Volunteerism is the heart of the work of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
With more volunteers, especially among the youth, we can foster generations of Filipino leaders, who champion empathy, compassion, and the willingness to help others.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang gave a brief talk on student volunteerism during the 17th annual Commission on Accreditation for Local Colleges and Universities- Alcucoa National Conference in Manila.
Drawing on her own journey, starting as a college Red Cross Youth (RCY) leader in her hometown Jolo, Sulu up to becoming Secretary General of the PRC with 27 years of experience within the Red Cross Movement, Pang urged schools to embrace volunteerism and be active in engaging their students to volunteer.
“We have to incorporate volunteerism in the school today because we are responsible for continuing the generations of humanitarian volunteers.”
“We have to incorporate volunteerism in the school today because we are responsible for continuing the generations of humanitarian volunteers…Community outreach programs with organizations such as the Red Cross can be used as a platform for students to hone their values and skills, giving them the opportunity to practice their learned lessons in real time situations,” she said.
“Partnerships with the PRC can give schools ample exposure to life-saving skills, especially in disaster response, and first aid and CPR among others.”
Pang remarked that partnerships with the PRC can help schools establish and strengthen RCY Councils, and give them ample exposure to life-saving skills, especially in disaster response, and first aid and CPR among others.
PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon added: “It is important that we teach our youth the value of volunteerism to bring out the best in them, and the willingness to work for a cause, and not just for compensation. Let’s hone the youth of today for our country.”
The PRC gave special thanks to ALCUCOA President Dr. Raymundo Arcega, Vice President Dr. Elizabeth Montero, and the whole board and executive officers of ALCUCOA for supporting their advocacy for volunteerism.