The History of Cordillera Adivay Lions Club
A Chronicle of Service and Community in the Cordillera Region
In the heart of the Cordillera mountain ranges, known for their breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, a group of driven individuals came together with a shared vision: to serve, empower, and uplift their communities. Thus was born the Cordillera Adivay Lions Club—a beacon of voluntary service and humanitarian commitment in the region. The story of this club is woven into the evolving tapestry of civic engagement in the Cordilleras, echoing the global ideals of Lions Club International while reflecting the unique spirit of the local people.
Founding and Formation
The Cordillera Adivay Lions Club traces its roots to the early 21st century, a time of renewed civic enthusiasm and partnership across the mountainous provinces of northern Luzon, Philippines. “Adivay,” a term in the local Kankanaey language meaning “coming together” or “gathering,” was chosen to signify the club’s mission of unifying diverse communities for the common good.
The club’s chartering was the result of months of careful planning, outreach, and inspiration drawn from existing Lions Clubs in nearby cities such as Baguio and La Trinidad. Core founders—professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—shared a belief in the Lions’ motto: “We Serve.” They recognized the pressing needs in the Cordillera provinces, from health and education to disaster relief and cultural preservation.
On its first charter anniversary on September 2, 2015, attended by Alexander Ang, District Governor of Lion’s Club International District 301-C and other dignitaries from Lions Clubs International, local government officials, and partner organizations, the Cordillera Adivay Lions Club pledged itself to uphold the values of integrity, leadership, and inclusive service. The event was not only a celebration but a solemn commitment to a mission larger than any one individual.
The Cordillera Adivay Lion’s Club announced its newly inducted first charter officers for the term. The officers are as follows:
- President: Edith Inso Imayaho
- 1st Vice President: Belen D. Hernandez
- 2nd Vice President: Chito S. Tee
- Secretary: Linda Claire I. Pawid
- Treasurer: Melba C. Guives
- Chairperson of the Membership Committee: Trinidad Cayading Trinidad
- Member: Rovilyn Mayat-an
- Tail Twister: Fely O. Ocampo
- Lion Tamer: Imelda T. Pelera
- Auditor: Aida Dumangeng
- 2-year Directors: Melisa Therese Sapdoy, Victor Pelera, Harland Gary Pawid, Eugene Balway
- 1-year Directors: Modesto Imayaho, Jr., Charles Castañeda, Alice Gay K. Imayaho, Joy R. Imayaho
Early Projects and Community Impact
From the outset, the Cordillera Adivay Lions Club embraced a hands-on approach to service. Among its inaugural initiatives was a medical and dental mission held in a remote barangay, where access to healthcare had long been a challenge. Volunteer doctors, nurses, and dentists provided free consultations, treatments, and medicines to hundreds of residents, many of whom had rarely seen a physician.
The club also prioritized youth development, launching scholarship programs for deserving students from marginalized communities. By partnering with schools and local education officials, the club helped dozens of young scholars pursue their dreams, instilling hope and ambition for brighter futures.
Disaster preparedness and response became another cornerstone of the club’s service. The Cordilleras, prone to typhoons and landslides, often faced crises that strained local resources. The club rallied support for relief operations, distributing food packs, clothing, and hygiene kits to families affected by calamities. Their swift mobilization and strong coordination with other civic groups earned them recognition as reliable first responders in times of need.
Growth, Recognition, and Partnerships
As word of the Cordillera Adivay Lions Club’s initiatives spread, membership grew, attracting individuals from various walks of life—teachers, business owners, health professionals, artists, and government employees—each bringing unique skills and perspectives. Regular training sessions, leadership seminars, and team-building retreats strengthened the club’s internal cohesion and effectiveness.
The club’s impact did not go unnoticed. Within Lions Club International’s District 301-C, Cordillera Adivay quickly gained a reputation for innovative and culturally sensitive projects. Notable among these was the “Adivay Cultural Festival,” an annual event celebrating Cordilleran heritage through music, dance, art, and traditional crafts. The festival not only fostered pride and unity among local residents but also raised funds for the club’s ongoing service programs.
Strategic partnerships were forged with local government units, non-governmental organizations, and international Lions chapters. These collaborations amplified the club’s reach and resources, enabling them to undertake larger-scale projects such as vision screening and eyeglass distribution for schoolchildren, tree planting for environmental sustainability, and livelihood workshops for women and farmers.
Signature Programs and Legacy Projects
Over the years, the Cordillera Adivay Lions Club launched a series of signature programs that became hallmarks of their service. The “Sight for Kids” campaign, a collaboration with Lions Club International’s global sight initiatives, provided free vision screening, eye exams, and prescription glasses to thousands of children and elders throughout the Cordillera provinces. This program dramatically improved quality of life and educational outcomes for many beneficiaries.
Another flagship project is “Green Cordillera,” an ambitious environmental campaign focused on reforestation, watershed management, and environmental education in the wake of deforestation and climate change impacts in the region. Club members, together with community volunteers, planted tens of thousands of native trees and established educational signage along mountain trails, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship.
Recognizing the rich cultural traditions of the Cordilleras, the club also spearheaded heritage preservation projects. Workshops on indigenous crafts, oral histories, and storytelling sessions brought elders and youth together, ensuring that ancestral knowledge and practices were passed down from generation to generation.
Beyond these, the club consistently addressed immediate community needs—organizing blood donation drives, health fairs, feeding programs for malnourished children, and skills training for out-of-school youth.
Challenges and Resilience
No journey of service is without obstacles. The Cordillera Adivay Lions Club faced its share of challenges, from the logistical difficulties of reaching remote mountain communities to the financial constraints of sustaining ambitious projects. Natural calamities and public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, tested the club’s resolve and adaptability.
Yet, it was often in adversity that the club’s commitment shone brightest. Members adapted by leveraging digital platforms for meetings and fundraising, adopting strict health protocols for outreach activities, and seeking new partnerships to bridge resource gaps. The spirit of “Adivay”—coming together—remained the guiding light through periods of uncertainty.
Current Endeavors and the Road Ahead
Today, the Cordillera Adivay Lions Club stands as a vibrant and respected organization, continuing to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Membership remains open to all who share a passion for service, regardless of age, gender, or background. Regular general meetings, service days, and fellowships foster camaraderie and shared purpose among members.
Recent projects have included digital literacy training for teachers and students, mental health awareness campaigns, and expanded environmental initiatives. The club has also embraced the use of technology and social media to connect with younger generations and mobilize support for their causes.
Looking ahead, the Cordillera Adivay Lions Club remains committed to its founding ideals while innovating to meet new challenges. Plans are underway to establish satellite clubs in more remote provinces, deepen cultural exchange programs, and create sustainable livelihood ventures in partnership with local cooperatives.
Conclusion
The history of the Cordillera Adivay Lions Club is a testament to the enduring power of collective action, compassion, and visionary leadership. Rooted in the majestic highlands of the Philippines, the club continues to write its story—one of service, unity, and hope for generations to come. In the words of its members: “We serve, not for recognition, but for the brighter tomorrow we help to build, hand in hand with our community.”