Elmer C. Perez: Man on a mission

MANILA, Philippines - In today’s fast-paced world, having a healthy work-life balance may already be considered a luxury — but then there are also those altruistic souls who opt to go the extra mile and share their time, resources and skills to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Take, for instance, the story of Elmer C. Perez, a registered nurse and planning, monitoring, research and quality assurance officer at St. Jude’s College in Sampaloc, Manila. While fulfilling his job at the college, Elmer also serves as a faculty member and team leader of the School of Nursing’s community extension services. He is also an accreditor of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).

Despite taking on multiple roles, Elmer has never lost sight of one of his passions: community development. To assist the community at large, Elmer joins medical missions to poverty-stricken areas in Manila, Caloocan, as well as Sta. Maria, Bulacan and Mulanay, Quezon.

At home, Elmer is a proactive resident-coordinator at Riverfront Residences, where he has been residing for five years now. Riverfront Residences is a midrise community in Pasig that offers a 3,000-square-meter manicured linear park by the developed and scenic Marikina riverside. The community was developed by DMCI Homes, a triple-A property developer.

“I guess helping improve the community has already become a calling for me,” smiled Elmer. “It has since become an innate passion, which I have developed in my over 20 years of providing healthcare services to people with little or no access at all to healthcare.”

While delivering medical missions and other community development programs, Elmer has learned a lot about the value of understanding the communities’ needs as well as the strength of building partnerships.

“We have to know first what the communities’ ‘felt needs’ are, to ensure active participation among community members in the implementation of the programs. Coordination with the local government, the health unit and other relevant agencies is also essential to ensure the success of community programs geared towards people empowerment. This way, our effort becomes a more holistic development project for the beneficiaries.”

In much the same way, Elmer and his fellow resident-coordinators at Riverfront Residences have actively been implementing programs in coordination with the property management office of DMCI Homes. One of these events was a seminar-workshop-drill on disaster and earthquake preparedness. Other programs that Elmer and his fellow resident-coordinators have undertaken in the past were a family day activity at Riverfront Residences, a trick-or-treat activity during Halloween, and a bloodletting activity in cooperation with the Philippine Heart Center.

“I believe community development starts at home,” Elmer said. “Our group of resident-coordinators wants a healthy environment our children can grow up in. And that can start as simply as getting to know your neighbors, sharing knowhow on relevant issues, or helping others in their own little ways.”

In early 2010, Elmer and his wife Imelda, together with their teenage sons James Benedict and Paulo, moved into their two-bedroom unit at Riverfront Residences from their previous apartment in Sampaloc, Manila. “Upon first visiting the condominium, we were immediately attracted to the peaceful lifestyle and intimate atmosphere. The wide-open spaces and various amenities such as the swimming pool and basketball court have also caught the attention and interest of our kids.”

The development’s 12 low-density, mid-rise residential buildings, complete amenities and clubhouse are bordered by the nature-rich Sunset View Park set along the banks of the scenic Marikina River. It is also conveniently located, being near Ortigas Center, Eastwood City, Tiendesitas and SM Pasig.

Although close to a stream, the development never experienced flooding. “We would hear news that major parts of Metro Manila were already flooded, especially in Marikina. But the condo was built on high ground and thus spared from super typhoons like Ondoy,” Elmer recalled.

Elmer and his family also trust in DMCI Homes’ high-quality property ideals that it meticulously applies to all its developments, thus making Riverfront relatively safe not only from typhoons but also from earthquakes. “DMCI Homes is known for highly durable foundations. Though we should always be prepared, it takes some of the anxiety off for earthquakes that might occur.”

Moreover, the trademark serenity and security of the condominium has since helped Elmer get that peace of mind whenever he is away from home for days doing community work. “The tight security assures me that my family is safe as security guards are visible most of the time. On the other hand, going home after a hectic schedule is relaxing. The overall ambiance of the development is very conducive to rest and leisure.”

Elmer works six days a week, sometimes even seven, but doing what he loves most has never daunted him and he is still able to find time for his family despite all his activities. Having lots of personal leisure time might be ideal for many, but for Elmer — a man on a mission — doing his own share for the community as well as helping others brings greater joy and fulfilment.