TheCarrier
07
HUMA N INTE R E S T
Service. Passion. Volunteerism. Not all heroes wear capes. Some only wear an ordinary shirt and pants… or maybe a full-geared PPE. words by JASELE MAE PRIOLO & MARK JOHN PRIOLO photo courtesy of RIZALDY ALUNAN
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Hmanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service…”
Those are the words that come out on the lips of every Red Cross member whenever they are asked about the fundamentals of the organization. For some, those are just empty words repeatedly recited—no profound meanings, just hollow and simply denotative. But it is far different for someone who has lived with those fundamentals. Someone who is familiar with its echoes and understands the value that it holds, and what it means to volunteer. Rizaldy Alunan, an alumnus of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation–Bacolod proved that there is no stronger heart for service than the heart of a volunteer. He has been passionately serving the Philippine Red Cross Youth since his college days. He continues to inspire people to do good despite the threats and struggles in these trying times. By the time that COVID-19 had been declared a pandemic and medical frontliners were needed, he never hesitated to offer his service because
he knew that that was the time when the community needed him most. Seeing his fellow frontliners serving unconditionally pushed him further to volunteer. “Makita ta gid ang ila efforts and sacrifice in fighting against COVID-19 (We could see their efforts and sacrifices in fighting against COVID-19),” Rizaldy said. “As a volunteer frontliner, it is not easy.” The lethal threat of this world health crisis caused by the virus has forced millions of people to stay
in their homes. But even though it continues to take a significant number of innocent lives, Rizaldy did not budge in sacrificing his safety, battling for the lives of others, and showing courage and selfless commitment to serving the community. In fact, during the Enhanced Community Quarantine, he was one of the team leaders assigned on the city border checking and monitoring each individual who enters and leaves the city. Rizaldy admits it is not an easy
