CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban celebrated its 36th Handover and Induction Ceremonies on 22 July 2026 at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, marking the conclusion of a remarkable year of service and the beginning of a new chapter of leadership.
Immediate Past President Stephanie Caragos passing on the Gong and Gavel to the new RC CDO East Urban President, President. Karina Olavides
Held under the elegant Onyx and Pearl theme, the event brought together Rotary district leaders, past district governors and their ladies, assistant governors, club presidents, past presidents, Rotaractors, members, partners, sponsors and friends of Rotary. Onyx represented the strength and resilience that have sustained the Club through the years, while pearl symbolised the wisdom, grace and enduring value developed through fellowship and service.
The Members of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban with esteemed guests
The Club was also honoured by the presence and support of District Governor Maureen Cacabelos, Chief of Staff Bernard Sero and Assistant Governor Doy Ramiro, who joined the members in celebrating the Club’s accomplishments and welcoming its new set of leaders.
L-R – COS Bernard Sero, PDG John Mark Sarraga & Lady Ching, PDG Hubert Quiblat and Lady Paz, IPP Stephanie Caragos, Gov. Maureen Cacabelos, Pres. Karina Olavides, PDG Manny Along and Lady Biema, Lady Linda Caragos and PDG Bing Juarez
Among the distinguished Rotary leaders and guests acknowledged during the celebration were Lady Linda Caragos, lady of the late PDG Doring Caragos; PDG Bing Juarez; PDG Manny Along and Lady Biema Along; PDG John Mark Sarraga and Lady Ching Sarraga; PDG Hubert Quiblat and Lady Paz Quiblat; and PDG Marlowe Selecios and Lady Mai Selecios.
District Governor’s ladies present – (Left to Right) Lady Biema Along, Lady Linda Caragos, Lady Paz Quiblat, Lady Mai Selecios, Lady Ching Sarraga
Other Rotary clubs in the Area were represented by President Noel Dajao and IPP Leony Quickoy of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro; President Earl James Marzan of the Rotary Club of Metro Cagayan de Oro; IPP Aisa Bruneiry Alonto of the Rotary Club of Kalayaan Cagayan de Oro; IPP Cristita A. Huerbana of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Centerpoint; President Mae Siao and Secretary PP Mae Linaac of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier; and IPP Haidee Rodriguez of the Rotary Club of Golden Friendship.
Representing the Club’s youth service partners were President Alexius Cabral and Vice President Julienne Cabral of the Rotaract Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban, whose presence reflected the continuing partnership between Rotary and Rotaract in developing young leaders and advancing meaningful community service.
The ceremony formally marked the turnover of leadership from Immediate Past President Stephanie Rosalind P. Caragos to newly inducted President Karina Olavides, together with the induction of the Club’s officers for Rotary Year 2026–2027.
Celebrating a Year of Meaningful Service
During her valedictory address, IPP Stephanie reflected on a Rotary year defined not only by projects and accomplishments, but by friendships, shared purpose, and lives touched through service.
She described leadership as temporary stewardship, reminding members that every president inherits a legacy built by those who came before and carries the responsibility of leaving the club stronger than it was found. While the Club successfully reached out to 2,983 direct beneficiaries by implementing more than 23 projects and activities across mental health, education, women’s health, livelihood, environmental stewardship, disaster response, and humanitarian service, she emphasized that the greatest achievement of the year was not measured by awards or statistics, but by the relationships built and the people served.
Reflecting on the year’s journey, she shared that somewhere beyond the projects and recognitions, friendships deepened, new friendships were formed, and old ones were renewed. These, she said, became the most meaningful gift of her presidency.
IPP Stephanie also thanked the Club’s members, officers, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters whose generosity and commitment made every project possible. Drawing inspiration from the Beatitudes, she reflected that throughout the year, the Club sought to live out Christ’s call to serve with compassion, humility, mercy, and love. “We fed the hungry, comforted those carrying silent struggles, welcomed those who felt forgotten, visited those behind bars, supported those seeking healing, brought hope to communities, and gave children reasons to smile,” she said, adding that while these acts were carried out imperfectly, they were done with sincere hearts and willing hands.
Immediate Past President Stephanie Receiving her Leadership Award from the council of presidents as President for The Rotary Year 2025-2026
In turning over the leadership, IPP Stephanie reminded members that while every presidency eventually comes to an end, the commitment to serve does not.
“We simply pass the torch, support the next leaders, and continue building on the legacy of those who came before us.”
The Past Presidents and Incumbent President of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban. (L-R First Row) PP Arlene Niere, PAG Conchitina Borja Lagonera, IPP/AG Stephanie Caragos, PP Bing Dacudao, PAG Shirley Serate, PP Agnes Adviento, PP Nelia Lee.
(L-R Front Row) PAG Biema Along, PAG Christina Malferrari Jugador, PAG Rosalinda Caragos, PAG Inday Uy, PAG Ella Yu, PDG Fe Juarez, Pres. Karina Olavides, PP Ma. Victoria Abogado, PAG Ophelia Dela Cerna, PAG Guadalupe Chu, PAG Myra Paz Balandra
A New Chapter of Leadership
Accepting the presidency of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban for Rotary Year 2026–2027, President Karina May Olavides accepted the responsibility of leading the Club with a direction anchored on Rotary’s core value of Service Above Self and this year’s Rotary theme, Create Lasting Impact.
President Karina with husband, Erick Olavides standing beside her to show support and the officers of the new Rotary year standing beside her as Governor Maureen inducts them as they all take their oath to faithfully serve the community and continue to create lasting impact
In her acceptance speech, she spoke candidly about the uncertainty she initially felt in taking on the role. Although new to Rotary leadership, she realized that service itself was never unfamiliar. Drawing from more than two decades with Avon, where she has dedicated her career to empowering women, building trust, and helping people grow, she reflected that while the title of Rotary President was new, serving others had always been at the heart of what she does.
The new set of officers for the new Rotary year headed by Pres. Karina. President Karina is flanked by Gov. Maureen Cacabelos and IPDG Marlowe Selecios.
Building on the strong foundation laid by IPP Stephanie and the leaders who came before her, President Karina challenged members to look beyond one-time activities and focus on projects that create sustainable, long-term benefits for the communities they serve.
She also emphasized that the year ahead would be built on unity, collaboration, and shared leadership.
“But I am ready. I’m ready because I’m not standing up here leading from the front while you follow behind. We are locking arms. We share this vision, and we are working side by side. I’m ready because I have the best club in Rotary walking right beside me.”
She concluded by inviting every member to embrace the new Rotary year with purpose and commitment.
“Let us step into this Rotary year grounded in unity, fuelled by action and completely dedicated to creating an impact that lasts.”
District Governor Maureen “Mau” Cacabelos encouraged members to remain grounded in the purpose that first inspired them to become Rotarians. She reminded the Club that every meeting is an opportunity to inspire, every handshake can begin a lasting friendship, and every act of service reminds someone that they are not alone. She challenged members to continue serving with compassion, leading with integrity, and creating positive change that will endure beyond the Rotary year.
Awards and Recognition Highlights
The evening also honoured the dedication, leadership, generosity and active participation of Club members, officers, project chairpersons and partners during Rotary Year 2025–2026.
Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Odette Leh Caragos — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Maria Angelica Mikaela Gorospe Mora — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Maria Chona Palomares — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Chedilyn Aissa Dulguime — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- PP Juliet Franesa Aton — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- PP Casimira Balandra — Every Rotarian, Every Year and PolioPlus Society Recognition
- Rtn. Marie Lynn Booc — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Felicisima Dacudao — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Visminda Deveza — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Alexandra Faburada — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- PP Minda Gaerlan — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Marian Kanna Idulsa — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Jocelyn Koh — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Anna Katrina Lim — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Dianne Suzette Lim — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Rita Lim — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- PP Arlyn Niere — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Marilyn Siy — Every Rotarian, Every Year and PolioPlus Contributor Recognition
- Rtn. Georgie Tan — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Jocelyn Tan — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Lolit Villanueva — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Rebecca Esguerra — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Imee Van Der Born — Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
Paul Harris Fellow and Sustaining Member Recognitions
- PP Rachaille Astrid Ferrer — Paul Harris Fellow +8 Recognition and Pin
- PP Ma. Victoria Abogado — Paul Harris Fellow +4 Recognition
- Rtn. Joana Llagas — Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition and Pin; District 3870 PolioPlus Donor Recognition
- Rtn. Lina Kwong — Paul Harris Fellow +1 Recognition and Pin
- Rtn. Christine Tan — Paul Harris Fellow +1 Recognition and Pin
- Rtn. Denvi Cabrera — Sustaining Member Recognition and District 3870 Special Donor Recognition for PolioPlus
- DLF/PAG Ma. Concepcion Lagonera — Sustaining Member Recognition
- PP Sarah Borja — Sustaining Member Recognition
- Rtn. Amy Chua — Sustaining Member and District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
- Rtn. Michelle Lourdes Nocete — Sustaining Member Recognition
- Rtn. Hayley Yu — Sustaining Member Recognition
Project Leadership and Chairmanship Awards
- PP Agnes Adviento — Career Talks Chairmanship Award; Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition and Pin; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
- Rtn. Samantha Benn Booc — Breast Cancer Project Co-Chairmanship and Christmas Bazaar Committee Recognition
- Rtn. Evelyn Chiu — Mags on the Catwalk Chairmanship; Christmas Bazaar Chairmanship; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition for PolioPlus
- Rtn. Jocelyn Co — Livelihood for New Beginnings–BJMP Chairmanship; BJMP Project Chairmanship; Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition and Pin
- PP Magdalena Cue — Ways and Means Committee Co-Chairmanship and District 3870 Special Donor Recognition for PolioPlus
- PP Shirley Escaño — Career Talks Co-Chairmanship; Paul Harris Fellow +7 Recognition and Pin
- PP Lina Estrella Faburada — Mass and Blessing Chairmanship and Holy Mass Project Chairmanship
- PP Lesandra Joy Gan — Pagkinana-o Project Chairmanship and Ways and Means Committee Co-Chairmanship
- Rtn. Grace Go — Food and Meals Co-Chairmanship and Paul Harris Fellow +6 Recognition
- Rtn. Dionela Juaneza — Floor Plan and Logistics Co-Chairmanship; New Paul Harris Fellow Recognition; PolioPlus Society Recognition
- PP Nelia Lee — Food and Meals Chairmanship; Paul Harris Fellow +3 Recognition and Pin
- Rtn. Jean Suzette Macapayag — Makabugwas Project Co-Chairmanship; Makabugwas District Grant Turnover Co-Chairmanship; Sustaining Member Recognition
- PP Myrna Motoomull — Sam Simon Book Distribution Project Chairmanship; Paul Harris Fellow +5 Recognition and Pin
- Rtn. Merlinda Rebolos — Cervical Cancer Screening Project Chairmanship and Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition
- PAG Shirley Mae Serate — Programme and Invitation of Guests Chairmanship; My Rotary Story Project Chairmanship; Rotary Impact Expo Closing Programme Chairmanship; Paul Harris Fellow +5 Recognition
- Rtn. Myra Sicat — Breast Cancer Awareness Chairmanship and Breast Cancer Project Chairmanship
- PP Daisy Tiu — Project YAKAP Kick-Off Co-Chairmanship; Sustaining Member and PolioPlus Society Recognition
- PAG Justina Uy — Assistant Subcommittee Chair for Polio; Zumba for a Cause Co-Chairmanship; Zumba to End Polio Co-Chairmanship; Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition and Pin; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
Club Officer and Leadership Awards
- Rtn. Melanie Rosalind Caragos Talimio — Vice President for External Affairs; Rotary Impact Expo Overall Chair; Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Rachel Polestico — Vice President for Internal Affairs; Documentation Chair; Makabugwas Project Co-Chair; Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Jonel Tabilla — Club Secretary; Floor Plan and Logistics Chair; District 3870 Exceptional Leadership Award; Sustaining Member Recognition
- Rtn. Pamila Salon — Assistant Secretary; Project YAKAP Kick-Off Chair; Google Docs and Canva Training Chair; Technical Committee Chair; Promotions and Media Relations Co-Chair; Paul Harris Fellow +3 Recognition
- Rtn. Evangeline Lim — Club Treasurer; Pamalihi Project Chair; Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition for PolioPlus
- Rtn. Mary Joyce Salgados — Assistant Treasurer; Programme and Invitation of Guests Co-Chair; Paul Harris Fellow +3 Recognition and Pin
- Rtn. Ophelia Paano — Club Auditor; Registration and Welcome Chair; Every Rotarian, Every Year Recognition
- Rtn. Maria Rowena Raflores — Club Officer Recognition; Registration and Welcome Co-Chair; Milestone Awarding Chair; Anniversary and Fellowship Chair; Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition and Pin
- PP Liluisa “Bing” Dacudao — Club Service and Community Director Recognition; Paul Harris Fellow +3 Recognition
- President Karina Olavides — Membership Director Recognition; Ways and Means Committee Chair; Rotary Leadership Institute Seminar Chair; Sustaining Member and District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
- PP Ella Yu — Rotary Foundation Director Recognition; RCEU Legacy Booth Chair; Paul Harris Fellow +6 Recognition
- PP Guadalupe Chu — Public Image Director Recognition; Promotions and Media Relations Chair; Billboard Launch Chair; District 3870 Meritorious Service Award; Paul Harris Fellow +6 Recognition
- Rtn. Emilyn Roxan Go — Young Generation Director Recognition; Trivia Challenge Chair; Mind Brawl Trivia Project Chair; Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition and Pin
- PAG Ophelia Dela Cerna — Club Learning Facilitator and Trainer Recognition; School Relations Chair and Adviser; Sustaining Member Recognition
- PP Evita Arvisu — Protocol Officer Recognition; Paul Harris Fellow +5 Recognition and Pin; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
- PAG Christina Malferrari-Jugador — 35th Handover and Induction Fellowship Chair; Coastal and Water Clean-up Project Chair; RCEU Legacy Booth Co-Chair; District 3870 Outstanding Leadership Award; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
- PAG Rosalinda Caragos — Polio Chair Recognition; Zumba for a Cause Co-Chair and Adviser; Zumba to End Polio Co-Chair; Paul Harris Fellow +3 Recognition
- PP Biema Along — Giving Chair Recognition; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition; District 3870 Meritorious Service Award; Sustaining Member Recognition
Major Donor and Paul Harris Society Recognition
- Rtn. Catherine Ann Aquino — Rotary Central Chair; Technical Committee Co-Chair; Existing Major Donor and Paul Harris Society Member; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition. She was also recognized as the Rotary Central Chair officer
- PP Lily Lim — Existing Major Donor; Paul Harris Society Member; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
- PP Elizabeth Yu — Existing Major Donor; New Paul Harris Society Member; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
- Rtn. Jennie Rosalie Uy-Mendez — New Major Donor Level 1 and District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
- PP Juliette Uy — Existing Major Donor; New Paul Harris Society Member; District 3870 Special Donor Recognition
- PDG Fe “Bing” Juarez — Special Recognition; Existing Major Donor and Paul Harris Society Member
- PP Erlinda “Bebie” Go — Special Recognition; Major Donor Level 2 and PolioPlus Donor Recognition
Special Plaques of Appreciation
- Malou Mercado — Plaque of Appreciation for Enduring Service and Support
- Syntactics, Inc. — Plaque of Appreciation for Technical, Creative and Public Image Support
- Rotaract Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban — Plaque of Appreciation for Service, Partnership and Active Participation
- Print Pro PH — Plaque of Appreciation for Printed Materials Sponsorship and Project Support
Major Club and Presidential Awards
A special Recognition was given to Past President Erlinda “Bebie” Go, for her extraordinary generosity, unwavering commitment, and inspiring service to Rotary. This Rotary year, Past President Bebie achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Major Donor Level 2 in the history of our club. Her generosity, extends far beyond financial support. Throughout the year, she has been a steadfast pillar of the club, wholeheartedly supporting numerous projects, service initiatives, and activities. Her quiet leadership, compassionate spirit, and willingness to serve continue to inspire every member of our Rotary family.
The Club’s highest Presidential Awards recognised members whose attendance, participation, leadership and contributions distinguished them throughout Rotary Year 2025–2026.
This year’s Club Major Awards were given to:
Rtn. Evangeline Lim — Perfect Attendance for GMMs and Fellowships
- Attended 10 out of 10 General Membership Meetings
- Participated in 11 out of 23 projects
- Attended 8 out of 8 fellowships
- Recognised for her consistency, reliability and faithful participation in Club activities
- Helped strengthen the Club’s fellowship and spirit of service through her continued presence and support
Rtn. Dionela Juaneza — Outstanding New Rotarian
- Attended 8 out of 10 General Membership Meetings
- Participated in 17 out of 23 projects
- Attended 8 out of 8 fellowships
- Demonstrated enthusiasm and active involvement as a new member
- Became a Paul Harris Fellow in her first full year as a Rotarian.
- Recognised for her willingness to serve and commitment to Rotary fellowship
Rtn. Melanie Rosalind Caragos Talimio — Outstanding Project Chairman for RY 2025–2026
- Served as overall Project Chairman of the flagship Rotary Impact Expo
- Led the first Rotary Impact Expo in the history of the Club and Rotary District 3870
- Directed the project’s conceptualisation, strategic planning and implementation
- Transformed an ambitious concept into one of the District’s largest public image initiatives
- Strengthened Rotary’s community partnerships and public visibility
- Showcased Rotary’s service and impact to thousands of people
- Generated income for the club that provided vital resources for the Club’s humanitarian initiatives
- Established a benchmark for innovation and project excellence in Rotary District 3870
Rtn. Pamila Salon — Outstanding Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban Officer for RY 2025–2026
- Attended 10 out of 10 General Membership Meetings
- Participated in 17 out of 23 projects
- Attended 9 out of 9 fellowships
- Served as Assistant Secretary
- Chaired the Project YAKAP Kick-Off
- Chaired the Google Docs and Canva Training Project
- Served as Technical Committee Chair
- Co-chaired Promotions and Media Relations for the Rotary Impact Expo
- Managed the Club’s Facebook, website and YouTube platforms
- Produced more than 200 social media posts
- Helped generate 424,718 Facebook views
- Maintained timely, complete and exemplary district reports
- Recognised for strengthening the Club’s administration, digital presence, engagement and public image
PP Liluisa Dacudao — Outstanding Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban Member for RY 2025–2026
- Attended 10 out of 10 General Membership Meetings
- Participated in all 23 Club projects
- Attended 8 out of 8 fellowships
- Served as Director for Community Service
- Demonstrated exemplary dedication, active service and consistent leadership
- Recognised as a true example of Rotary’s ideal of Service Above Self
Continuing the Legacy of Service
The 36th Handover and Induction Ceremonies celebrated not only the successful conclusion of another Rotary year, but also the people whose leadership, generosity and commitment made the Club’s accomplishments possible.
With President Karina Olavides and the newly inducted officers leading Rotary Year 2026–2027, the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban moved forward united in fellowship, strengthened by its legacy and committed to creating sustainable change.
The evening affirmed the enduring spirit of Rotary: leadership may be passed from one Rotarian to another, but the commitment to Service Above Self continues.
