Press Release
December 9, 2018

Senate panel pushes for 'National Rotary Day' every Feb. 23

The Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development has reported out a measure declaring February 23 of every year as a special working holiday in recognition of the Rotary Club of the Philippines' commendable efforts and service.

Senator Leila M. de Lima, Committee Chairperson, has submitted for plenary debate her Committee Report No. 519 which seeks to declare February 23 of every year as a special working holiday to be known as "National Rotary Day Act."

"For almost 99 years now, the Rotary Club of the Philippines has provided socio-economic programs and services for the well-being of the Filipino people and the development of the country," she said.

"The selfless services it has offered to the Filipinos is worth recognizing and should not go unnoticed," 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, focusing on promoting peace, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, helping grow local economies and fighting diseases.

It has been widely recognized for helping victims battle with the crippling disease polio by giving vaccinations in the Philippines. Since it began its effort to eradicate polio in the country in 1979, the organization has successfully reduced polio cases by 99.9%.

The Senator from Bicol lauded Rotary Club for living up to its motto of "Service Above Self" through different activities, including vocational services, done not only in the country but also abroad.

"The Rotary Club's dedication towards selfless service is indeed commendable. That's why I have high hopes that my esteemed colleagues help the National Rotary Day Act be passed into law," she said.

Despite her continued unjust detention by the vindictive Duterte regime, De Lima has remained very active in drafting legislative measures, maintaining that no amount of bogus charges filed against her can prevent her from stepping up her role as a duly-elected Senator of the Republic.

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