celia Rasing, PP Dr. Janet De Guzman, SVP Estrella Serapon, Sec. Jerome Benedict Alipasa, Lions Chit Esquilon, Cynthia DG-Alba, Osmund Deferia, Erika Rowena Deferia, Doland Dominguez, Razil Arnigo. ||
