Originally published October 20, 2013
On October 15, 2013, a powerful magnitude-7.2 earthquake struck Bohol and affected much of Central Visayas, including Cebu. In the days that followed, aftershocks continued to bring fear and uncertainty to many communities.
But amid the fear, something encouraging also emerged.
People volunteered.
Instead of remaining passive in the face of disaster, students, organizations, private groups, government agencies, and ordinary citizens began working together to help those affected.
For me, volunteerism is one of the purest forms of public service.
People give their time, strength, skills, and resources without expecting payment, awards, political recognition, or anything in return.
They simply see a need and choose to help.
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| Designed by NSC Gov. Ray Anne Labra |
Students Choosing to Serve
At Cebu Normal University, students from the Supreme Student Government, Nightingale Student Council, Educators' Club, and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Students joined relief efforts for communities affected by the earthquake.
By the time I wrote this article, some of them had already been volunteering for several days.
Rather than hiding in fear, they chose to work.
They packed goods.
They coordinated relief efforts.
They gave their time.
They helped organizations such as ABS-CBN's Sagip Kapamilya in responding to the needs of affected communities.
That is something worth recognizing.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
— Colossians 3:23
For Christians, service should not depend upon applause.
Whether people recognize what we do or not, helping others should come from a sincere heart.
It Is More Blessed to Give
Jesus said:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
— Acts 20:35
Those words become especially meaningful during disasters.
Giving does not always mean giving money.
Sometimes it means giving several hours of your day.
Sometimes it means carrying boxes, packing food, coordinating volunteers, sharing information, donating supplies, praying, or simply being present for people who are afraid.
Every sincere contribution matters.
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| The full force of representatives from CNU-SSG, NSC, EC, and CLASS with SSG Pres. Danrey cooperating with ABS-CBN's Sagip Kapamilya. Photo by Cris Pauline. | |
Unity Beyond Organizations
One thing that particularly encouraged me was seeing students from different colleges and organizations working together.
We often speak about unity as an ideal.
But moments like this show what unity actually looks like.
People may belong to different organizations, courses, social groups, or backgrounds, yet when a community is suffering, those differences can become secondary.
People with the same desire to help can work together for something bigger than themselves.
That is the kind of student leadership and public service worth encouraging.
Bohol and Cebu Will Rise Again
The earthquake brought destruction, fear, and loss.
But it also revealed something important about people.
When tragedy strikes, apathy does not have to win.
Hundreds and thousands of people can choose instead to respond with compassion, generosity, courage, and service.
Government agencies, NGOs, private organizations, churches, schools, student groups, families, and individual volunteers all have roles to play in helping communities recover.
And for those of us who believe in God, difficult moments can also remind us to pray, reflect, help one another, and remain grateful for life.
Bohol and Cebu can rise again.
Not because disasters are easy to overcome, but because people are willing to stand beside one another when help is needed most.
When volunteerism rises, apathy begins to die.
— J.P. Abecilla, October 2013
