District 7780’s Philippines Outreach Team: Bringing Projects Home and Ready to Share
By: Carol Madsen, Philippines Outreach Team, Bridgton-Lake Region RC
District 7780’s 2025 Philippines Outreach Team has been crisscrossing the district, sharing stories from their April/May visit and highlighting powerful Rotary‑led projects now underway in partnership with clubs in the Philippines. With new initiatives already funded—and more opportunities emerging—the team is eager to visit clubs, present their experiences, and help Rotarians see firsthand how our district is making a difference abroad. Their full report includes project updates, photos, and ways your club can get involved.
District 7780’s 2025 Philippines Outreach Team—PDG Dick Hall (Portland RC), AG Joanne Landry (Saco Bay RC), and PP Carol Madsen (Bridgton-Lake Region RC)—has been on the road for months sharing insights from their January visit. The Team is eager to continue presenting to clubs across the district.
They’ve already visited Saco Bay, Bridgton-Lake Region, Oxford Hills, Sanford-Springvale, Damariscotta-Newcastle, and Westbrook-Gorham, with Brunswick scheduled for February. Clubs with hybrid meetings can often hear directly from PDG Ariel Jersey, who hosted the team in the Philippines and can speak in depth about local projects. To schedule a presentation, contact Dick Hall (dickhall7780@gmail.com), Joanne Landry (jlandry0206@gmail.com), or Carol Madsen (carjmad@hotmail.com).
The Team is also pleased to share that the first district-supported project in the Philippines is now underway. Championed by the Portland RC in partnership with the Tarlac RC, the project will upgrade the Paraiso Elementary School library—transforming a basic cement structure into a safe, organized, and fully equipped learning space with windows, a door, bookshelves, a table, and a TV for instructional use.
A second project focuses on strengthening vocational training by expanding automotive instruction and launching a new welding program. The school currently offers programs in tourism support, sewing, beauty, automotive, and electricity, and these enhancements will significantly increase opportunities for students. Vocational training allows young people to be more employable. Many work on cruise ships and in the tourism industry. Many too move abroad to support their families who remain in the Philippines.