Volunteers bring 'light' in challenging times

MANILA, Philippines - Amidst the calamities and tragedies of year 2009 that will forever be etched in memory, a ray of light flickers in the dark sky. In the sea of such suffering, the Filipino people remained resilient and placed their faith on God and the support of their fellowmen. Volunteerism sparked in the hearts of each Filipino — and involved almost all sector of societies. For those who have little material possessions, they shared their time and efforts. For those who have more than enough, they gave wholeheartedly and expected nothing in return.

For the executives, employees, and stakeholders of major utility company Meralco, the year 2009 is significant because of a “volunteerism revolution” that literally brought “light” in the dark days after Ondoy and Pepeng have left the country in shambles. There was no need to make an announcement to gather people since a stream of volunteers — from top executives to rank-and-file members that even extended to their families — trooped immediately to the Meralco Fitness Center which served as a relief operations headquarters during the aftermath of the storm.

“In times of tragedy, it was very encouraging to see everyone volunteer their time and efforts to help during the relief operations,” said Christopher Yap, head of Meralco Corporate Social Responsibility Office. “In fact, we don’t even have to ask for any contributions or goods since everyone in Meralco donated something wholeheartedly such as old clothes, sacks of rice, canned goods, etc. Even some of our executives and employees who were affected by the floods even managed to volunteer their time and give donations.”

In fact, around 650 employees of Meralco volunteered 2,085 total hours for the relief drive, sparking a “volunteerism revolution” in the company. The relief goods gathered during the operation were distributed immediately to areas which were greatly affected such as Pasig, Cainta, Angono, Marikina, Taguig, etc. Even areas outside the Meralco franchise were also recipients of relief goods. More than a hundred families in Zambales and Benguet benefited when Meralco extended assistance in the form of clothes, noodles, blankets, toiletries, etc. during the aftermath of typhoon Pepeng.

“In times of calamity, Filipinos have proven that we can be united in helping our fellowmen. Here in Meralco, volunteerism is alive and malasakit is etched in our hearts,” said Yap. “What we will remember in 2009 are not sad faces but the faces of delight that come with being a volunteer.”