Club of Lubao Gems
Chartered in 2015
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The Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems: A Legacy of Service to Children
For decades, the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems has stood as a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable members of our society—children. From providing assistance to abandoned, unwanted, and disabled children to supporting those who are economically disadvantaged, the club’s legacy is one of compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment.
A Foundation Built on Compassion
Founded with the vision of helping children, the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems has channeled its efforts toward ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has a chance for a better future. The club’s dedication to service is especially evident in its initiatives aimed at underprivileged children, many of whom face challenges such as poverty, neglect, or disability.
Read MoreMember Spotlight: “Why I Serve” — Marilen V. Ramos
Marilen V. Ramos
Charter Member
Lieutenant Governor, Division 2B (2020–2021)
There are leaders who serve with skill.
There are leaders who serve with heart.
And then there is Marilen V. Ramos — who serves with both, even in the face of life’s toughest battles.
A proud Charter Treasurer and founding pillar of the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems, Marilen has been instrumental in shaping the club’s identity and mission since its chartering in 2015. From financial stewardship to project execution, she helped build a culture rooted in integrity, discipline, and compassion — a foundation that continues to guide the club today.
Rising to Lead: Lieutenant Governor of Division 2B
In 2019–2020, Marilen assumed the highest leadership position within the division — Lieutenant Governor of Division 2B under the Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District.
Her tenure was not merely administrative; it was transformative.
Under her leadership:
- 7 out of 8 clubs in Division 2B achieved Outstanding Club status.
- Division 2B was recognized as one of the Outstanding Divisions in the district.
- At the conclusion of her term, she was honored as an Outstanding Lieutenant Governor — a distinction reflecting performance, mentorship, growth, and measurable impact.
These accomplishments were not accidental. They were the result of strategic guidance, consistent mentorship, accountability, and an unwavering belief that every club could rise to excellence.
Her leadership elevated not just statistics — but people.
Serving Through Adversity
Yet, what makes Marilen’s story extraordinary extends beyond titles and awards.
While continuing her service to Kiwanis, Marilen faced one of life’s most personal battles — cancer.
Through chemotherapy sessions, physical exhaustion, visible weight loss, and even the loss of her hair, she never withdrew from her commitment to serve. She attended meetings when she could. She encouraged fellow officers. She remained present — not for recognition, but because she believed that children still needed advocates.
There were moments when she looked physically fragile. But her resolve never weakened.
Today, as her hair has grown back and her strength steadily returns, her dedication is even more profound. Her journey has refined her purpose. She serves not just with commitment — but with renewed gratitude and conviction.
Teacher by Profession, Leader by Example
As a high school teacher, Marilen has always been in the business of shaping futures. In Kiwanis, she extended her classroom to the broader community — ensuring children received educational support, health initiatives, encouragement, and hope.
Her leadership style is marked by:
- Calm strength
- Strategic thinking
- Compassionate mentorship
- Unshakeable accountability
She leads quietly but decisively. She uplifts without seeking attention. She inspires without demanding praise.
Why She Serves
Marilen serves because she believes that service is not conditional on comfort.
She serves because every child deserves opportunity.
She serves because leadership is not about position — it is about impact.
And she serves because even in adversity, purpose gives strength.
Our Pride, Our Leader
We are profoundly proud of Marilen V. Ramos.
She is a leader we deeply respect.
A mentor we look up to.
A Kiwanian whose life reflects the true spirit of service.
Her journey reminds us all:
Strength is not measured by physical appearance — but by the depth of one’s commitment to uplift others.
If her story moves you, consider this your invitation.
Join us in serving the children.
Stand with leaders who turn compassion into action.
Be part of something that transforms lives — including your own.
Because in Kiwanis, we do not simply serve.
We build hope — together.
Join Kiwanis: Serving Children, Changing Lives—One Community at a Time
“As One Person, I Cannot Change the World—But I Can Change the World of One Child”
This powerful truth defines what it means to be a Kiwanian.
Around the world, millions of children face challenges rooted in poverty, geography, and limited access to education and basic needs. While no single person can solve every problem, Kiwanis volunteers prove every day that changing one child’s world is both possible and transformative.
Kiwanis is not just an organization—it is a global community of compassionate volunteers united by one purpose: Serving the children of the world.
What Kiwanis Volunteers Do—and Why It Matters
Kiwanis clubs serve children locally and globally through sustainable, community-based projects that address real needs. These efforts are grounded in dignity, respect, and long-term impact.
From indigenous Aeta communities in the mountains to children in coastal villages, Kiwanis volunteers bring hope where it is needed most:
- Providing school supplies so children can learn with confidence
- Delivering meals that nourish growing minds and bodies
- Supporting music, leadership, and values formation programs
- Partnering with schools and communities for lasting change
Each project may seem simple—but to a child, it can mean everything.
Real Impact: From the Mountains to the Coast
In indigenous Aeta communities, Kiwanis programs have helped bridge gaps in education and opportunity—ensuring children are seen, heard, and supported. In coastal areas, where families depend on fragile livelihoods, Kiwanis initiatives help children stay in school, healthy, and hopeful.
These projects embody the belief that every child matters, regardless of where they are born.
Kiwanis does not just respond to need—it walks alongside communities, year after year.
Aligned with Kiwanis International’s Vision
Kiwanis clubs worldwide align their service with Kiwanis International’s strategic priorities:
- Community Impact – Addressing the most pressing needs of children
- Membership & Engagement – Growing a strong, active volunteer base
- Leadership & Education – Developing servant leaders
- Branding & Image – Promoting trust, visibility, and credibility
- Financial Viability – Ensuring sustainable service
This global framework ensures that every act of service—big or small—contributes to a stronger future for children and communities.
Why Join Kiwanis?
Becoming a Kiwanian means:
- Making a real difference in children’s lives
- Building lifelong friendships through service
- Developing leadership skills
- Belonging to a respected global organization
- Experiencing the joy that comes from giving back
Service with Kiwanis is meaningful—but it is also fun, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding.
Voices from the Field: Real Service, Real Impact
“When I saw the Aeta children perform their tribal dance, I realized that our service is not just about giving—it is about honoring culture and dignity. Kiwanis allowed me to serve with purpose.”
— Marilen, Kiwanis Volunteer, Indigenous Community Outreach
“In coastal communities, a simple school kit means a child can stay in school instead of worrying about basic supplies. Seeing their smiles reminds me why I keep volunteering.”
— Marlyn, Club Member, Coastal Children Program
“During feeding programs, the laughter and excitement of the children feel like music. In those moments, you forget the long hours—it is pure joy.”
— Mica, Kiwanian, Community Feeding Project
“Kiwanis gave me lifelong friends and a deeper sense of purpose. Serving children together makes every effort worthwhile.”
— Rey, Past Club Officer
Your Invitation to Serve
You do not need special skills—only a willing heart.
If you believe that changing one child’s world can change the future, then Kiwanis is where you belong.
✨ Join Kiwanis today.
🔍 Find a Kiwanis club near you and begin your journey of purpose-driven service.
Together, let us continue serving the children of the world—one child, one community, one act of kindness at a time.
#JoinKiwanis #ServingTheChildrenOfTheWorld #KiwanisVolunteers #ChangeOneChild #KiwanisInternational #VolunteerToday
“As One Person, I Cannot Change the World—But I Can Change the World of One Child”
One Child at a Time: Where Change Truly Begins
“As one person, I cannot change the world, but I can help change the world of one child.”
This simple yet powerful truth lies at the heart of every meaningful act of service. While global challenges may feel overwhelming, the life of one child can be transformed through compassion, presence, and purposeful action. For Kiwanis volunteers around the world, this belief is not just a quote—it is a way of life.
The Kiwanis Mission: Turning Small Acts into Lasting Impact
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the children of the world. From providing school supplies and nutritious meals to supporting health, education, and emotional well-being, Kiwanis focuses on meeting children where they are—especially those most in need.
Every project begins with a simple question: How can we help one child today?
Because when one child is fed, educated, or encouraged, the ripple effect extends to families, schools, and entire communities.
Why One Child Matters
Research consistently shows that early support—whether through education, nutrition, or mentorship—can significantly influence a child’s lifelong outcomes. A notebook can spark learning. A warm meal can restore focus. A kind word can inspire confidence.
Kiwanis volunteers witness this impact firsthand. They see children smile when they receive their first school kit. They hear laughter during feeding programs. They watch shy students grow confident through music, leadership, and service initiatives.
Changing the world does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with showing up.
Service That Builds Hope—and Belonging
What makes Kiwanis unique is not only what we give, but how we give.
- We serve consistently, not just once
- We build partnerships with schools and communities
- We respect culture, dignity, and local needs
- We empower children rather than create dependency
Through these principles, Kiwanis transforms moments of help into pathways of hope.
You Can Be the Difference
You do not need to be a superhero to change a child’s world. You only need a heart willing to serve.
When you join Kiwanis, you become part of a global family of volunteers who believe that:
- Every child deserves a chance
- Every act of kindness matters
- Service is more meaningful when shared
Whether you volunteer your time, share your skills, or help support a project, your involvement can leave a lasting mark on a child’s life.
Join Kiwanis. Find a Club Near You.
Your journey to meaningful service can begin today. Kiwanis clubs are active in communities worldwide, offering opportunities to serve locally while being part of a global mission.
✨ Join Kiwanis and help change the world—one child at a time.
🔍 Find a local Kiwanis club near you and discover how rewarding service can be.
#ServingTheChildrenOfTheWorld #KiwanisMission #ChangeOneChild #VolunteerWithPurpose #KiwanisInternational
Behind Every Service Project: The Planning, People, and Passion
More Than What Meets the Eye
When a service project is completed, what most people see is the outcome—children smiling, supplies distributed, communities supported. What often goes unseen is the extensive work that makes these moments possible. Behind every successful service project lies careful planning, committed people, and unwavering passion.
For the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems, service is not spontaneous—it is intentional, thoughtful, and guided by a shared mission to Serve the Children of the World.
The Power of Planning
Planning is the backbone of meaningful service. Long before a project reaches a community, volunteers invest hours in meetings, coordination, and preparation. From identifying community needs and coordinating with local leaders to ensuring safety, logistics, and accountability, every detail matters.
Effective planning ensures that service is not only impactful but also respectful, safe, and sustainable—especially when serving remote or underserved communities.
The People Who Make Service Possible
At the heart of every project are volunteers who give their time, skills, and energy without expectation of recognition. These are individuals who adjust schedules, travel long distances, and work behind the scenes so others may benefit.
Beyond club members, service is strengthened by partners, teachers, barangay officials, donors, and supporters who share the same vision. Their collaboration turns individual effort into collective impact.
A Note of Appreciation to Our Volunteers
Every successful project is made possible by volunteers who serve quietly and selflessly. Your time, dedication, and willingness to work behind the scenes—often without recognition—are the heart of our service. Because of you, compassion is transformed into action and children’s lives are touched in meaningful ways.
Passion That Sustains the Mission
What keeps service moving forward despite challenges—weather disruptions, access limitations, or limited resources—is passion. This passion is rooted in empathy for children and a belief that every effort, no matter how small, matters.
It is this shared passion that fuels consistency and transforms one-time projects into long-term commitments.
Transparency Builds Trust
Transparency is a core value in successful service organizations. Clear communication, responsible use of resources, and proper documentation ensure accountability to partners, donors, and communities served.
By openly sharing both successes and challenges, Kiwanis builds trust and invites others to understand the real work behind service.
Why This Matters to Communities and Volunteers
When communities see service delivered with care and consistency, trust grows. When volunteers understand the purpose behind each task, engagement deepens. Appreciating the unseen work honors those who serve quietly and encourages others to step forward.
This culture of appreciation strengthens the organization and ensures service remains people-centered.
From Preparation to Impact
Every successful service project is the result of many unseen acts—late-night planning, early travel, quiet coordination, and shared sacrifice. These efforts may not always be visible, but their impact is lasting.
At the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems, we believe that when planning is intentional, people are valued, and passion leads the way, service becomes transformative—for children, communities, and volunteers alike.
An Invitation to Serve
If you have ever wondered how meaningful change happens, it begins here—behind the scenes, in the hands and hearts of those willing to serve. Join us in turning compassion into action and planning into purpose.
Service Beyond Comfort: Why True Volunteerism Perseveres Despite Challenges
Understanding Service Beyond Comfort
Volunteerism is often imagined as joyful and convenient. In reality, meaningful service frequently happens in uncomfortable conditions—amid unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and limited access. Service beyond comfort is volunteerism that persists not because it is easy, but because it is necessary.
For the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems, this principle is lived through years of service to children in geographically challenged communities.
When Challenges Test Commitment
Serving remote communities such as Nabuclod, Floridablanca, Pampanga brings realities that demand adaptability. Mountainous terrain, security concerns, and severe weather sometimes prevent vehicles from reaching communities safely.
True service is not about pushing forward recklessly, but about responding responsibly. When access is limited, Kiwanis works with teachers and barangay officials to ensure that support reaches children at the right time and in the safest way possible.
Reaching Children in Isolated Coastal Communities
Service beyond comfort also extends to coastal and hard-to-reach communities such as Sta. Teresa 1st (Lambiki) and Sebitanan, where children are often underserved due to their location. These areas are typically accessed by boat, sometimes without outriggers, navigating narrow waterways that require careful planning and coordination.
Despite these challenges, the needs of children in coastal communities are just as urgent. Limited access to regular services makes outreach more difficult, but also more necessary. Kiwanis volunteers continue to reach these areas through careful preparation, local coordination, and an unwavering commitment to ensure that no child is overlooked simply because of geography.
Why Service Continues Despite Obstacles
The Kiwanis mission—Serving the Children of the World—does not pause for inconvenience. Children’s needs remain constant even when circumstances are not ideal.
Service beyond comfort is rooted in:
- Commitment to children’s well-being
- Respect for safety and community protocols
- Adaptability in delivery
- Consistency in presence and support
These values ensure that service remains dignified, sustainable, and impactful.
The Strength of Preparation and Partnership
Persevering through challenges is never a solo effort. Long-term partnerships with organizations like ALQCF, collaboration with schools, and coordination with local officials allow projects to continue even when plans must change. These relationships allow projects to move forward responsibly and strengthen trust within the communities served.
These partnerships are built on trust—trust that service will be delivered responsibly, and trust that the shared mission of helping children remains the priority. This collaborative approach transforms obstacles into opportunities for stronger systems and deeper relationships.
Lessons Learned from the Field
Service beyond comfort teaches invaluable lessons:
- Flexibility is a form of leadership
- Safety is an act of care, not hesitation
- Impact is measured by consistency, not convenience
- Respect for communities strengthens service outcomes
These lessons shape better volunteers, better leaders, and better service organizations.
Why This Matters to Future Volunteers
Projects that demand perseverance naturally attract individuals who seek purpose-driven service. Seeing volunteers show up despite challenges inspires others to join—not for recognition, but to be part of something meaningful and lasting.
For the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems, service beyond comfort has become a quiet but powerful testimony to what authentic volunteerism looks like. It reminds members and supporters alike that real service is defined by resolve, compassion, and responsibility.
Serving Children, No Matter the Conditions
Weather may change. Roads may be impassable. Plans may need to adjust. But the commitment to serve children remains steady.
Service beyond comfort is not about enduring hardship—it is about choosing compassion when it would be easier to wait. It is about showing children in mountains, coastlines, and isolated communities that they matter—regardless of circumstance.
In Kiwanis, we believe that no terrain, tide, or storm is stronger than the will to serve a child in need. And it is through this belief that meaningful, lasting service continues.
Reflection and Call to Action
- What would it mean to serve children even when it requires stepping outside your comfort zone?
- Which children in your community remain unseen simply because they are harder to reach?
- Are you ready to be part of a movement that turns compassion into action and service into lasting impact?
If your heart is stirred to serve the underprivileged and be part of meaningful change, consider joining the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems—where service goes beyond comfort and children always come first.
If you’d like, I can now:
From Service to Transformation: How Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems Changes Children’s Lives
Service Rooted in Purpose
For the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems, volunteerism is not just about helping—it is about transforming lives, particularly those of children who face poverty, neglect, and limited opportunities. Through sustained, child-focused programs, the club has demonstrated how service can nurture dignity, confidence, and hope.
Their work proves that when service is consistent and intentional, its impact extends far beyond a single event.
Gift of Hope: Restoring Dignity Through Education and Care
At the heart of KC-Lubao Gems’ mission is its flagship initiative, Gift of Hope, now on its 6th year. This project focuses on the Aeta community of Nabuclod, Floridablanca, Pampanga, where access to basic school needs remains a challenge.
This administrative year, the club provided school supplies and slippers to all 607 students of Nabuclod Integrated School, ensuring that no child is left behind simply because of circumstance. In previous years, the project also distributed 200 grocery packs to 200 families, reinforcing the belief that supporting children also means strengthening their homes.
Gift of Hope exemplifies how education-centered service can restore dignity and empower children to pursue learning with confidence.
Gift of Music: Healing and Empowerment Through Art
Transformation is not only physical—it is deeply emotional. Recognizing this, KC-Lubao Gems introduced its second signature project, Gift of Music, now on its 2nd year.
Designed for abused and abandoned children, the project provides weekly ukulele lessons, helping participants express themselves, build discipline, and rediscover joy. Due to limited instruments, sessions are thoughtfully divided for boys and girls, ensuring every child receives focused guidance.
This initiative was started by Lt. Governor Reynaldo M. Bonaobra and his wife, PP Micaella Bonaobra, both professional music artists. Their shared passion—LG Rey as a rock band member and PP Micaella as a singer—translates into a powerful tool for healing, proving that music can be a bridge to emotional recovery and self-worth.
Feeding, Community Support, and Shared Responsibility
Beyond its signature projects, KC-Lubao Gems actively participates in feeding programs and community outreach initiatives, ensuring children’s basic needs are met while fostering a sense of belonging. These efforts reinforce that transformation happens when children feel cared for, supported, and seen.
Serving Today, Protecting Tomorrow
Through participation in environmental initiatives such as tree planting, the club also invests in the future of the children it serves. These activities teach responsibility and sustainability, reminding young people that caring for the environment is part of caring for one another.
From Service to Transformation
The work of the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems shows that volunteerism, when rooted in compassion and continuity, changes lives. Whether through education, nourishment, music, or environmental stewardship, each project contributes to shaping children who are healthier, more confident, and more hopeful.
This is service that goes beyond charity—this is service that transforms.
Strings of Hope: Ukulele Lessons Bringing Joy and Confidence to Abandoned Children
In a quiet shelter where abandoned children live far from the warmth of family life, a new sound has begun to fill the air—not the silence of isolation, but the bright, uplifting strum of ukuleles. This is the story of “Strings of Hope,” a creative initiative by the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems that proves service can go beyond meeting basic needs. It can nurture the soul.
The Heart Behind the Music
Every week, members of KC-Lubao Gems gather to teach ukulele lessons to children who have faced unimaginable challenges. For many of them, this is their first time holding a musical instrument, learning how to create melodies, and discovering the joy of expressing themselves through music.
This project was made possible thanks to the generosity of OB Guitars, whose donation of ukuleles turned an idea into a reality. For the children, these instruments are more than wood and strings—they are keys to unlocking creativity, self-confidence, and joy.
The Teacher Who Makes the Strings Sing
At the heart of this program is Mr. Mallari, a super-dedicated music teacher who patiently teaches the children not only to strum but to properly play the ukulele and read musical notes. His passion is evident in every session, and he shares how happy he is to be part of this life-changing work.
The project is now on its third year, and the children’s skills have grown remarkably. Each week brings more confident playing, better technique, and the pride of mastering new songs. And after every lesson, the children are rewarded with delicious snacks—a sweet treat for their hard work and persistence.
A Signature Project with a History
Strings of Hope began in January 2024, initiated by Immediate Lt Governor Rey M. Bonaobra and Past President Micaella Bonaobra. Since then, it has become one of the signature projects of the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems—standing proudly alongside the “Gift of Hope” program, which serves the Aeta children of Nabuclod, Floridablanca, Pampanga for the last 7 years.
Why This Project Matters
Music has a proven impact on child development. Research shows that learning an instrument improves memory, concentration, and emotional well-being. For children without stable homes, the benefits go even further:
- Confidence building – Mastering a song gives them a sense of achievement.
- Social skills – Group lessons teach teamwork and patience.
- Emotional release – Playing music provides a healthy outlet for feelings they may struggle to express.
In the words of one shelter coordinator, “You can see their faces light up when they play. It’s as if they’ve found a part of themselves they didn’t know was there.”
Service Beyond the Ordinary
While many outreach programs focus on food, clothing, and education, Strings of Hope addresses a deeper, often overlooked need—emotional and creative enrichment. The Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems believes that serving children means nurturing every aspect of their growth—body, mind, and spirit.
A Ripple Effect of Inspiration
Now in its third year, the program’s positive impact is undeniable. The children play with increasing skill and confidence, the volunteers find fulfillment in seeing their progress, and the music itself becomes a symbol of resilience and joy. The hope is to expand the project to other shelters and communities, giving more children the chance to discover their musical gifts.
Join the Melody of Service
Every chord strummed in Strings of Hope is made possible by people who care—members, donors, and partners who believe every child deserves a chance to discover their talents.
You can help keep this music alive:
🎶 Become a Member – Share your time, skills, and ideas with a team that serves creatively and passionately.
🎶 Donate or Partner – Fund more instruments, expand lessons, and bring music to more children.
🎶 Volunteer – Join our workshops, teach, or simply share the joy of music with kids who need it most.
Together, let’s keep the strings of hope playing—for every child, in every place where hope needs a song.
Why Cultural Respect Matters in Community Service
Why Cultural Respect Matters in Community Service
True community service goes beyond providing aid—it begins with respect. When we serve communities with rich histories and traditions, especially Indigenous peoples such as the Aetas, cultural respect becomes not only important, but essential. It is the foundation of service that uplifts, empowers, and builds lasting relationships.
Honoring Identity, Not Just Meeting Needs
Culture shapes how communities see the world, raise their children, and preserve their values. For the Aeta community, culture is deeply rooted in history, resilience, and a strong connection to land and family. Recognizing and honoring this identity ensures that service is not imposed, but shared—delivered with dignity rather than charity.
Building Trust Through Understanding
Respecting culture opens the door to trust. The Aeta people value authenticity, consistency, and humility. When volunteers take time to listen, observe traditions, and follow local guidance, it shows sincerity. Trust grows when communities feel seen and heard, not misunderstood or overlooked.
Children Learn Pride Through Cultural Recognition
For children, seeing their culture respected strengthens self-worth. Incorporating cultural expressions—such as traditional Aeta dances—into community activities allows children to celebrate who they are. These moments help preserve heritage and pass it on to younger generations while fostering pride and confidence.
Service With Humility Creates Lasting Impact
Culturally respectful service requires humility. It means entering a community not as experts, but as learners. This mindset transforms service into a mutual exchange—where volunteers grow just as much as the communities they serve.
Why Cultural Respect Aligns With the Kiwanis Mission
The Kiwanis mission to Serve the Children of the World calls for service that protects dignity and honors diversity. Children thrive best when their culture is respected and their voices valued. Cultural respect ensures that service is meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable.
A Call to Serve With Heart and Respect
Respect is not an added element of service; it is the core of it. When we approach communities with cultural awareness and genuine care, we build bridges instead of boundaries.
In serving the Aeta children and their families, we are reminded that the most powerful form of service is one that honors who people are, celebrates their heritage, and walks beside them with humility and compassion.
Last Updated: August 14, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment
The Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems: A Beacon of Hope and Love
The Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems shines brightly! Our club is a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength in our community, dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of children. We are more than just a group; we are a family united by a common goal.
Our hearts beat with the Kiwanis International mission – to improve the lives of children, one community at a time. This mission drives us to go above and beyond, to reach out to every child in need, and to ensure that no child is left behind. We believe that every child deserves a chance to succeed.
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