“What would you say to yourself right before you were introduced to Rotaract?”
In a close interview, I had the privilege to sit and ask this question to one of the exemplary Rotaractors of the Philippines, Mr. Jacob Erm Jericho Dolino. One of my good friends in Rotaract, Jacob, is a registered nurse and currently finishing his Master’s Degree program in Nursing at the University of Cebu. He is a proud member of the Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente (RACCF), District 3860, currently the Rotaract District Statistics Officer, District End Polio Now Chair, and Philippine MDIO Rotaract Statistics Associate.
Through his profession as a Nurse and healthcare advocate, he has served communities addressing the need for disease prevention and treatment. He has organized and volunteered for many medical, surgical, psychiatric, and psychological missions. Sharing his knowledge, and expertise to help and provide medical attention and medication to communities, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Another area Jacob focused on in his service was protecting Mother and Child. He was among the leaders behind the Pink Perspective, a breast cancer awareness webinar empowering women and supporting #EarlyDetectionSavesLives.
Rotaract Journey
by Rtr. Kathleen Joy Imperial, May 2024
But before we dive deep into his journey with Rotaract, let’s circle back to April 21, 2018, when Jacob’s Journey in Rotaract began. This day, as Jacob described, was unforgettable. It was his birthday when he was given the opportunity to participate in a turnover ceremony project by the Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente, for fire victims in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. This was his first service project after countless encounters with one of the club’s members in the corridors of Perpetual Succour Hospital Cancer Institute in Cebu. Jacob was in his senior year in nursing at the University of Cebu (UC) and was friends with the head nurse of the cancer institute who later introduced him to the Kythe Foundation (Kids with Cancer), which is a community partner of the Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente, addressing Maternal and Child Healthcare. Jacob shared he was looking for ‘what’s next’ after college and that led him to Rotaract. “It felt like an avenue to continue my service to the community as a leader”, he described.
He became an aspiring member for five (5) months before he was finally inducted as a member and began his life-changing, Rotaract Journey. Jacob was first appointed to be a professional development director the same year. In this role, he initiated a Leaders’ Summit that connects senior high school students from his university with leaders from his Rotaract Club. The project aims to showcase the mission of Rotaract in providing service to others through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders in hopes of inspiring more leaders. In his dedication as a director, he continued to serve more communities the following year as the club secretary and president-elect. This time with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and misinformation online.
“Bakuna ta bai”, means “Let’s get vaccinated”, was the campaign project Jacob initiated with his Rotaract Club as a solution to these challenges. They made vaccination information available online to reach more communities and individuals even during the pandemic lockdown. In this project, their club consistently encouraged fact-checking about vaccine information and promoted the importance of vaccines, through infographics and “easy-to-get” analogies online on their Rotaract Club Facebook page. This project continued the next year but this time around, Jacob was inducted as the club President.
During his time as club president, Jacob continued to work closely on projects advocating health. I have to commend him, he served at the perfect time with his professional background as a healthcare nurse. “Bakuna ta bai” was just the first of many focus projects he took action with his club. One remarkable project is “Tindog Sugbuanon”, which means “Stand-up Cebu”. It is an emergency relief drive for Typhoon Odette victims and survivors in Cebu. Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente was able to collect monetary donations of around Php 150,000 and distributed relief goods for approximately 500 families in Cebu. Through this project and visiting towns in Cebu, Jacob was informed of the mental health struggles of the typhoon victims dealing with the aftermath and pandemic at the same time.
Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente took action and organized “OPLAN DASIG” (Dalaguete Ameliorative Services for Informed Groups). “Dasig” in Cebuano dialect means “hold on” or “never give up”. This project addressed the importance of mental health through community outreach sessions and helped 20 warriors cope with their emotions, stress, and trauma. Jacob created a team of Mental Health Care providers and volunteers from the local community, government agencies, municipality, and RACCF CB club members. They completed the project with five (5) sessions and assisted them with medication procurement for the community in Dalaguete, Cebu.
Towards the end of Jacob’s presidential term, his club was awarded platinum in GEAR awards and recognized for avenues of service and public image. His remarkable accomplishments as president led him to be appointed as Assistant District Rotaract Representative for District 3860 and Philippine MDIO Rotaract Statistics Associate the following year. Jacob shared that the experience helped him to grow as a Rotaract leader and develop personally. He was able to make friends in different districts, expand his network in Rotary, and have fun traveling for conventions and projects.
He continued his service with the Philippine MDIO in the same position as Rotaract Statistics Associate today and was appointed in District 3860 as Rotaract District Statistics Officer and District End Polio Now Chair. Last year, Jacob was awarded as a Paul Harris fellow, and outside Rotaract, he was also awarded ADECCO Healthcare’s Choice Award. This is awarded by the College of Nursing Education and Training Australia, for nurses who have demonstrated their passion and commitment to improving public health, engaging with underserved populations, and addressing community health needs.
In Jacob’s six (6) years of service above self with Rotaract, I asked him what are he learning in his Rotaract Journey and Jacob shared it was the realization that he could do more to make the community a better place and continuous personal development. “Along with my fellow Rotaractors, we are equipped leaders with essential knowledge and skills to venture and help the community”, he said. He also encouraged Rotaractors to continue, “Padayon lang! There is joy in helping the community that is beyond fulfillment”. Jacob emphasized his love for Rotaract and that he will always choose service. I agree that he chose Rotaract, because Jacob will be the District Rotaract Representative of District 3860 in R.Y. 2025-2026, and he will start preparing for his role this coming year as the appointed District Secretary. He is also appointed by Rotary International District 3860 to be the Digital Content Creator for their district. Jacob is truly living his Rotaract journey to the fullest.
I asked him immediately after, what is your greatest achievement in Rotaract? Jacob answered, “You become a successful leader when you create more leaders. And that is my legacy in Rotaract, I have inspired others.” Jacob further shared with me how his younger brother and sister decided to begin their own Rotaract Story and will be inducted soon as a Rotaract member. I would agree that this is the best achievement, bringing your family or your friends to Rotaract.
Finally, I asked Jacob “What would you say to yourself right before you were introduced to Rotaract?” He responded instantly “Enjoy the process, what you will be is an evolution from Rotaract experiences and you will become a better person. There might be hardships and stress, but the fulfillment in becoming a responsible part of the community is greater.” Jacob added, “Learn to take a rest, learn to step back, but never quit.”
Since 2020, the Pilipinas Multidistrict Information Organization (MDIO) has championed a nationwide awards program honoring Rotaractors who exemplify exceptional service, leadership, and impact across the Philippines. Now in its fourth year, the Groundbreaking and Exemplary Accomplishments of Rotaractors (GEAR) Awards introduced a new category for 2024. The Most Exemplary Rotaractor Award. Jacob Erm Jericho Dolino was one of the first to receive this prestigious recognition for the 2023-2024 term. His commitment to both his community and the Rotaract organization stood out for its depth and dedication, embodying the spirit of transformative service that Rotaract represents.
most exemplary rotaractor
major awards & recoginition
In July 2022, Jacob Erm Jericho Dolino was recognized as St. Vincent General Hospital's Top Employee of the Year 2021 for his exceptional leadership in Infection Prevention and Control Services. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacob spearheaded vital initiatives that safeguarded both patients and staff, exemplifying dedication and resilience. His proactive approach and commitment to safety played a pivotal role in navigating the hospital through a critical period, underscoring his invaluable contributions to the healthcare team and community.
svgh top employee for 2021
Jacob Erm Jericho Dolino was honored with the Adecco Healthcare's Choice Award on December 17, 2023, during the Gala Awards Night for Nurses hosted by the College of Nursing Education & Training Australia. This prestigious recognition celebrates Jacob's remarkable dedication as a nurse who has gone beyond the typical call of duty to make a lasting impact on his community. Known for his unwavering passion and commitment to public health, Jacob has dedicated himself to serving underserved populations, addressing critical health needs, and uplifting those who need support the most. This award is a testament to Jacob's profound impact on community health and his inspiring dedication to improving the lives of others through compassionate and purposeful care.
Adecco Healthcare's Choice Award
