It’s great to know that in our current “me, my, mine” world where “What’s in it for me?” is often demanded before any action is done (I shamefully admit to be guilty of this), that the spirit of volunteerism is alive in our beloved Summer Capital as exemplified by several selfless individuals.
Just recently, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Benjamin Magalong affirmed its resolution approving the accreditation of 32 registered volunteers under the CDRRM Office’s (CDRRMO) Baguio Disaster Volunteer Management Unit (BDVMU) as their volunteer mobilizing organization (VMO).
Approval was given during the CDRRMC’s meeting, March 2, at a local hotel and co-presided by CDRRMC action officer Engr. Felipe Puzon and CDRRM Officer Antonette Anaban, chief secretariat. Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan also joined the meeting.
The volunteers are Hazel Kate Afidchao, Romel Akuking, Esther Banawe, Romeo Bano-oy Jr., John Mumuar Basallo, Rina Aurora Baydal, Johnrey Binwag, Laarnie Calindas, Sherwin Chaguile, Luisa Collado, Donna Contaoi, Julius Cutit, Leonora Depalog, Rolyn Dingayan, Daisy Marie Ekid, Ana Marjorie Foster, Shan Garcia, Cherry Ann Gunan, Merjan Hambon, Renalyn Manga, Lean Marlette Maquito, Luther Prime Melecio, Alexander Moleta, Laurence Oliver Navalta, Jet Anthony Neric, Catherine Ng Fung, Elvie Oyangwa, Rodel Ramos, Valdemar Sawad, Romer Tanyag, Roel Anthony Uminga and Gerald Valentin.
Local DRRM Officer II Kenneth Khayog said more than a hundred individual volunteers have registered with the CDRRMO but only these 32 have confirmed to pursue their volunteering at his office.
What more is there to say but may their tribe increase. Mabuhay!
Meanwhile, Councilor Isabelo CosalanJr. has reminded his fellow public servants that “our purpose is to spread God’s love by faithfully performing our work expected of us and even going the extra mile.”
“We become successful when we fulfill our life purpose as designed by our Creator which is to serve our fellowmen,” he said.
The alderman encouraged those in government to do their tasks with a grateful heart and be thankful for the privilege of serving others while being able to do so.
“It is not merely by our own abilities that we are able to overcome the challenges we face in our day-to-day life. Whether we admit it or not, it is not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of God. Let not our successes or great accomplishments bring us down because of pride,” Cosalan said.
He extolled the importance of remaining humble in order not to be humbled and to allow our faith in God to be the sole source of our strength and inspiration.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
