At first, I was a cynic to the power of compassion and massive volunteerism, but when I got to join Gawad Kalinga Foundation and its pool of volunteer workers, I finally understood what it meant to become a person for others. Since that first encounter with GK, I have devoted myself to the work of a Philippine volunteer.
The whole idea of “self for others” did not come easily to me. In fact, I used to be one of those who only participates site building events and other projects for the sake of attendance. That whole “what’s-in-it-for-me” mentality changed when I became attached to a beneficiary family in one of the GK villages in Quezon City. I was so moved by how the movement changed their life and their attitude about poverty. Looking at them, you would never see a trace of hatred or ire for being poor. I thought it was because of the love and compassion surrounding them and I felt quite lucky to have been one of the individuals who have made it possible for them to live a better life.
Being a Gawad Kalinga Foundation Philippine volunteer requires a lot of work, but to tell you honestly, the amazingly good aura felt in the community makes me forget the long days of working. It is fulfilling to see improvements and developments not only in the structural side of the community, but also in the lives and attitudes of people there. I guess what Tony Meloto said about those living in the slum areas of the country is true. He once said in a speech that poor people are victims of their situation. I agree because it is really hard to find hope in your heart when you cannot provide enough food and proper shelter to your family. It is hard to be good to others when you don’t see goodness in your life. Those living in the shackles of poverty need to feel hope in their hearts for them to have the drive above the hard-knock life they have been enduring for so many years.
I used to have this messianic dream of changing the world and I did so many things just to achieve that goal. I studied hard, earned so much money, built a business, but never did I think that focusing on the improvement of others instead of only myself is the best way to achieve happiness.
Working with Gawad Kalinga Foundation, an organization that strives to help the poor is not only a moving, but also a learning experience for me. By devoting myself to the plights of the poor, I discovered many things about life and myself. It is an amazing feeling to go home at night knowing that you have been part of a grand revolution that could not only change the Philippines, but also the world.
The whole idea of “self for others” did not come easily to me. In fact, I used to be one of those who only participates site building events and other projects for the sake of attendance. That whole “what’s-in-it-for-me” mentality changed when I became attached to a beneficiary family in one of the GK villages in Quezon City. I was so moved by how the movement changed their life and their attitude about poverty. Looking at them, you would never see a trace of hatred or ire for being poor. I thought it was because of the love and compassion surrounding them and I felt quite lucky to have been one of the individuals who have made it possible for them to live a better life.
Being a Gawad Kalinga Foundation Philippine volunteer requires a lot of work, but to tell you honestly, the amazingly good aura felt in the community makes me forget the long days of working. It is fulfilling to see improvements and developments not only in the structural side of the community, but also in the lives and attitudes of people there. I guess what Tony Meloto said about those living in the slum areas of the country is true. He once said in a speech that poor people are victims of their situation. I agree because it is really hard to find hope in your heart when you cannot provide enough food and proper shelter to your family. It is hard to be good to others when you don’t see goodness in your life. Those living in the shackles of poverty need to feel hope in their hearts for them to have the drive above the hard-knock life they have been enduring for so many years.
I used to have this messianic dream of changing the world and I did so many things just to achieve that goal. I studied hard, earned so much money, built a business, but never did I think that focusing on the improvement of others instead of only myself is the best way to achieve happiness.
Working with Gawad Kalinga Foundation, an organization that strives to help the poor is not only a moving, but also a learning experience for me. By devoting myself to the plights of the poor, I discovered many things about life and myself. It is an amazing feeling to go home at night knowing that you have been part of a grand revolution that could not only change the Philippines, but also the world.
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