De Lima files bill declaring Feb. 23 as 'National Rotary Day'

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has filed a measure declaring February 23 of every year as a special working holiday in recognition of the invaluable role of the Rotary Club of the Philippines to humanitarian and community service in the country.

De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1986 which seeks to declare February 23 as a special working holiday to be known as "National Rotary Day Act."

"The Rotary Club showed us commendable dedication to service and exemplary commitment to the country," she said.

"In keeping with the untiring support of Rotary Club, this bill proposes the declaration of February 23 [a]s the National Rotary Day, as a fitting acknowledgement of the magnitude of contributions made by the organization towards the betterment and development of the country in terms of socio-economic programs and services," she added.

The Rotary Club of the Philippines is a local chapter of Rotary International in the Filipino community which is known to be the first Rotary Club in Asia.

De Lima noted that it takes actions on multiple projects inclined with six missions, namely: promoting peace, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, helping grow local economies and fighting diseases.

In fighting diseases, the Rotary Club of the Philippines has been widely recognized for helping victims battle with Polio - a crippling disease -- by giving vaccinations in the Philippines since 1979. It has since helped 6 million children.

To date, there are around 800 Rotary Clubs in the country which continue to uphold the abovementioned missions.

The Chairperson of the Senate committee on social justice, welfare and rural development said she hopes the measure becomes a law because the "selfless service" offered by the Rotary Club of the Philippines to the Filipinos is worth recognizing.

"It has been continuing its dedication towards selfless service for the people for almost 99 years now and has been changing and improving the lives of many ever since," she said.

Despite her continued unjust detention by the vindictive Duterte regime, De Lima has remained very active in drafting legislative measures aimed at promoting the welfare and protecting the rights of the Filipino people.