Two Rotary Clubs Unite for TARIPATO, Celebrating Inclusion Through Music, Art, and Community

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro and the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier came together on July 4, 2026, to celebrate inclusion, creativity, and the limitless potential of learners with special needs through TARIPATO, a culminating celebration held at the East City Central School Covered Court.

Conducted as the Rotary International District 3870 kick-off initiative of District Governor Maureen Cacabelos, TARIPATO derives its name from the Ilocano word meaning deep, protective care—a fitting theme for a celebration centered on nurturing, encouraging, and empowering every learner.

The event also marked the culmination of Project POSSIBLE: A Strengths and Talents Showcase for Learners with Special Needs, a service initiative of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier under Rotary International's Area of Focus on Supporting Education. Implemented in partnership with East City Central School, the project provided learners with opportunities to develop their talents through workshops in Arts and Crafts, Food Preparation, and Music and Movement. While Project POSSIBLE laid the foundation, TARIPATO became the joyful celebration of everything the learners had accomplished.

The afternoon program opened with welcome remarks from Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier President Mae Grace Siao, who thanked the learners, families, teachers, volunteers, sponsors, and both Rotary clubs for making the celebration possible. Serving as masters of ceremonies were Marlon Arabaca and Atty. Maybelle Abogado-Quilnat, who guided the audience through an afternoon filled with inspiring performances and heartfelt moments.

Among the highlights of the celebration were the performances prepared by the learners themselves. Learners Vianne and Angel delighted the audience with their rendition of "Golden" from the global Netflix hit K-Pop Demon Hunters, while participants from the Music and Movement workshop energized the crowd with a dance performance to "Soda Pop," also from the film. The performances reflected weeks of practice, teamwork, and growing confidence developed throughout the workshop sessions.

Following the performances, Past President Maria Teresa Sarraga-Malawani, Project Chair of Project POSSIBLE, shared the story behind the initiative before inviting everyone to view the accompanying art exhibit. Families were pleasantly surprised to learn that while printed reproductions of the learners' artworks were displayed at East City Central School for the celebration, the original artworks had been exhibited simultaneously at the fifth floor of SM Downtown Premier, allowing the young artists' creations to be appreciated by an even wider audience.

The celebration continued with the presentation of Certificates of Achievement to all participating learners by Presidents Mae Grace Siao and Noel Dajao, together with Mr. Peejey C. Cagara, Assistant Principal of East City Central School, who accepted a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Principal Ms. Maria Del T. Magallano.

Recognizing the important role families play in every learner's success, each participating family also received grocery packs as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support throughout the project.

The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro and the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier likewise turned over gifts to the school's SNED class, including art supplies and a portable speaker with microphones, ensuring that the learners and teachers would have resources to continue nurturing creativity, music, and self-expression even after the formal conclusion of the project.

The afternoon became even more memorable as every learner received a Happy Meal, followed by a surprise appearance from beloved mascots and characters courtesy of Kiddie Korner, filling the covered court with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable smiles.

The success of TARIPATO was made possible through the collective efforts of East City Central School's dedicated SNED teachers, Teacher Sheba Mae E. Walag and Teacher Shalom Joy S. Magno, together with the support of volunteers, parents, Rotarians, and generous project partners. The two clubs also expressed their gratitude to Del Monte Philippines, Inc., SM Downtown Premier, New Leaf Bread, Technomart, Kiddie Korner, G8 Marketing, Inc., and the Spouses of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro, whose generosity helped bring the celebration to life.

In his closing remarks, Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro President Noel Dajao emphasized the importance of continuing collaborative initiatives that foster inclusion and create opportunities for every child to thrive.

More than simply marking the end of a project, TARIPATO became a celebration of courage, creativity, and community. By bringing together two Rotary clubs, educators, families, community partners, and volunteers, the event demonstrated how collaboration can create meaningful opportunities for learners with special needs to be seen, celebrated, and empowered.

United in the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self, the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro and the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier reaffirmed their shared commitment to building communities where every learner is valued—not for their limitations, but for their unique strengths, talents, and limitless possibilities.#

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