World Vision holds first Volunteer’s Appreciation Day
By ROXANNE DELA CRUZ | Field and Emergency Communications Specialist
As part of World Vision’s 65th Anniversary celebration, the organization recently gave recognition to its 65 outstanding community volunteers all over the country.
The event is also part of National Volunteer’s Month, which recognizes the importance of volunteerism in the Philippines’ development.
“This year marks the 65th anniversary of World Vision in the Philippines, and we would not have reached this significant milestone without the commitment, and dedication of kind and selfless people like you,” shares Rommel Fuerte, World Vision Philippines National Director, to all volunteers watching the live broadcast via Zoom, and those physically present in Pangasinan, where the main event is held.
Many of the volunteers have been with World Vision for years, the longest is 30 years
Joy in serving
“The joy I feel when I get to talk to the children and their families is incomparable, especially when I get to help and give them advice when they have problems. Although I cannot offer any financial help for them, their words of sincere gratitude feel like heaven,” shares Josephine Lubiano, a community volunteer in Area Program (AP) Himaya 2 in Mindanao for almost 22 years.
“I’m happy that I’m able to help many children here in our community. Helping them also touches my heart,” says Sarah Estoso, who has been a volunteer in AP Manila for 12 years.
“One of the happiest things I do with World Vision is during distribution because children are grateful and would say, ‘Thank you, Ate!’”, Nora To-ong, a 12-year community volunteer in AP North Cebu.
Not easy
But being a volunteer has its own challenges as well. To-ong continues that one of the most difficult things is children’s involvement in some activities. “One of the challenges is to encourage parents or guardians to let their children participate in activities.”
For her part, Lubiano shares, “The most difficult is when we go visit children’s houses because sometimes we get into motor accidents due to rough roads.”
“I would sometimes walk in floodwater just to give a correspondence to a child. It was both difficult and fun,” says Estoso.
The three volunteers were able to cope with these situations because World Vision has helped them a lot through various programs such as community savings. “Because of World Vision, I was able to send one of my children to college,” says To-ong.
‘Love your work’
The three volunteers also gave their encouragement to all volunteers from three Field Offices.
“Be a volunteer. It’s a joyful feeling to be able to help the children, especially if we do it with our hearts,” Estoso says.
“Love your work. Love the children. Be patient. And most of all never forget to seek guidance from the Lord,” advices Lubiano.
“To volunteers like me and to others who want to volunteer, my advice to you is to volunteer wholeheartedly and be committed without asking for anything in return,” To-ong says.
World Vision’s National Volunteers’ Appreciation Day was held simultaneously in various communities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Senior Leadership Team also gave their messages of appreciation to all volunteers. The Luzon Field Office is this year’s host of the said event. ###
