Volunteering in the Philippines

In the Philippines, voluntary work is often limited and related to natural calamities occurrence. We normally see volunteers during distribution of relief packages, (fireman volunteers) helping contain blaze, retrieving bodies else saving survivors from earthquake crushed buildings and typhoon devastated areas. Nothing wrong with that , in fact these are examples of true Filipino tradition- bayahihan.

But volunteering is way beyond these conventional types of voluntary works. We can volunteer for jobs related to our skills and faculties,like joining medical missions, writing for a cause (i.e. promoting our country) or advocating any local government projects like actively participating in implementing waste management program. We can also help a local hospital institution, most of these hospital needs extra hand for their work-laden staff. We can even do volunteer work while on-line, I'd been an on-line UN Volunteer for the past 5 years, I helped others in need while I'm sitting.

Good thing is, just recently, the Philippine national government through DWSD and NDCC has put up a database of volunteers and there are several programs and activities available. Do check it out.

Your help will go a long way for those who really are in need, let the spirit of volunteerism shine upon us. Let us relive BAYANIHAN.

Mabuhay!.....

To rekindle our very own Bayanihan** spirit (**communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective**), The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and National Disaster Coordination Council (NDCC) had launched this online volunteer registry.

Please register by filling out the form, just click the link Volunteer Registry PLUS [Individual] - Registration. By doing so, you become a reserve personnel and will be readily called for service in times of need.

The outpouring support of the Filipinos in the trying times of the Aquino Family is an example of our Bayanihan (communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective). People selflessly offered what they can share; whether staying on queue for several hours amidst rain or sun and patiently waiting turn just to peek on our beloved former President (even the Marcos' paid their last respects); or walking from Intramuros to Manila Memorial for 8 long hours for her interment but no one is complaining- who would ? if the four honor guards didn't, why would I?

Most of the time , we are too sensitive when we hear comments regarding the Philippines, the Filipino and the Filipino Culture, we tend to overreact to some unimportant things. But unknown to many, our People Power, has inspired all modern day non-violent revolution around the world. The Orange Revolution of Ukraine, Rose Revolutionm in Georgia and Pink Revolution in Kyrgyztan are few examples of nations who took cues from our non-violent approach-PEOPLE POWER. We are their model. East Timor President strongly attests to that and even attended Pres. Aquino's 'ordinary funeral" (family declined a state funeral).