Through a sustained partnership with Barangay Santolan and the Pasig City Social Welfare Department, the Zonta Club of Metro Ortigas, Philippines, continues to deliver impactful programs aligned with both international and district goals, focusing on women's health, economic empowerment and mental well-being.
Barangay Santolan, an adopted community of the Zonta club, has served as the ongoing hub for the club’s advocacy and service projects throughout the 2024–2026 Biennium. Regular consultations with the City Social Welfare Department head, the barangay captain, and the city councilor for Gender and Development have helped shape responsive, needs-based initiatives.
The club’s projects reflect the biennium goals of engaging key audiences and working with like-minded organizations, including the Center for Family Ministries Alumni Association Inc. (CAAI). The initiatives are also in line with District 17’s MAGIS+ framework, promoting measurable impact and sustainability.
One flagship project, Kabuhayan at Kalusugan Mo, Sagot Ko!, featured free breast and cervical cancer screening via the Philippine Cancer Society’s mobile lab. Simultaneously, livelihood training sessions on empanada and banoffee cup making were held to promote women’s economic empowerment. Participants also received vitamins, medicines, and raffle prizes, including a gas stove and cooking utensils to help launch small businesses.
On 4 November, 2024, the club launched Kamustahan at Bayanihan: A Gabay Counseling Center, providing free mental health and pastoral counseling services to Santolan residents. This initiative was formalized through a tripartite service agreement with Barangay Santolan and CAAI. The club also coordinates a tracker system to align counseling schedules between volunteer “Gabay” counselors and community beneficiaries.
The program Karapatan at Kalusugan ng Kababaihan, Ipaglaban! held on 24 March 2025, focused on women’s rights and empowerment. The event included a talk by women’s rights advocate Attorney Patricia A. Magpale and free mammogram services provided by the Kasuso Foundation, benefiting 100 women participants.
Most recently, the Alagang Zonta Club of Metro Ortigas health and livelihood program took place on 24 April 2025. In partnership with Bruno’s Barbers, 110 women received training in basic haircutting and massage therapy, along with starter kits and certificates of completion to enable them to launch home service businesses. The Philippine Cancer Society also returned with its mobile unit to conduct screenings and provide onsite cryogenic treatment and hospital referrals where needed.