Weakness may have a negative connotation for most individuals. Some may consider it a hindrance to reaching their goals and becoming successful. While others may see it as a shortcoming, John Carlo “Danice” Aspe from Casuray, Magarao, Camarines Sur, considers it a starting point.

Growing as a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community, it has never been easy for her to reach her goals and build her future while being exposed to negative impression from others and a shy person. Struggling to improve herself and help the community, Danice’s journey of unlocking her potential began when she became a community volunteer for the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).

“Gusto ko po talagang makatulong at hindi yun nawawala. At noong nakita ko na malaki yung pagbabago na maidudulot ng subprojects na maibibigay ng KALAHI-CIDSS is hindi ako nagdalawang-isip na maging community volunteer”, Danice shared.

(I really want to help and it never fades. And when I see the big changes that the KALAHI-CIDSS subprojects could give, I never have second thoughts about becoming a community volunteer.)

Being a student and an active volunteer at the same time, Danice encounters difficulties in managing her time, especially during the implementation of the subprojects. Hence, despite the challenges and the big responsibilities Danice carries, she never stops and still pursues what her heart wants.

All the sweat and challenges they experienced paid off when the subproject was finally implemented, which not only brought positive changes in their community, but also to the residents who actively volunteered to help during the implementation.

“Nakita po namin yung positibong pagbabago. Yung KALAHI-CIDSS talaga grabe yung naging impact. So napakalaking tulong kasi yung bahaing lugar dati sa amin ay hindi na binabaha. Yung mabahong canal, natakpan na, may drainage na. Yung tulay na kawayan lang, concrete na. KALAHI-CIDSS always give a great impact,” she said.

(We saw the positive changes. The KALAHI-CIDSS really has a big impact. It is a huge help because the flood-prone areas in our barangay before are no longer prone to floods. The canal has been covered; there’s already a drainage system in place. The bridge made of bamboo is now concrete. KALAHI-CIDSS always has a great impact.)

Looking at how the subprojects funded by the program have helped the residents in their community, Danice stands proud and grateful for being a community volunteer. All the tiredness and challenges they encountered faded upon seeing the fruits of their sacrifices. They not only received an infrastructure to improve their community, but they also carried out the learnings they earned during the implementation, which they considered as memorable experiences and they will bring for the rest of their lives.

“Maraming aral po na naibigay ang KALAHI-CIDSS lalo na sa akin. Kaya ‘yan yung hindi ko makakalimutan na bilang isang kabataan, nakikita ko na kaya pala natin maabot ang mga pangarap natin para sa komunidad kung magtutulungan. Nakita ko yung positibong pagbabago sa sitwasyon ng mga tao sa aming komunidad, yung partisipasyon ng mga tao. At nakita din po namin ang pag-unlad ng mga skills ng mga community volunteers dahil sa mga trainings, seminars”, she explained.

(KALAHI-CIDSS has taught many lessons, especially for me. That’s why I will never forget that, as a youth, I saw that we can achieve our dreams for the community if we work together. I saw the positive change in the situation of the people in our community, and the participation of the people. And we also saw the development of the skills of the community volunteers because of the training and seminars.)

As an individual with self-doubts under the pressure of society’s expectations, Danice’s journey as a community volunteer of KALAHI-CIDSS led her not only by unlocking her potential but reshaping her perceived weakness into greatest assets, proving that growth is not reserved for the gifted, but earned by those willing to dig deep, show up, and believe in what lies beneath the surface.

“Ako po kasi yung tao na very shy type po. Public speaking is one of my weaknesses po. Habang tumatagal talagang nakikita ko yung potential ko. Nakita ko rin na mas lalong na-develop yung skills ko to lead and nakikita rin nila yung progress. And akala ko weakness ko yung pagsasalita sa unahan pero it turned into my strength. And now nagagamit ko na yung boses ko by sharing those experiences, by sharing those my thoughts to others,” she said.

(I am a very shy type of person. Public speaking is one of my weaknesses. As time goes by, I see my potential. I also saw that my skills to lead are developing more, and other people also see my progress. And I thought that speaking in front of a crowd was my weakness, but it turned into my strength. And now I use my voice to share my experiences and thoughts with others.)

From being a shy person, Danice turned out to be a good public speaker who uses her voice to share her knowledge with other people. Of all the personal development she has, Danice dedicates it to the program, as she considers it the one that helped her become an empowered individual.

“The KALAHI-CIDSS empowered me because of those training, seminars, and workshops. Na-empower ako not just because I want more, but because sa KALAHI-CIDSS bago ka sasabak sa implementasyon, you are fully aware sa mga proseso. Tuturuan ka ng KALAHI-CIDSS. Bibigyan ka ng magandang oportunidad. Bibigyan ka ng magandang pagkakataon na wala kang iisiping gastos.” she said.

(The KALAHI-CIDSS empowered me because of those trainings, seminars, and workshops. I was empowered not because I want more, but because in KALAHI-CIDSS, before the implementation starts, you are fully aware of the processes. KALAHI-CIDSS will teach you. You will be given good opportunities. You will be given a great opportunity without thinking about the cost.)

Since 2018, when Danice became a community volunteer until now, KALAHI-CIDSS has played a great part in her life, especially in her improvements. She was grateful to all the learnings and the developments she had, and as a way of paying back, Danice committed to continuously helping their community and becoming an inspiration to other people, particularly to the youth and the LGBTQIA+ community.

“As a community volunteer, I want to inspire the youth, especially the LGBTQIA+ community by using my voice, by sharing my experiences, by sharing my thoughts, and also by explaining to them that as a community volunteer, you have that opportunity to develop your skills, yung communication, yung problem-solving. I will inspire the youth through my experience and a deeper understanding of the importance of community-driven development, especially to the youth. It is very important that we know what the problem is in our community. Sa pagmulat nila sa problema, mas maiinitindihan nila, mas makakatulong sila, at magiging isa rin silang leader,” she stated.

(As a community volunteer, I want to inspire the youth, especially the LGBTQIA+ community by using my voice, by sharing my thoughts, and also by explaining to them that as a community volunteer, you have the opportunity to develop your skills, communication, and problem-solving. I will inspire the youth through my experience and a deeper understanding of the importance of community-driven development, especially for the youth. It is very important that we know the problem in our community. If they are aware of the problem, they will understand more, they could help more, and they could also become a leader.)

From being a quiet soul hesitant to speak before a crowd, Danice transformed into a powerful voice of inspiration, especially for the youth and the LGBTQIA+ community. The KALAHI-CIDSS program has made an immense contribution to her growth, which helped her unlock her potential and turn past insecurities into sources of empowerment. Her story is a vivid reminder that personal growth is always possible, just be bold enough to chase it.

Written by: Alexandra H. Burce