‘IF YOU SERVE THE COMMUNITY, YOU SERVE GOD’
He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given six months to live. That was 20 years ago
Robert “Bobby” Lim Joseph is on a mission. Many are familiar with his humanitarian projects with the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM), his environmental projects, and his tourism programs. Many also know of his incredible story of thriving for almost 20 years now after a stage 4 cancer diagnosis that gave him only six months to live.
But one only needs to follow Joseph on Facebook to know that he is, above all, a servant of God. He is grateful to God and is devoted to Mama Mary for every chance to wake up each day. This gratitude is poured into several projects with the RCM, all designed to uplift the lives of the underprivileged.
Joseph raised funds ($3,000) during the early days of the pandemic and distributed masks at Philippine General Hospital (PGH). This year, his unyielding optimism to seek donors despite the hard times has enabled RCM to distribute P16 million worth of vaccines in Batangas and Pasay, and 90,000 masks to Pasay.
“If you have a good project, you can get donations … If you serve the community, you serve God,” Joseph told Lifestyle.
While many seniors sought the safety of their homes, Joseph, 71, rose above the pandemic. He raised funds for 560 patients in PGH with cerebral palsy, and for milk, food and clean water for pediatric cancer patients. RCM also held a Christmas party for the kids.
Flourishing year
The lockdown did not stop the civic worker in Joseph. He even claims this period to be his most flourishing year yet.
Last year he was elected the 101st president of RCM. He brings to the job his infectious passion for serving.
Joseph believes in miracles. His positive attitude is among the characteristic strengths of his leadership, continually inspiring those around him to work for his various outreach projects.
As an advocate for the environment, Joseph said that in every project, sustainability is always a top consideration. His ability to think outside the box pushes his projects beyond their primary purpose.
Three years ago, when he worked with Gawad Kalinga to establish Paraiso Farm in San Jose, Batangas, he also had toilets installed. They were on a mission to teach sustainability to farmers, but he also gave them free housing, water and electricity. They constructed a multipurpose hall along with a chapel, which he dedicated to his deceased son, Richard.
“We taught farmers values, skills and a positive attitude to rise above their circumstance,” he said.
Through his contacts in Washington, Joseph spearheaded a tree planting program in Mindoro and Cavite. He worked with local government units to find open spaces and for the project to adhere to the international standard of sustainable tourism. All projects are longterm, he said, so that the trees will serve as the lungs of the communities.
No micromanager
Joseph does not turn down responsibilities, but as a savvy entrepreneur, he taps the experts so that the burden is not all on him.
“I am not a micromanager. I know when and to whom to delegate responsibilities when necessary,” he said.
Under his management, RCM sealed a pact with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, pledging its full support for the restoration and cleanup of Manila Bay. He launched the Save Manila Bay project, an endeavor that led to installing the 500,000-liter capacity solar-powered sewage treatment plant.
Joseph said the cleanup would take six years to complete as Manila Bay is connected to Cavite, Zambales, Laguna, Pampanga, Bulacan and Bataan.
“When serving others, humility is the most important trait. Service must be above the self. I make sure I bring out the best in people. If you have an idea, if you have a brilliant concept, you can become a good leader,” Joseph said.