The senior citizens are not just recipients of services but they are also shaping the future of their communities by dedicating their time, experience, and wisdom. Through their involvement in community efforts, they tackle important concerns, promote development, and create sustainable impacts.
One of the senior citizens who is actively sharing her abilities with the community is Eva M. Barredo, a 74-year-old retired educator who is a community volunteer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).
Eva’s contributions to the development of Barangay Rawis in Donsol, Sorsogon extended deeply into her volunteerism which started in 2014 until 2017 as Project Preparation Team head in which she and fellow volunteers prepared the subproject proposal for the Installation of Solar Powered Streetlights. The sub-project funded under the KALAHI-CIDSS National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) was completed in 2017 benefiting 255 households.
According to Eva, she is a proud volunteer because of her drive for meaningful change.
“Ang ganda pala maging volunteer because you’re doing something for the good of the barangay, of the community,” she said.
(It is indeed fulfilling to become a volunteer because you’re doing something for the good of the barangay, of the community.)
OUTSIDE KALAHI-CIDSS
With a passion to expand her service to the community, Eva established the Rural Workers Association in 2019 with a mission to uplift women in her barangay through various initiatives such as symposiums and seminars focusing on nutrition and teenage pregnancy, and clean and green projects. Due to her relentless advocacy for women’s empowerment, the association grew to 22 members.
Aside from the association, Eva is also a member of the Advisory Council for Donsol Municipal Police Station in which she raised the needs of her community and supported resolutions addressing transportation concerns, curfew enforcement, and safety measures.
CONTINUING VOLUNTEERISM
Eva’s unwavering commitment to her community’s progress, she again engaged in volunteerism with KALAHI-CIDSS in 2021 by leading the Barangay Development Council – Technical Working Group (BDC-TWG) and Community Nutrition Sub-Project Management Committee (CNSPMC) as chairperson.
Together with co-volunteers, they completed the provision of communication devices and the improvement and provision of amenities for the Child Development Center funded under the NCDDP Additional Financing and Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), respectively.
Eva also encountered difficulties in leading the group as she observed that some volunteers failed to participate during meetings due to personal issues. To encourage the strong involvement of community volunteers, Eva explained to her fellow volunteers that volunteerism entails sacrifice, particularly in time and effort. She also advised the proper scheduling of meetings and time management.
“Yung pagiging volunteer is challenge. It is a challenge kasi sa gaya kong may edad, good kasi hindi pa naman po ako forgetful. I can cope with the others. Good, kasi I can still remember something na tinuturo ng KALAHI-CIDSS when I attend meetings and seminars. Kaya, very good naman yung experience ko as a volunteer kasi may nakikilala kang mga bagong friends. You are happy to be with them. You share your ideas with them,” she shared.
(Being a volunteer is a challenge. It is a challenge for a person like me who is already old. It is good because I’m not that forgetful. I can cope with the others. Good, because I can still remember something that is being taught in KALAHI-CIDSS when I attend meetings and seminars. My experience as a volunteer is also very good because I also meet new friends. You are happy to be with them. You share your ideas with them.)