Rotary Projects

RC LIPA PHYSICAL THERAPY
AND REHABILITATION CENTER

A flagship project of
ROTARY CLUB OF LIPA
Rotary International District 3820, Philippines / Club ID No. 16970 / Chartered: January 12, 1954

In its effort to live by its motto, “Service Above Self”, the Rotary Club of Lipa conceived a project that aims to serve the physical therapy and rehabilitation needs of poor people free of charge. Its objectives are to treat patients suffering from various disabilities brought by stroke, arthritis, scoliosis, sprain, spinal cord injury, traumatic sprain injury, cerebral palsy, low back pain and other type of pains. The Rotary Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center was initially launched on November of 1997 under the leadership of the then President Nicetas “Katy” Katigbak in a building located in front of the Lipa City Hall.

Thru the initiatives and donations of the friends of Rotary, the center was equipped with the following modalities: Enraf Nonius Stimulator, Short Wave Diathermy, Ultrasound Unit, Hydro Collator Tank, Hot Moist Packs, Paraffin Wax and Bath, Black Box and Doctron (ES, TENS, FES units), Infrared Lamp, Assistive Devices (cane, walker, wheelchair), Exercise Equipments (treadmill, stationary bicycle, free weights, restorator, shoulder wheel, pulleys, parallel bars, postural mirrors and standing box). The operation was managed by a licensed Physical Therapist.
In 1998, during the term of Pres. Mary Ann Sayoc, the family of then Rtn. Noli Macasaet, donated a 410 square meter lot in Villa Lourdes Subd., Lipa City which paves the way for the construction of the Rotary Club of Lipa Clubhouse. It was under the term of Pres. Manolito “Noli” Macasaet, Rotary Year 1999-2000 that the clubhouse was completed and inaugurated. In the term of Pres. Aristeo “Aris” Castillo, Rotary Year 2000-2001, the venue of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center was transferred to the clubhouse.

Patients seeking rehabilitation services increased during the time of Pres. Joselito “Lito” Tapay, Rotary Year 2001-2002. To increase the service capability of the center, the club, under the supervision of Community Service Director Edgardo “Eddie” Garcia and thru the efforts of Sec. May Andrea “May Ann” Katigbak, entered into an agreement with the Lyceum of Batangas College of Physical Therapy in which, the said college will provide PT interns to the PT Center. These interns will be supervised by a licensed Physical Therapist.

A rehabilitation doctor, Dr. Luisa Perez, was requested to come to at least twice a month to check on patient’s status. In 2001, the club has also provided PT Services to students in the special education class at South Central School, a public school in Lipa City. This project was acknowledged by then DG Philip Imperial as the most outstanding community project.
In Rotary Year 2002-2003, under the Presidency of Pres. Dennis Atienza, a renovation was made thus creating a function room were the club can hold its weekly meeting. Due to increasing number of patients, Pres. Raul Montealto, Rotary Year 2004-2005, made an expansion during his term.

In March 2006, during the term of Pres. Jojo Chan, the Rotary Clun of Burwood, Australia (thru, DGE Teotimo “Onye” Reyes and PDG Jim Hao) donated additional equipments worth US $2000.
The center has been performing more than 200 treatment sessions per month. Funding of the PT Center comes mainly from donations of good-hearted donors and from the general fund of the club, which were raised through fund raising projects. The average monthly operational cost of the PT Center is thirty-five thousand pesos.

Another expansion and renovation of Rotary Center has been made last September 2006, during the term of Pres. Edwin Gardiola, RY 2006-07. To create more convenient, well ventilated room for PT Rehabilitation and spacious conference room for the club’s weekly meeting, as the number of members were increasing.
The PT Center received the Significant Achievement Award for its significant contributions to community, addressing the need, promoting Rotary works and increasing awareness of the importance of the exemplary club efforts, awarded by William B. Boyd, R.I. Pres. 2006-07.
At present, under the Presidency of Herman M. Hirang, the PT Center is still operating, giving services to the people especially to those who are indigent. The PT Center is open from Mondays-Fridays, 7:00am to 3:00pm.