LOVE-Volunteer Work

The change must start from within and we have to instill in us the value needed for development of our country which is LOVE.

Elected as Sangguniang Kabataan President of Iligan wasn't an easy responsibility. At the young age of 16, I am already involved with politics, talked to old politicians, passed resolutions, attend youth program and the like. 5 years passed and personally, I’m not content with my performance as a young leader because I believe I still have the best shot to give.

Before I get into office, I had many plans for the youth because I know I awe them my service. But it's just so hard to convince everyone with my ability to give my service to my constituents. The “higher ranked government officials” doesn’t treat us that seriously for they believe that we are still kids apart from them who had been through a lot of experiences in this field.

I believe that it’s not right to totally blame myself about my frustrations in governance even though it is a given fact that I am a big factor that’s why all these had happened. It is in the constitution that every Filipino must stick with their responsibilities as citizens of this country but I believe it's not just about responsibilities, but it's about the LOVE of country.

Being new in the field must not be a reason for us to be marked as people who cannot do what they can or can do least that they can. Often do I hear “we are still young for the position” when it comes to service to the community. They lack confidence in us. But in a way I’d like to thank them for that. They’re partly right for saying that we are just new in this field and knows only a little about it. In a way, that flatters me for it gives me the benefit to say that, “I am just about to dip my foot in the sea of dirty politics and good thing, unlike them, I’m not drowned on it”.

After my experiences in the government, I did not stop in searching for the deeper meaning of my life as a young leader, I did volunteer work and serve the community and quench the desires of my heart for humanity. The bad experiences I had in the government even gave me more reasons to continue my plight for development. I did not stop from dreaming of better Philippines. I did not allow negativity cover me but instead, I organized young individuals and formed an organization named Youthsays Iligan for Change (YOU-SIC). It is an organization committed to the holistic formation of Iligan Youth through an intellectual, social, moral and spiritual citizenry. I was even more challenged to involved myself in volunteer work. When you say volunteer work, it is something that you do without expecting anything in return. But in a way, it could also be a reason for growth and development without expecting you could benefit from those experiences. I for instance changed a lot and it gave me a sense of purpose in my life. It changed my perspective and it added color to the reality I'm living.

Volunteer works taught me values that will forever be etched in my system. It taught me how life should be and it taught me that Life's fulfillment is not based on wealth, career, education and achievements but Life's satisfaction is when you share your greatest love to others. It's just so good when you see other peoples smile, it's so good when tears welled off their cheeks because they are overly sentimental about the changes brought in their lives. It's not just fulfilling, it is gratifying.

God said, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Just the thought of it makes my heart leaps to joy. If I have been made like this, a simple act of random kindness is not just a way to recompense what God have given me, but it is something that could make the Lord happy and a way to give glory to the talents and blessings that He have bestowed in me.

When you serve others with humility in your heart and without the intention to please other people, without the need to be paid for the kindness done, BUT JUST PLEASE GOD ALONE... the feeling is so magnificent that you wanted to quench the thirst of your soul, the desires of your heart for service to humanity.

To quote from Gawad Kalinga,
NO ONE IS TO POOR THAT HE CANNOT SHARE,
NO ONE IS TO RICH THAT HE CANNOT CARE.

To God be the glory,
I am Hannah and I am a Global change maker! :)