MANILA, Philippines - Like other teenagers, 19-year-old Alexandra Eduque enjoys hanging out with friends, going to the mall, having spa treatments, and keeping updated with friends on Facebook. Like most young Filipino girls, Alex celebrated her 18th birthday with a debut. But, unlike others her age – or any age, for that matter – her debut ball raised P2 million for Habitat for Humanity. Now, there is a Habitat village in Bicol named after her.
Alex first became involved with Habitat for Humanity through the exposure program of her high school, the International School Manila. “I didn’t choose the site. It was just assigned,” she says. While her first encounter with Habitat may have been by chance, Alex’s long-term commitment to Habitat for Humanity shows that she was truly meant to be part of the organization.
Aside from staying a week as part of her school’s excursion, Alex did further service to the organization by spending the whole summer of 2005 at the Baseco build site.
“It was an eye-opening experience,” she recalls, adding, “Baseco is a rising place.” Seeing the people there rebuild their houses and their lives after their homes were razed to the ground by several fires inspired her and gave her hope for the country.
Since then, Alex has worked at Habitat for Humanity sites in Taguig, Pasig, and Cavite. Because of her involvement, Alex has been named as Habitat for Humanity’s youth ambassador. “I put a face to Habitat,” she says of her role as ambassador. She has also gotten other teens involved by hosting Valentine’s and birthday builds. Her friends and family have supported her many projects for the organization.
Alex considers her grandmother Consuelo Madrigal as her role model. “She’s my hero. I have so much respect for her.” She credits her family for bringing her up with good values. “You have to actually lead by example and show dedication and commitment.” One of her goals is to make her family proud.
Alex has definitely shown a commitment to Habitat, making social work a good habit, staying with the organization even after high school. At present, Alex is a freshman at Barnard at the University of Columbia in New York. She shares that living alone and being on her own in the States has made her more independent. As a first year student, she is still taking general subjects, but she plans to major in Political Science. When asked if she will eventually go into politics, the teen laughs and says that she has yet to decide, but she does add, “My goal is to be able to serve on a bigger scale.”
After college, she plans to return to the Philippines and pursue further studies in law. She continues to support Habitat for Humanity despite being away and definitely is going to stay with the organization as part of her long-term plans. “I don’t see why I should let it go,” she says when asked why she has stuck with the cause for so long.
“I believe everyone has a passion,” Alex says. “I am fortunate to discover my passion for social work early on.” She says that living a passion-fuelled life is what motivates her to continue volunteering.
“Seeing the continuous progress of the project and how united the Filipino can be is what is most fulfilling,” says Alex. Alexville – the village she made possible in Bicol – is one place where she sees progress. “My mom’s family is from Bicol,” she says about why the site was chosen for her donation and why it has become a special place for her.
From being inspired by the people of Baseco during her first Habitat experience, Alex now strives to inspire others. “I hope they realize that no matter how hard life is, there’s always hope. Seeing people there to help, people who care, will bring hope to others. Hope is everywhere.”
Alex says that volunteering for Habitat for Humanity has also taught her to count her blessings and see past obstacles. “The essence of volunteerism,” she says, “is to share the light with other people and through that, hope will be built.”
Habitat for Humanity has regular builds from Monday to Saturday at 8 am-5 pm. The organization also accepts donations for Ondoy victims’ relocation efforts. For information, call 897-3069 or e-mail kristine.gonzales@habitat.org.ph.