Honoring Bravery and Fostering Peace: Rotary-PEFTOK World Understanding & Peace Day

The Rotary-PEFTOK World Understanding & Peace Day celebrated the heroism and sacrifice of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) veterans, who served during the Korean War from 1950 to 1955 and helped strengthen Philippine-Korea relations.

Held on February 22–23, 2026, the event extended support to the veterans’ families and residents of Brgy. Pinagsama through a wide range of health, livelihood, and educational initiatives.

The program opened with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, led by DG Veronica Yu and DG Kim Yong Keun, with active participation from Districts 3780 and 3680.

The event was made possible by a dedicated team of Rotarians from Districts 3680 and 3780, medical professionals, volunteers, Brgy. staff, and community partners. Key contributors included PEFTOK reservists, dental and TB screening teams, livelihood and job fair facilitators, food and coffee service staff, Anlene and Avon teams, scholars and their families, veterans, and local PNP and Brgy. tanod personnel, all working together to ensure a successful and impactful program.

Key Beneficiaries and Services

• Scholars: 4

• Wheelchair recipients: 10

• Medical consultations with prescribed medicines: 161

• Vision screenings: 102

• Cataract screenings: 30

• X-rays: 27

• ECGs: 56

• Laboratory tests: 101

• TB screenings with X-rays: 11

• Dental services: 18

• Bone scanning by Anlene: 280
  
  

Livelihood and Community Support

• Avon livelihood opportunities: 18

• Reyes Haircutters participants: 78

• Food and baking programs (siomai, longganisa, and baking): 250

• Job fair participants: 13
  
  

Rotary Club of New Manila East Contributions

The Rotary Club of New Manila East provided the Mobile Clinic for TB screenings in partnership with Alay Buhay Community Development Foundation Inc. The club also served free coffee for attendees and hosted the fellowship dinner, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all participants.

Through these initiatives, Rotary not only honored the veterans but also empowered the community by providing essential healthcare, educational support, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The Rotary-PEFTOK World Understanding & Peace Day is a testament to the enduring spirit of service, bridging generations and fostering lasting peace and understanding between nations.