4 minute read
HUMAN INTEREST
HUMAN INTEREST
Service. Passion. Volunteerism.
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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
“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
COVID-19 TESTING The Philippine Red Cross conducted over 1 million coronavirus swab tests, representing 26 % of all coronavirus swab tests in the Philippines. It also operates 21 of the 149 licensed testing hubs in the country, which are capable of performing 42,000 tests per day. Data as of October 2020
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job to volunteer, but he believes these hardships are temporary and it will create positive impacts in the long run. “Hindi na siya ya amo na ka hapos nga job because ang imo safety in the first place is at risk kay wala ka kabalo kung ano ang status sang imo safety. But ang imo gina priority is to help and to give satisfying service in our community to fight against COVID-19 (It is not a very easy job because you are sacrificing your safety in the first place and you don’t know the status of your safety. But your priority is to help and to give satisfying service in our community to fight against COVID-19).”
Together with the Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental - Bacolod City Chapter, they launched an improvised handwashing facility made from used drums which they called "Drumvatory". Its purpose is to distribute handwashing facilities to hospitals, public markets, and establishments. This initiative was named as one of the national finalists in the recently concluded Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) Awards.
After the Drumvatory Project, he dedicated his time to participating and conducting Red Cross initiatives. They operated a Pledge 25 Mobile Blood Donation in celebration of the Red Cross Month and continue to distribute hygiene kits and food. They also conducted hygiene promotion and information dissemination to raise awareness about the nuances of COVID-19.
Rizaldy was also one of the finalists for the Top Outstanding Red Cross Youth during the RCY Excellence Award 2019 held at the Philippine Red Cross Logistics and Multipurpose Center. Now, he is the Focal Person in PRCY Negros Occidental - Bacolod City Chapter.
The fight in which he fought and is still fighting now is never a manifestation of his thirst for recognition, but rather an act of humanity. He always bears in his mind that: "Volunteers are not paid not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”
May we remember someday as we look back at this unfortunate event in which amidst the darkness, a hero showed up wearing his ordinary shirt and pants, answering the call of service.
