Volunteerism is best gift this Christmas

What is the best way to celebrate Christmas? For some people like Ency Encinares, a volunteer deaf-mute teacher, and Venerva Amil, a teacher for the Badjao community in barangay Alaska Mambaling, Cebu City, volunteering for a cause is the best gift this yuletide season.

They define volunteerism as serving without something in return.

They also associate volunteerism with telling the truth, letting people know that one is sincere with his or her voluntary service.

Encinares and Amil were guests during the “Pagtuki” episode last Dec. 3 that tackled the state of Cebuano volunteerism.

“Pagtuki” is a weekly radio program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) aired every Saturday morning over radio dyLA.

“When I was in college, I belonged to an organization that was helping the community. I had worries, such as failing my subjects since I gave so much of my time volunteering. But at the end of the day, I find fulfillment,” Encinares explained.

He said he would have had a hard time learning the sign language if he was not dedicated and passionate about it.

For Amil, she has seen the need for the Badjao community to focus on education, especially learning the Cebuano language.

“Even though there are many challenges being a volunteer teacher, such as getting the cooperation of the Badjaos, these are not reasons for me to stop. I know majority of my students want to learn. I want to impart to them that education is relevant in our lives,” Amil said.

Encinares and Amil encouraged the public, particularly the youth, to do volunteer works and contribute to community development.

“Volunteerism should start with us. Set yourself as an example so that the rest will follow,” Amil said. Hannah Reoma/RAFI intern