Some people take extra steps to make life easier for their fellow human beings without expecting anything in return, and such is the case of four Aklanons, who in their simple ways, did things that created an impact in their communities and on those who benefited from these selfless acts.
Unintentionally, they became volunteers, and just recently during the Provincial Capitol’s flag-raising ceremony, they were honored, having been hailed as Regional Winners in the Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2023 conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in observance of the National Volunteer Month every December.
Two of these outstanding volunteers are public school teachers- one is a local government employee, and the fourth, a youth innovator.
Boby Rose Ricaforte, Master Teacher II of the Aguinaldo T. Repiedad Sr. Integrated School (ATRIS) in Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan, is a champion of many sorts.
Boby Rose Ricaforte (4th from left), Master Teacher II of Aguinaldo T. Repiedad Sr. Integrated School in Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan receives from Provincial Administrator Selwyn Ibarreta the Certificate of Recognition as one of Aklan’s Outstanding Volunteers during the flag-raising ceremony in front of Aklan Provincial Capitol Building.
She is an advocate for Wellness, Gender, and Development (GAD) Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), Anti-Drug programs, and initiated I-RISE or Reinforce, Innovate, Serve, Empower for 18 years.
Through her volunteering activities, she was able to make her barangay, Libas in Banga, Aklan, earn recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as a Sustainable Community-Based COVID-Related Program that raised P50,000.00 donation in kind and cash;
organized home-based fitness programs where various barangays, municipalities, private sectors and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) participated through radio; and has earned recognition from the National Educators Academy of the Philippines and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) 6 for her Project I-RISE, raising P20,000.00
donations from 2018 to date, and premiered tree-planting, feeding program, blood donations, and clean-up drives.
This year, Ricaforte is also one of CSC VI 2023 Honor Awards Program Regional Winners under the Dangal ng Bayan category.
Edson N. Solina, Teacher II of Libacao National Forestry Vocational High School (LNFVHS) in Guadalupe, Libacao, Aklan, is another outstanding volunteer, who through his community outreach program “PAGKABAEAKA: Eskuylahan Ko, Palangga Ko Para Amligan ag Buligan Ko,” attracted donors and extended assistance to 1,681 students/parents of the school, while his “Amligan Ta, Inunga Ta” Curriculum and Instruction Delivery targeted 58 students at risk of dropping out and failing during the Modular Distance Learning amid pandemic.
Another PAGKABAEAKA innovation of his, “Pagkabaeaka ag Pag-amuma sa Kasimanwa,” led to the creation of a community pantry through various donations of food; tree-planting activity at chosen sites per year, and his Ride for A Purpose: Weaving Together Hearts in Community Action provided scholarships for eager learners.
Meanwhile, Maria Solita Guzman, Human Resource Management Officer II of LGU-Kalibo said, “It is not about what you give but putting your whole heart into giving and helping.”
She initiated in Kalibo the “Adopt A Day Care Project” and gathered school supplies, plastic chairs, tables, electric fans, paints, reams of bond paper as well as candies and toys which were given to 7,000 beneficiaries.
Edson Solina (4th from rihgt), Teacher II of Libacao National Forestry Vocational High School in Guadalupe, Libacao, Aklan poses with Aklan Provincial Department Heads and Provincial Administrator Selwyn Ibarreta after receiving his Certificate of Recognition.
She also spearheaded the Christmas Shoe Box with Love Project and hosted gift-giving activities for children of the Kalibo Auxilliary Police, children in Barangay Tagororoc in Nabas, Aklan and New Buswang and Tigayon in Kalibo, and the kin of garbage collectors of Kalibo’s Materials Recovery Facility.
“Volunteering is not a calling, but it is innate in us,” Guzman said.
On the other hand, George Estolloso, the 4th volunteer feted by the provincial government during the flag ceremony, is an Admin, Finance, and Operations Manager of Youth Work Research and Training Center Inc. who is fearless in pushing boundaries and takes bold risks to improve the situation of those he serves.
He spearheaded the “Boto Ko, Ambag Ko” Registration on Wheels in preparation for the National and Local Elections in 2022 and Project Alpha to help end the stigma against HIV and AIDS.
Through his Project Kababata, 7,000 children were aided and had a month-long supplementary home-based learning activity during the pandemic while his “Boto Ko, Ambag Ko Voters Education and Empowerment” educated the Aklanon youth to build a progressive community.
Outstanding Volunteer Maria Solita Guzman (2nd from left, front) poses with other awardees and Provincial Capitol Department Heads and Employees.
These four outstanding Aklanon volunteers were nominated for the awards by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) headed by Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator engineer Roger M. Esto, who warmly congratulated them on receiving the accolade.
“Your unrelenting devotion and charitable service have not only had a huge influence on our community but have also acted as an example to others,” Esto said.
He added the dedication of the volunteers in making change is admirable and they have enhanced the spirit of volunteerism in the community.
“Your dedication to community involvement is an inspiration to all,” added Esto. (AGP/VGV/PIA Aklan)
