Featured photo: A Korean volunteer guides a young learner in Muntinlupa City (photo courtesy of KOICA)
QUEZON CITY (PIA) – Volunteering, a simple yet powerful expression of shared humanity, strengthens communities, connects cultures and demonstrates that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.
That kindness recently traveled from South Korea to Muntinlupa City, Philippines, where volunteers from the Korea International Cooperation Agency brought lessons and support to local schools.
The Korean volunteers aim to improve the future for Filipino children by supporting early childhood development programs. They noted the Philippines’ young population and high birth rate, and said Muntinlupa City recognizes the value of investing in early childhood education.
Jinhee, a volunteer with a background in human rights and gender equality, emphasized the transformative power of education.
“Over the past five or six years, while working in human rights and gender equality in Korea, I realized that education is the most important factor for a sustainable society,” she said. “I believe I can contribute to a better future through childhood education.”
Similarly, Sua, a nurse from Korea, envisions a healthier future for Filipino children.
“This project seems like a great opportunity to work directly with children, assess their health and nutritional status, and provide meaningful support,” she said. “Over the next three months, I hope to do my best to help create a healthier environment for these children and support their proper growth and development.”
Learning hub
Jenny Mercado, division chief of the city’s Early Childhood Education Division, said she looks forward to collaborating with the volunteers and benefiting from their expertise. She said their diverse strategies and learning styles will effectively engage children.
“They will share different kinds of strategies and learning styles, because children right now are very diverse, especially those who came from the pandemic era. It’s important to engage them in the learning process,” Mercado said.
Muntinlupa City is the Philippines’ first local learning hub for volunteerism, recognized by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency. This was made possible through City Ordinance 2022-351, the Munting Yakap City Program, which institutionalizes volunteerism and revives the spirit of “Bayanihan” in partnership with the Lingkod Muntinlupa Foundation and private partners.
The city actively promotes a volunteer-friendly environment, offering residents and workers opportunities to share their skills, talents and knowledge with the community.
Making a difference
The Korean volunteers offered advice for those considering volunteering. Jinhee emphasized the importance of a sincere attitude, focusing on the best interests of children and the ideal education system for their future. She also highlighted the need for open-mindedness when encountering new environments and circumstances.
Sua offered simple advice: “If you’re thinking about it, just go for it!” (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
